Affordable Housing in Iowa: meeting new challenges

. Iowa faces a signi? cant challenge over the next decade. In the words of a recent report, The state faces the danger of worker and skill gaps that could undermine its businesses, erode the earning power of its workers, and slow its economic growth. (Iowa Works Campaign, 2006) Iowas economic and demographic stability depends on attracting new immigrants and slowing the departure of residents. Eroding housing affordability and quality will make this more dif? cult. Housing alone cannot solve the problem, but it must be part of the solution. This study examines trends in the states major housing markets, analyzes the achievements of housing programs in the recent past, and incorporates input from more than 80 housing experts across the state. The second part of this study (included on the attached CD) analyzes housings impact on the economy. We developed three major policy recommendation