By Luke Seaberg, Esther Crompton
AM
ES, Iowa – Communities across north Iowa are facing a growing need for housing development, and local leaders are working to find solutions. On April 24, the North Iowa Housing Conference will bring together policymakers, contractors and economic development professionals at Music Man Square in Mason City to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in housing.
The event is organized by the North Iowa Area Council of Governments, focusing on giving communities practical tools to navigate the complex world of housing development. Sessions will cover state funding opportunities, workforce retention strategies and the impact of housing on local economies.
Luke Seaberg, a community development specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development unit, is among those helping to shape the conference as a member of the planning committee.
“I work with stakeholders in counties across north Iowa to help them tackle housing challenges,” Seaberg said. “This conference is about bringing together the people who are on the ground, working to address north Iowa’s housing issues.”
Connecting communities with resources
The conference will feature keynote speakers Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Robin Anderson, Iowa’s state chief economist. Attendees will also be able to participate in 12 sessions, each addressing a critical aspect of housing development, including contracting best practices, funding and development resources, and supportive services for housing initiatives. (See the agenda on the conference website.)
“This conference is designed to take a comprehensive look at housing challenges, from construction and development to the services that support stable housing,” Seaberg said.
“Sessions will cover key contracting issues like lead-safe certification, workforce recruitment and legal considerations for builders. Development-focused discussions will walk through state funding options, what communities need to do to attract investment and how to build relationships with developers,” he said.
“Other sessions will focus on supportive services — funding for home repairs, helping residents age in place and removing barriers to housing access,” he added. “The goal is to give attendees concrete information they can take back and apply in their communities.”
Opportunities for networking and collaboration
Beyond the presentations, the Business after Hours networking session from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will provide a space for attendees to connect with industry professionals, funding organizations and potential development partners.
Seaberg sees this as a crucial component of the event.
“One of the biggest takeaways from a conference like this is the connections people make,” he said. “Housing development isn’t something a single person or agency can tackle alone — it requires partnerships, planning and a lot of coordination. This conference is a chance for communities to start building those relationships.”
Registration for the North Iowa Housing Conference is open until April 15.
