Federal Housing Changes, Innovation Take Center Stage at 2026 HousingIowa Conference

The conference will feature national experts, state leaders and housing professionals addressing topics ranging from affordable housing development and financing to homelessness, homeownership, rental housing, compliance and emerging industry trends.

Sessions will also examine recent federal housing policy changes, including the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and what they could mean for Iowa communities and housing professionals.

Programming begins Sept. 8 with the Iowa Thriving Communities Welcome Reception, bringing together newly designated and past Iowa Thriving Communities to highlight local housing strategies, partnerships and development underway across the state.

Conference highlights include:

• The ROAD to Housing: What the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Means for Iowa, examining recent federal housing policy changes and their implications for Iowa.

• Three HousingIowa Innovation Pitch Competitions spanning the housing continuum, with finalists presenting new approaches to homeownership, rental housing and homelessness.

• Technical and policy sessions on affordable housing finance, federal compliance requirements, homelessness policy and service delivery, manufactured and modular housing, artificial intelligence, housing and health, landlord-tenant law and other timely issues.

• The HousingIowa Awards, presented Sept. 9, recognizing individuals, organizations and developments making significant contributions to housing in Iowa.

• National speakers, policy experts and industry leaders offering practical insight on current challenges, emerging trends and opportunities across the housing sector.

Registration, the full conference agenda and additional information are available at HousingIowaConference.com.

WHAT: 2026 HousingIowa Conference

Ashley Jared, Communications Director