Mason City, Waterloo Among 2025 Iowa Thriving Communities, Charles City Gets Credit Extension
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) have announced their newly designated 2025 Iowa Thriving Communities, which include Mason City and Waterloo.
Mason City Mayor Bill Schickel says, “This recognition not only affirms our commitment to providing housing for our workforce, but also energizes our ongoing efforts to build a brighter future for all residents. With this designation, we can continue to create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.”
IEDA|IFA Director Debi Durham said, “ Iowa Thriving Communities have stepped up as leaders in embracing housing for all income levels.”
The Thriving Community designation also comes with valuable scoring points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs, effective through 2025 for each community.
In addition, the IFA/IEDA has granted Charles City, a 2024 Iowa Thriving Community, an extension of one year to utilize their Federal Housing Tax Credits for market rate housing development. City Administrator Steve Diers says that could give Kading Properties, which toured the City earlier this month, extra incentive to build here.
Diers adds that If the City can land Kading’s contract, the company would develop the land, build on it and manage it long term.
Kading has also heard similar pitches from the cities of Corydon, Cherokee, Oskaloosa and Nevada as part of their “Hometown Tour” competition.
