CLEAR LAKE — The City of Clear Lake is applying to be a part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority’s “Iowa Thriving Communities” program.
The designation is given to communities that go above and beyond to leverage innovative methods to attract housing opportunities. The designation also helps to show that a community is progressive and focused on meeting housing needs.
Acting city administrator Jacob Widman says receiving the designation allows a community to score additional points on several state and federal programs, including the Workforce Housing Tax Credit program. “This program has been utilized in the past. The most recent one was the BAM Emerald Cove development they received as of last year. Over the last several months, city staff has been working with various community groups to start on the application. Getting the designation will continue to show Clear Lake’s leadership in creating a strategic housing pipeline that is focused on market-rate workforce housing opportunities.”
Widman says it’s smart for the community to apply for this designation. “The state has encouraged us as a community to go for this designation. I think it would be a really positive thing for our community. I would encourage your support of the resolution for us to get going and get this application in by May 12th.”
Finalists for the program will make pitches to the IEDA and IFA during the week of July 7th, with the newest Iowa Thriving Communities being announced during the week of July 14th.
