Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund asks county to boost local match to preserve $3:1 state funding leverage

Leaders of the Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund told supervisors the fund channeled just over $400,000 into local programs in 2025 and asked the county to increase its annual contribution to preserve eligibility for Iowa Finance Authority allocations.

Brenda Moran, chair of the housing trust board, said the fund’s main activities include down‑payment assistance for first‑time buyers, home repairs for low‑ and moderate‑income households, and eviction prevention. She and partner organizations reported that in 2025 the fund distributed slightly more than $400,000 through grants and partnerships and that local match requirements from the Iowa Finance Authority now require a larger county contribution to secure the same state funds.

Moran said the fund historically received a $15,000 annual county contribution and requested the board consider increasing that to $40,000 for fiscal year 2027 and continuing a prior four‑year support commitment so local grantees can meet a 25% local match (and maintain the fund’s 3:1 leverage for IFA funds). Representatives said the city of Council Bluffs currently contributes $50,000 in regular budgets and that, in 2026, the fund has already secured its local match for that year.

Supervisors emphasized the need for outreach to newly elected small‑town clerks and council members so local organizations know how to apply, and asked staff to include the request in upcoming budget discussions. The board did not adopt an appropriation at the meeting; members underscored that budget decisions will be made during their formal budget workshops.