Regional housing trust fund outlines $1M-plus investment in Decorah, asks city for three‑year pledge

Chris Trendle, speaking for the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund, told the Decorah City Council on Dec. 15 that the fund has directed just over $1,000,000 toward Decorah residents since 2010 for down‑payment assistance and home rehabilitation. "This year alone I was able to provide assistance up to about $141,000," Trendle said, describing last year’s investments as “greatly used.”

Trendle said the trust fund work is complemented by other programs: a state repair program and a Federal Home Loan Bank award. Taken together, he said, that mix of funding “equaled out to almost $4,000,000 when it's all said and done.” He outlined typical program caps, stating the trust fund maximum is $12,500, the Federal Home Loan Bank homebuyer assistance can run to about $22,570, and some repair programs have limits near $35,000.

Trendle urged the city to help expand local uptake by consenting to a larger, multi‑year pledge. "Last year I think you just pledged the one year," he said, asking the council to consider a three‑year commitment so the trust fund can plan and leverage additional grant dollars.

Council members and staff replied with practical suggestions. A council member recommended delivering the trust fund's business cards to the city’s code enforcement officer so crews who see housing needs while in the field can connect residents with the program. Trendle also requested referrals to contractors who might take on repair work; he said contractor availability limits how much work the program can complete.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting. The presentation serves as a notice to the council as it prepares competing budget priorities for the next fiscal cycle.