The Polk County Housing Trust Fund’s Develop the Developer Launchpad empowers and develops emerging multifamily real estate developers in Polk County. We checked in with the program’s participants to hear their hopes for multifamily development in the Des Moines area. We’ve lightly edited responses for clarity.

A note about the Develop the Developer Launchpad

Across the country and in Central Iowa, housing is top of mind for people across generations and economic statuses. Today’s housing market calls for transformative and out-of-the-box thinking to supply the variety of housing necessary. To meet the need, we must navigate housing together by looking at the big picture of how housing is designed and developed. To initiate the Develop the Developer Launchpad, we intentionally recruited a broad coalition of community members with real estate and urban regional planning expertise to help guide and design the program. This is pivotal not only to support emerging real estate developers, but also to maximize the social return on investment of this program. 

Small- and medium-sized developments bring unique challenges, as developers may not have the scale and resources of larger developments, such as funding and process barriers. Building a developer ecosystem for Polk County means helping overcome these barriers and produce housing neighbors want and need. 

DTDL delivers a rigorous two-week boot camp and multi-month fellowship with a joint development venture. This comprehensive, solution-based program can advance numerous housing development opportunities in Polk County in the coming years. It is a great honor to offer these opportunities to expand the avenues for affordable, attainable housing solutions.

– Julian Neely, director of advancement and community investment, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

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Kaleb Stevens

Tell us about yourself.

I am a cultural producer and community development professional focused on activating spaces and building meaningful connections in unforgettable ways. With experience spanning music, advertising, public art and nonprofit housing organizations, I thrive on finding collaborative solutions to complex community problems.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

My biggest takeaway from the DTD bootcamp was the importance of building teams that are specially selected to tackle specific projects. Within every role on a development team, the background and working style of each member is as invaluable as their technical skills. During the course of the bootcamp, we were introduced to a wide range of development professionals across multiple sectors and personality types, giving us a huge leg up in structuring teams and finding mentors in the future.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

A big wish of mine is to see more mixed-use development in Des Moines going forward. I love the denser parts of the city, like downtown, Highland Park and the Drake neighborhood, for how they combine food, fun and activities with a vibrant neighborhood where people live and raise their families. I feel that these neighborhoods shine a bright light on our city’s creativity and highlight the special sauce that makes Des Moines unlike any other place on Earth.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition?

I am really in favor of all equitable, sustainable progress towards filling the gap in “missing middle-density” development that encourages more walkable and physically connected communities. Projects that I am excited about right now include the Center at Sixth and Food Hall in the 6th Avenue Corridor, and Goldfinch Lofts on Ingersoll. These three projects are adding housing stock in creative ways while creating commercial opportunities, and a lot of work has been done on the front end to ensure that what is being built is the right fit for their respective communities.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

I plan to continue leveraging creativity to find new solutions for housing and empowering our communities to find their highest and best uses. In the immediate future, I hope to find opportunities to preserve housing in central Des Moines neighborhoods like River Bend, King Irving and Mondamin Presidential with interventions that create safe housing that is accessible for the folks who live there currently.

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Troy Sydow

Tell us about yourself.

I am the owner and operator of Weston Companies Construction Services, based in Des Moines. We currently focus on light commercial as a general contractor with a focus on evolving into multifamily development in Polk County. Specifically, missing middle and attainable housing that’s built well and fits the neighborhoods it’s in.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

My biggest takeaway is how important it is to get the deal right before a project ever breaks ground. The Launchpad helped me connect the dots between a good idea and a financeable, buildable project, and it gave me a lot of additional tools and resources to help achieve that.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

I’d wish for housing to be easier to deliver. Faster approvals, more flexible zoning and fewer surprises that drive up construction costs. Not lowering standards. Just more consistency and predictability so builders and developers can deliver quality housing without pricing out the people it’s meant for. If we can make the process smoother and more repeatable, I feel that we’ll get more housing built that actually fits the needs of working families in Greater Des Moines.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition? 

I’d love to see a true missing-middle initiative in Greater Des Moines. A predictable path for 4- to 12-unit projects on the right sites. Think pre-approved plan sets, clear parking guidelines and a consistent review process so projects don’t get derailed by surprises or confusion around zoning requirements. Essentially making the entire process more user friendly, predictable and repeatable.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs? 

By designing to fit first and listening early. I plan to focus on the kind of missing middle that matches Des Moines’ neighborhoods. Taking into account clean architecture, good landscaping and parking, solved up front. I’ll talk with neighbors and stakeholders before plans are finalized, so concerns get addressed early instead of becoming roadblocks later. From there it’s about building smart with durable materials, efficient layouts and cost control so rent can stay attainable without cutting corners.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

I want to become a trusted multifamily developer in Polk County known for doing what I say I’m going to do. Projects that pencil (are financially feasible), get built well and are managed right. My long-term goal is to create a repeatable model for attainable missing middle housing across the metro. Starting small and scaling over time. I also want to be a positive partner to neighborhoods and the city by communicating early and delivering housing that fits. Ultimately, a portfolio I’m proud of and a track record people trust.

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Stephen Stegall

Tell us about yourself.

I am, along with my wife, Lorri Stegall, the owner of a non-medical home care company, Golden Heart Senior Care. We serve Des Moines and the Golden Circle area around our great city.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

It is a great learning process to understand and get through the pre-development phase of any project. There are many assumptions made; picking and developing your team will be crucial to the success of the project.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

I would love to potentially team up or partner with other experienced developers who have the knowledge to get through many of the sticking points that the development process goes through.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs? 

We have an initiative or multifamily project where we would like to help veterans and people with mental and physical disabilities find better quality-of-life living quarters, by providing three-bedroom, two-bath units in the Polk County area.

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Devin King

Tell us about yourself.

I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a strong interest in real estate. I completed the two-week Develop the Developer Launchpad course while finishing my final exams and am now entering the spring semester as a full-time junior studying finance at Drake University. My focus is on affordable housing, with a particular interest in multifamily development.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

One of the key takeaways is the value of partnerships. As a college student without a development track record yet, I’ve learned how important it is to work alongside experienced developers and professionals. Bringing the right people onto a project helps fill knowledge gaps, adds credibility and increases the chances of successfully executing a deal, especially in affordable housing.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

I would wish for lower homelessness rates across the Des Moines metro through the creation of stable yet affordable multifamily housing. Expanding access to housing that is both affordable and sustainable would strengthen communities and create long-term stability for residents throughout Greater Des Moines.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

Lower homeless rates and create more supply of affordable housing. Everyone desires a secure roof over their heads. This is where it begins.

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Jeff Deutchman

Tell us about yourself.

My current title is capital and housing development manager at Brooklyn Community Services where I oversee real estate, development (supportive housing) and construction. I began my career working as an architect and have been in real estate and development for the past 12 years. I am interested in pursuing residential and other development types locally in Des Moines.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

It has shown me that, while challenging, multifamily development is possible now in Des Moines. Furthermore there is strong local support from the city, local agencies and professionals to improve the city and produce high quality housing for the people of Des Moines. It has really motivated me to make a project a reality, and soon.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

Amend the building code to allow access point zoning/single stair. This would increase the efficiency of multifamily buildings, allow better layouts and reduce cost. This is allowed in international building code. Also any additional funding options always help viability in the capital stack.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition? 

I’d like to see Des Moines open to looking at and utilizing some of the methodology that is used in Western Europe for workforce housing. Austria and Germany especially. There are many examples there of very successful workforce housing projects.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs? 

Depending on scale, I think the idea of the 15-minute city could be ideal. If the scale is smaller, I would focus on the things I can such as natural light and efficient layouts.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

To be a progressive developer and improve the city of Des Moines.

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Dan Corron

Tell us about yourself.

I’m the broker and president of Commercial Owner’s Rep & Real Estate, founded in December 2024. With over a decade of experience across all property types, including affordable housing development, I’m passionate about finding solutions that help projects move forward by bridging developers, municipalities and the community.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

One of my biggest takeaways was the openness to mentor and collaborate. This is really what makes Central Iowa’s business community so special. Leaders here are willing to help others succeed. We don’t view one another simply as competition, but as opportunities to teach, learn and grow together. This program brought together experienced developers, architects, contractors, lenders and community leaders who generously shared their time and expertise. That collaborative spirit is what will lead to stronger projects and multiply positive outcomes for the community.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

If I could wave a magic wand, I would change the public perception around affordable multifamily housing. Too often, people understand the need is there but resist it when it’s proposed near them. I’d wish for a shared understanding that well-designed affordable housing supports small business owners, gives employees a place to live near their jobs and helps attract and retain both workers and employers. When communities can’t house their workforce it impacts everyone; this includes our teachers, health care workers, service employees, professionals early in their career and first responders. Shifting that mindset would allow good projects to move forward and strengthen Greater Des Moines as a whole.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition? 

I had the opportunity to be part of a Homeless Set-Aside Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project in Des Moines that created housing specifically for families experiencing homelessness. While there are resources for individuals, there are far fewer options for families. Knowing that I played a part in ensuring four families at any given time are no longer living in their cars or on the street is incredibly meaningful. I’d like to see more developments be able to offer this solution and find scalable ways to incorporate family-focused housing for those experiencing homelessness in our communities.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs? 

I plan to help deliver housing that meets neighborhood and community needs by being an active, collaborative part of development teams. In an Owner’s Rep role, I work alongside developers, municipalities and other stakeholders as a strategic extension of the ownership team. By helping coordinate site selection, navigate entitlements and approvals, and align mixed-use elements (where appropriate), projects are better positioned to fit their surroundings and serve the neighborhood in a thoughtful and responsible way.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

My aspiration with the company I’ve built is to help companies, municipalities and real estate investors make better decisions around complex real estate projects. As an Owner’s Rep, I bring clarity and coordination to capital, timelines and stakeholders, resulting in more efficient projects and long-term value for both clients and the communities they serve.

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Alex Schelling

Tell us about yourself.

I am a real estate developer focused on creating opportunity through thoughtful redevelopment. I believe every property — and every person — can reach their highest and best use when aligned with the right vision and execution. My work is centered on building projects, partnerships and people that grow stronger together.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad? 

One of my biggest takeaways is how many professionals in Des Moines genuinely want to solve problems and help others succeed. The collaborative mindset in the room reinforced that this industry works best when knowledge is shared, not guarded. A comment that stuck with me was Jake Christensen sharing his mentor’s advice to “pay it forward,” which perfectly captured the spirit of the program — and something I intend to carry forward in my own work.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for? 

If I could wave a magic wand, the realist in me would wish for development costs to be cut in half — because that alone would immediately unlock more attainable, high-quality multifamily housing. Lower costs would allow developers to focus less on surviving the pro forma and more on design, livability and long-term community impact. While that may be unrealistic, it highlights the real challenge facing Greater Des Moines: balancing rising costs with the need to deliver housing that people can truly afford.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition? 

I would love to see a master-planned community centered around micro-housing paired with shared amenities such as gardens, fitness spaces and recreation areas. This type of development could lower individual housing costs while fostering a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility. By prioritizing efficient living spaces and high-quality communal amenities, it would offer an attainable, flexible housing option for individuals and small households in Greater Des Moines.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs? 

I plan to build housing that meets neighborhood and community needs by listening first. Engaging residents, local leaders and stakeholders early in the process helps ensure projects reflect what the community actually wants and can support. By designing and building with that feedback in mind, developments are more likely to integrate seamlessly, add long-term value and earn community trust.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

My aspirations for the future are to develop great projects, work alongside people I genuinely enjoy and create opportunities for those who are passionate about real estate development. I want to build environments where thoughtful development and strong relationships go hand in hand. Ultimately, my goal is to help projects — and people — reach their highest and best use.

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Chris Wilson

Tell us about yourself. 

I am a husband, father, entrepreneur, coach and thinker committed to changing the narrative placed on my generation and ethnicity. I am deeply invested in real estate through my own portfolio and by helping others access opportunities, using it as a vehicle for innovation, equity and community impact. My focus is on bridging the gap between those in need and the systems that shape housing and opportunity in Greater Des Moines.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad?

One of the biggest takeaways has been learning how to balance mission with execution. The program reinforced that affordable housing requires more than good intentions — it demands strong partnerships, financial discipline, and a deep understanding of policy, zoning and community engagement. DTDL has helped me think more strategically about how to structure projects that are both financially sustainable and socially impactful, while also giving me access to mentors and peers who are committed to solving real housing challenges in Greater Des Moines.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for?

I would wish for a future where multifamily housing is no longer viewed as “one size fits all,” but instead reflects the diverse needs of our community. That means more flexibility, more innovation, and more collaboration between developers, cities and residents. I’d love to see housing that is attainable, thoughtfully designed and integrated into neighborhoods in a way that builds pride rather than resistance. When housing works well, it strengthens families, stabilizes communities and creates opportunity for everyone.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition?

I would love to see more innovative, small-scale multifamily developments that are architecturally interesting, community-focused and financially accessible to everyday people. Projects that blend thoughtful design, shared green space and affordability — without sacrificing quality — can change how people experience rental housing. Developments like these can serve young professionals, families, seniors and individuals with special needs, while fitting naturally into existing neighborhoods and elevating the overall housing landscape in Greater Des Moines.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs?

Building housing that truly serves a community starts with listening. I believe in engaging with neighborhoods early, understanding who lives there and designing projects that complement — not disrupt — the area. That includes focusing on scale, aesthetics, affordability and long-term livability. I also believe strong property management and ongoing stewardship are just as important as construction. When residents feel respected and supported, housing becomes a foundation for stability rather than a temporary solution.

What are your aspirations for the future?

My aspiration is to continue growing through opportunities like the Polk County Housing Trust Fund’s Fellowship so I can deepen my understanding of real estate development and its role in shaping strong, equitable communities. I am committed to becoming an innovator in the real estate space — one who approaches housing with both discipline and compassion. Long term, I want to help create pathways that empower families, support individuals with special needs and positively impact the next generation by connecting thoughtful development with real community needs.

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Kimberly Concepcion

Tell us about yourself.

Currently, I hold a few titles that include client service and management director for our family-run Analytical Lab, Realtor, investor, wife, mother and friend. My passion is connecting working families with housing resources best for their needs. Being a prior military spouse, no matter the job title, my goals have been to facilitate best outcomes with the pieces and parts available when looking at a given situation.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad?

The main nugget I was provided while attending was: Ask the question! Many times folks will get hung up on not having all the right answers or even knowing the right question. I have great confidence in many parts of my life, but with real estate development, I was hesitant to figure it all out. Develop the Developer Launchpad showcased there are abundant ways to impact housing development and it starts with the right questions! It might take some time and some trial and error but the right people within the community will be there cheering you on.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multifamily housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for?

My focus is on reusing, reducing and reinventing the aging housing stock that many Des Moines neighborhoods are experiencing. These neighborhoods are strong and if I could wave a wand, I would like to see these aging and falling-in homes come back to life. There is such an amazing feeling to witness something someone was going to tear down come back to life and give opportunity for a new family to further strengthen that community.

What’s a multifamily project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition?

As I start my journey in multifamily development, I am looking forward to cheering on my cohort with their projects. Many had such vivid initiatives, and it was amazing to hear about their plans. I am still navigating my future projects. We have a 5-unit that our family is currently focused on bringing back to life. It will not solve the housing shortages and/or condition issues, but it is a step forward.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs?

There are many existing homes and units that need deferred maintenance and great management. This will be vital to each community and neighborhood staying strong. Having a clean, well-maintained place to lay your head leads to so many other positive outcomes. I am slightly different in my focus than many in that I believe the small direct-impact projects with community involvement bring the most change. There is a huge need for larger affordable options, yet equally important are the duplexes, quadplexes and housing units under 20 that may need attention.

What are your aspirations for the future? 

My hope is that in the future I can directly impact housing for families with the things I am passionate about: sharing knowledge, helping others, historic architect preservation, pets, and puzzles! Many times real estate is a puzzle, it is not that something cannot be done, it is that one doesn’t yet have the right pieces to accomplish it. As a family, we wish to create a unique legacy deeply rooted in real estate development and to share the pieces we have gathered with the difference makers of tomorrow while providing more than just a roof over someone’s head in the meantime.

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Deidre DeJear

Tell us about yourself.

I am president and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood. I lead a 17-acre intergenerational neighborhood that combines affordable housing with early childhood and preschool education, youth education and enrichment, and workforce and family programs. Our work centers community driven development that pairs housing with opportunity, stability, and upward mobility for families across Greater Des Moines. More than 70% of our residents participate in one or more supportive services, and 60% of those we serve live outside the neighborhood, with impact extending across three counties.

What’s one thing you’re taking away from participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad?

Participating in the Develop the Developer Launchpad through the Polk County Housing Trust Fund reinforced that strong multifamily housing is built through partnership, structured financing and strategic planning. I deepened my understanding of capital stacks, risk and predevelopment strategy, while sharpening how projects align with public priorities and the lived realities of neighbors. The experience strengthened my development practice and expanded the relationships required to move workforce and family-centered housing from concept to construction.

If you could wave a magic wand and make one wish for the future of multi-family housing in Greater Des Moines, what would you wish for?

Over the next decade, workforce housing production must align with the scale of need already documented in local data. Today, thousands of renter households in Des Moines are cost burdened, with more than 6,800 households paying over 50% of their income toward housing and nearly 7,000 paying more than 30%. At the same time, more than 1,500 renter households experience overcrowding, driven largely by a shortage of three- and four-bedroom units. Housing nonprofits serve as critical catalysts and implementers in addressing these gaps. Meeting this moment requires expanding family-sized, service-connected housing supported by flexible funding tools that accelerate housing stability and economic participation.

What’s a multi-family project or initiative you’d like to see come to fruition?

Greater Des Moines would benefit from more mixed use, service-connected workforce housing developments. Community data shows overcrowding affects more than 2,500 households, with families with children disproportionately impacted. Housing models that integrate family-sized units with wellness, workforce and community-serving space respond directly to this need. These concepts are adaptable, replicable and scalable, and they invite collaboration across sectors focused on outcomes beyond unit counts alone.

How do you plan to build housing that meets the neighborhood’s or community’s needs?

Our approach is grounded in community priorities reflected through both data and lived experience. Housing data across Greater Des Moines shows overcrowding is most prevalent among renter households with children and low to moderate incomes, alongside persistent gaps in workforce and family scale units. We advance replicable development models that integrate housing with supportive services, prioritize larger units and embed practical supports so housing strengthens long term stability and mobility.

What are your aspirations for the future?

My aspiration is to expand mission-driven development that treats housing as a platform for prosperity. I aim to grow projects that combine affordable and workforce housing with education, wellness and career pathways. I also want to see a residential development ecosystem where nonprofit and community-based developers play a sustained, meaningful role in multifamily production. Success is measured not by unit totals alone, but by reduced cost burden, fewer overcrowded households and stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.