Clear Lake, Ottumwa, Sioux Center, Urbandale and Waukon are the newly designated 2026 Iowa Thriving Communities for 2026, the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority recently announced. Now in its third year, the Iowa Thriving Communities initiative recognizes forward-thinking communities that are proactively addressing workforce housing needs. Designated communities complete a highly competitive application process, including a live pitch from teams of local partners to a panel from IEDA and IFA, according to a news release. Communities that demonstrate best practices in planning, financial support, targeted development, leadership and employer engagement are selected. Communities previously recognized through the initiative are seeing increased developer interest and significant public and private investments in housing, the release said. As a designated community, they receive scoring advantages for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Workforce Housing Tax Credits, HOME and Community Catalyst programs (effective through 2026). “Housing is the foundation of upward economic opportunity, and when all Iowans have access to affordable homes, families, communities and businesses can truly thrive,” IEDA and IFA Director Debi Durham stated in a press release. The 2026 Iowa Thriving Communities will be recognized at the HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids, Sept. 3-4.