Iowa (RI) — Iowa ranks eighth in the nation for the oldest stockpile of houses, according to some estimates.
The former director of USDA Rural Development for Iowa shared some challenges and solutions during a recent Iowa Farmers Union webinar. Theresa Greenfield says many rural areas have aging housing stock and limited options, while the cost of new construction is also a barrier for many.
She encourages communities to look into the state’s Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant program.
Greenfield says that could look like local grants for home renovations or working with homebuilders who specialize in rural housing.
Greenfield says rural communities can get a housing needs assessment done, and then figure out where to invest, whether that’s in renovation and preservation or new construction.
(By Rachel Cramer, Iowa Public Radio)
