A housing project in Newton by Front Porch Development in Clive has just been awarded Workforce Housing Tax Credits. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved over $35 million in Workforce Housing Tax Credits for 63 projects across Iowa, including the one in Newton. Jerry Floyd of Front Porch Development will use just under $74,000 in tax credits to place two homes on city-owned lots at 900 and 1106 South 5th Avenue East. The lots were purchased, and the rundown homes that were there demolished, through Newton’s Dangerous and Dilapidated Buildings Program.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority received 137 applications requesting about $83 million in tax credits, while only $35 million is available for fiscal 2026. Applications were evaluated on readiness, financing, community impact, developer experience and innovation.