The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA) is a tool that helps communities self-assess their housing needs and guides them in the decision-making process when addressing those needs. It guides communities in considering options that ensure existing and potential residents are able to find safe, secure, and quality housing that meets their needs and fits within their budgets. The RHRA helps communities know what kinds of housing-related information they should gather and review to make informed decisions. The assessment checklists aid in the creation of local housing policy that is appropriate for the needs and desires of a community.
Contact Information
Omar Padilla
Target Audience
Rural communities interested in assessing their current housing situation to ensure that residents have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.
Delivery Method
The RHRA program is made possible through a partnership between participating communities, Iowa State University Extension Community and Economic Development (CED) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Communities with less than 20,000 residents may apply to IEDA's Rural Housing Assessment Grant, including proof of local investment in the form of a $5,000 cash match. Successful applicants will go through CED's Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA). Upon successful completion of the RHRA, each community becomes eligible for up to $10,000 towards the support of a housing initiative that results from the RHRA program.
Fee
The fee is $5,000.
Use these fact sheets to address housing need in your community.
- RHRA Fact Sheets
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- Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Process
- RHRA: Assembling a Housing Steering Committee
- RHRA: Open Meetings and Open Records Laws
- RHRA: Updating City Ordinances
- RHRA: Previous Housing Recommendations Worksheet
- RHRA: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
- RHRA: Manufactured, Modular, and Mobile Homes
- RHRA: Rental Housing Inspection Programs
- RHRA: Restricted-Residence Districts
- RHRA: Allowing Flexibility in Dimensional Requirements
- RHRA: Tax Increment Financing
- RHRA: Property Acquisition through Tax Sales
- RHRA: Iowa Case Studies in Rural Housing Readiness--Infill Housing Development