Aaron Smith

The board received updates from the wine, beer, and spirits industries, including discussions on past promotional events, industry conferences, and current market trends. The board reviewed and discussed the fiscal year 2025 and 2026 budgets, approving a motion to increase specific sponsorship, education, and scholarship line items. Additionally, the board reviewed the results of the 2025 spring/summer marketing campaign, approved an increase to the 2026 marketing campaign budget, and discussed updates to the Iowa Wine, Beer and Distillery Passport. Finally, the board received information regarding upcoming changes to the Govconnect.ia website.

The board addressed several boundary change and annexation proposals, including tabling a discontinuance matter for Conway pending further city action. The board reviewed and approved voluntary annexation proposals for Huxley, Norwalk, Cedar Rapids, and an amended petition for Waukee. Additionally, the board reviewed the staff report provided by the program manager.

The board approved various agricultural development loan and tax credit programs, as well as water quality loans. Financial reports for October were reviewed and approved. Additionally, the board approved a revolving loan for a community housing project for persons with disabilities, awarded grants for the Local Housing Trust Fund and State Housing Trust Fund, and approved 2025 4% LIHTC awards. Furthermore, the board authorized the issuance of private activity bonds for the Xavier Catholic School project and approved several legal and policy actions, including the rescission and adoption of various administrative rules related to agricultural development, manufactured housing, mortgage credit certificates, and water quality financial assistance.

The Board approved various Iowa Agricultural Development Division authorizing and amending resolutions, alongside the Loan Participation Program. Actions taken included the approval of Private Activity Bonds for the Homeland Energy Solutions and Lifespace Communities projects, and the passage of the SRF Reimbursement Resolution. Financial reports for December 2025 were accepted. Housing-related approvals included the 4% Qualified Allocation Plan, the 4% LIHTC/Bond Award for South Market Apartments, and amendments to the Local Housing Trust Fund Program Allocation Plan. The Board also approved the rescission and adoption of several administrative chapters under legal and policy review, and received an informative presentation on the Online Guide to Iowa Zoning project.

The board approved various consent agenda items including agricultural and beginning farmer tax credit programs, private activity bonds for several projects, and water quality loans. Additional actions included the transfer of funds from Iowa Title Guaranty to the Housing Assistance Fund, recognition of staff for years of service, and the approval of financial reports and an investment report. The board authorized HOME loan forgiveness for Prime Living Apartments, approved 18 HOME awards, and certified the Greater Dubuque Housing Trust Fund. Furthermore, the establishment of the Iowa Homelessness Prevention Fund was approved, along with amendments to 2025 Qualified Allocation Plans and the approval of 2026-2027 4% and 9% Qualified Allocation Plans. Issuance of revenue bonds for the Cottage Grove Place and Mill Pond projects was authorized. Finally, the board approved filing notices to rescind and replace various administrative code chapters related to water pollution control, drinking water facilities, and private activity bond allocations, and received updates on the Enterprise Management System and upcoming conferences.