Iowa Considers Prison Labor to Build Affordable Housing – NMP Skip to main content

Iowa Considers Prison Labor to Build Affordable Housing

Jul 09, 2018
Construction industry executives expressed optimism about the year ahead in the 43rd annual Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast

An Iowa state agency is trying to promote a plan to use inmates to construct at least 100 homes for low-income households across the state.
 
According to an Associated Press report, the Iowa Department of Corrections believed the program could solve three problems at once: alleviating the shortage of affordable housing, addressing the shortage of construction workers and offering inmates the ability to learn a skill that could keep them employed once they are out of prison. South Dakota has operated a similar program for 20 years, while Missouri introduced a program last year involving inmate construction of tiny houses.
 
Mike Norris, Executive Director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, said the proposal could help rural Iowa solve its affordable housing problem. "We want to look for every opportunity, so we can help our communities be resilient and survive," he said. "They're worth it."
 
An effort to gain legislative support for the program failed in this year’s session, and corrections officials are planning to reintroduce the idea and the next legislative session in January. Gov. Kim Reynolds has voiced support for the program, and the Home Builders Association of Iowa added it would fill a void in a home building niche that most developers are not pursuing.

 
About the author
Published
Jul 09, 2018
Commercial, Multifamily Mortgage Debt Tops $5 Trillion In Q1

MBA says outstanding debt grew by $26.3 billion in the first quarter, led by multifamily lending and increased holdings from banks, agencies, and life insurers

Jun 18, 2026
Fed Holds Rates Steady, But Outlook Dims For Mortgage Rate Relief

The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged but updated projections show more policymakers expecting additional hikes

Jun 18, 2026
Congress Nears Final Vote On 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Senate voted 87-8 to advance House-amended package, with final votes expected in coming days

Jun 17, 2026
Florida Pending Sales Signal Strong Summer Housing Market

Closed sales rise for a ninth straight month as inventory gives buyers more negotiating power

Jun 16, 2026
Trump Taps Former CFPB Deputy Brian Johnson To Lead Bureau

MBA backs the nomination as lenders await clarity on the future direction of consumer finance regulation under the Trump administration

Jun 12, 2026
Trump Names FHFA Director Bill Pulte Acting Director Of National Intelligence

FHFA director will continue overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving as acting director of national intelligence

Jun 02, 2026