- PCHTF
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4
Registration Now Open for the Develop the Developer Launchpad
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) has opened registration for the first phase of its new Develop the Developer Launchpad. This initiative aims to cultivate emerging multifamily real estate developers in Polk County.
The Develop the Developer Launchpad, presented by Wells Fargo, is a two-phase initiative. It includes a two-week boot camp and a multi-month fellowship. Recently, PCHTF was named an authorized partner for Freddie Mac’s Develop the Developer Academy. This allows DTDL to be among the first programs in the country to use the new Freddie Mac multifamily developer curriculum for its local two-week boot camp.
Julian Neely, PCHTF’s director of advancement and community investment, stated, “We know Polk County has a large need to rehabilitate and construct housing for the purpose of affordability, attainability, and stability. This launchpad will cultivate a talent pipeline of community-centric multifamily developers with the knowledge, resources, relationships, and capability to take on neighborhood-scale housing developments.”
Boot Camp Registration Details
Registration for the two-week boot camp is open now and will remain available until November 15, or until capacity is reached. Interested individuals must complete a pre-registration questionnaire to determine eligibility for the program.
Participants must meet the following criteria:
Be a Polk County resident
Demonstrate real estate industry experience
Commit to the two-week classroom experience
Submit a $500 fee at the time of registration
The application and program details are available at www.pchtf.org/dtdl.
The inaugural boot camp cohort will convene on December 1, 2025. This two-week program will provide participants with foundational knowledge in multifamily development. They will also gain access to industry experts and resources to become community-centric multifamily developers in Polk County.
Fellowship Opportunities for Graduates
Boot camp graduates will be eligible to apply for the DTDL’s second phase. This phase is a rigorous joint venture development fellowship, beginning in Spring 2026. This experience will pair fellows with seasoned local developers in Polk County to complete a joint venture development.
Danny Heggen, a local developer advising the new effort, said, “We are really thinking ahead in terms of how do we have public-private partnerships to pursue equity and education around being a developer, an experience around being a developer.”
Community Involvement and Support
The Develop the Developer Launchpad is a community-focused program. It involves numerous community partners and real estate industry experts. The following local leaders have volunteered their time to assist PCHTF in developing and offering this new program:
| Name | Affiliation |
|---------------------|-----------------------|
| Britney Appelgate | Wells Fargo |
| Danny Heggen | Dev Partners |
| Malcolm Hankins | City of Des Moines |
| Kuuku Saah | Ntonan RE |
| Marvin DeJear | DeJear, Inc. |
| Molly Cutler | Cutler Development |
| Scott Cutler | Cutler Development |
| Frank Levy | Newbury Living |
| Jed Gammell | High Street Insurance |
| Larry James | Conveyance Law |
| Dan Drendel | Slingshot Architecture |
| Taylor Hays | Slingshot Architecture |
| Jake Christensen | Christensen Development |
| Steve Wilke-Shapiro | Sequel Architecture |
| James Spiller | Iowa State University |
| Mike Urquhart | Security National Bank |
| Joseph Bergman | JLL |
| Anthony Pawnell | DMACC |
Complete program information is available at www.pchtf.org/dtdl or by contacting Julian Neely at jneely@pchtf.org.
The Importance of Multifamily Development
Multifamily development is crucial for addressing housing shortages. As cities grow, the demand for affordable housing increases. Programs like the Develop the Developer Launchpad are essential for training new developers. They ensure that the housing needs of the community are met.
Future Prospects for Participants
Participants in the Develop the Developer Launchpad will gain valuable skills. They will learn about project management, finance, and community engagement. These skills are vital for successful development projects. Graduates will be better equipped to tackle the challenges of the real estate market.
Conclusion
The Develop the Developer Launchpad represents a significant step forward for Polk County. By investing in education and training, PCHTF is fostering a new generation of developers. This initiative will help create affordable housing and strengthen communities.
For more information, visit www.pchtf.org/dtdl or contact Julian Neely at jneely@pchtf.org.
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) is proud to announce a $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo to launch the Develop the Developer Launchpad (DTDL)—a new initiative designed to cultivate emerging multifamily real estate developers in Polk County.
The Develop the Developer Launchpad, presented by Wells Fargo, is a two-phase initiative that includes a two-week intensive boot camp followed by a multi-month fellowship.
“The City of Des Moines’ recent housing strategy identifies a huge need for redevelopment of older, underperforming housing stock – and at the same time a continued need for affordable housing units that meet neighborhood and community-specific needs. The Develop the Developer Launchpad is intended to help aspiring local developers build skills and gain access to resources to be involved in the solutions needed,” said Julian Neely, director of advancement and community investment at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.
The boot camp, planned to launch its inaugural cohort in December 2025, will provide participants with foundational knowledge in multifamily development and direct access to industry experts. It draws upon a curriculum created by Freddie Mac.
Graduates of the developer boot camp will be eligible to apply for an intensive co-development fellowship, beginning in Spring 2026. This immersive experience will pair fellows with seasoned local developers in Polk County through joint venture development.
Additional information about the Develop the Developer Launchpad is available at https://pchtf.org/dtdl, including a contact form to sign up for program application details when they are released. Questions about the program may be directed to Julian Neely at jneely@pchtf.org.