Develop the Developer Launchpad
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The Develop The Developer Launchpad (DTDL) empowers and develops emerging multifamily real estate developers in Polk County
This exciting program from the Polk County Housing Trust Fund includes a two-week boot camp and an exclusive multi-month fellowship. Both opportunities connect participants with real estate industry experts from all development sectors across Greater Des Moines, providing a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and build connections.
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The Develop the Developer Launchpad boot camp welcomes any Polk County resident motivated and passionate about becoming a multifamily developer in the Greater Des Moines area. The boot camp is a two week classroom experience that utilizes a new national curriculum developed by Freddie Mac.
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In addition to the boot camp, the Polk County Housing Trust Fund offers a multi-month development fellowship. The fellowship offers intensive practicum experience partnering on a housing development project with a qualified local developer. Boot camp graduates will be eligible to apply for the fellowship, but only a select number of fellowship opportunities will be available.
The program is backed by a Develop the Developer Launchpad Coalition, a local advisory panel helping shape the effort and providing fellows knowledge, skills, and real-life experiences to succeed. DTDL allows emerging developers to invest in neighborhoods, communities, and future-inclusive housing.
About the two-week developer boot camp
Powered by Freddie Mac, presented by Wells Fargo
The two-week boot camp is a program to empower emerging multifamily developers in Polk County. The boot camp is designed for individuals with professional experience in the real estate industry. This classroom experience will provide technical knowledge, access to 20+ real estate development experts, and development simulation exposure. The program is certified and powered by Freddie Mac.
Registration for the 2026 multifamily boot camp opens June 15, 2026.
Up to 30 spots are available in the boot camp. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the session is full or August 28, 2026.
Boot camp timeline
Boot camp sessions are held weekdays September 14-25, 2026 with a final project showcase and graduation on October 2.
Monday, September 14 from 1- 8 p.m.
Orientation + First session + Welcome Social
Tuesday, September 15 - Friday, September 25 from 1 - 5 p.m.
Additional sessions
Friday, October 2 from 1 - 8 p.m.
Project Showcase + Graduation
The boot camp curriculum is certified and powered by Freddie Mac.
Boot camp eligibility
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Reside in Polk County, IA.
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Prior experience in the real estate industry, such as real estate sales, lending, property management, property appraisals, etc.
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Commit to the two-week boot camp.
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Participants are responsible for a $500 program cost.
Form disabled until June 15 at 7:00 am.
Recent program news
Thank you coalition members
Develop the Developer Launchpad benefits from the advice of local housing development experts who advise its programs.
Multifamily
Britney Appelgate, Wells Fargo
Greg Baker, Lincoln Savings Bank
Brandon Beechman, Beecham CPA
Joseph Bergman, Stanbrough Realty Company
Breann Bye, City of Des Moines
Jake Christensen, Christensen Development
Keith Christianson, Community State Bank
Johnny Cintron, U.S. Bank
Molly Cutler, Culter Development
Scott Cutler, Culter Development
Marvin DeJear, Dejear Inc.
Mike Derkenne, Beal Derkenne Construction
Dan Drendel, Slingshot Architecture
Brandon Foldes, SHYFT Collective
Jed Gammell, High Street Insurance
Matthew Gilbert, District Legal Group
Taylor Hays, Slingshot Architecture
Danny Heggen, DEV Partners
Larry James, Conveyance Law
Erin Knupp, Beal Derkenne Construction
Frank Levy, Newbury Living
Anthony Pawnell, DMACC
Kuuku Saah, Ntontan RE
Jake Schilling, Community State Bank
James Spiller, Iowa State University
Nick Tarpey, City of Des Moines
Mike Urquhart, Security National Bank
Steve Wilkes-Shapiro, Sequel Architecture + Design
Single Family
Britney Appelgate, Wells Fargo
Brandon Beechman, Beechman CPA
Jasmine Brooks, Brooks Homes
Christopher Civitate, Invest DSM
Tess Cody, City of Des Moines
Jenna Ekstrom, Greater DSM Habitat for Humanity
Theresa Greenfield, Invest DSM
Lance Henning, Greater DSM Habitat for Humanity
Ryan Mortier, Neighborhood Finance Corp
Anthony Pawnell, DMACC
Eric Quiner, Precision Real Estate
Jeremy Smith, Affinity Credit Union
Nick Tarpey, City of Des Moines
Clint Webster, HOME Inc.
Steve Wilkes-Shapiro, Sequel Architecture + Design
Trevor Williams, The Woods Bibbin Company, LLC.
Carrie Woerdemann, HOME, Inc.
Stay informed
Please contact Julian D. Neely, Director of Advancement and Community Investment, for any questions.
515-269-4944