PCHTF opens application for second round of Develop the Developer Launchpad

Applications are open today for a second session of the multifamily development boot camp that is part of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund’s Develop the Developer Launchpad.

This intensive two-week program offers people with interest and experience in real estate or property development the opportunity to gain skills and build relationships to make their housing ideas a reality.

The boot camp uses a national curriculum developed by Freddie Mac with numerous local developers and housing experts participating as instructors and presenters. Develop the Developer Launchpad is presented by Wells Fargo.

The first session of the Boot Camp took place in December 2025. Recently, the Des Moines Business Record shared perspectives from participants in the December session on what their experience was like.

ABOUT THIS SESSION

• WHO: The boot camp is designed for individuals with professional experience in the real estate industry (such as real estate sales, lending, property management, appraisals, etc.) who are interested in deepening their skills and relationships to succeed in multifamily development. Participants should reside in Polk County and must be available to participate in the entire two-week program.

• WHEN: Weekdays September 14-25, 2026 with project presentations and a graduation ceremony held October 2. Sessions typically last 1-5 p.m., but the September 14 session lasts until 8 p.m. and October 2 session is 4-8 p.m.

• WHERE: The French Way - 413 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313.

• COST: Participants are responsible for a $500 program cost.

HOW TO APPLY

• The program eligibility quiz (pre-application) is available at PCHTF.org/dtdl.

• Up to 30 seats are available in this session which will be filled on a rolling basis.

• Should the program’s capacity not be reached, the deadline to apply is August 10, 2026.

• For assistance or if you have questions, contact Julian D. Neely at jneely@pchtf.org.

A second phase of Develop the Developer Launchpad, a multi-month development fellowship, was announced in April and is currently underway. The first group of fellows, who were selected from previous boot camp graduates through a rigorous application process, are taking part in a co-development experience with DEV Partners. PCHTF’s investment in the co-development project includes an investment in the form of a repayable loan to the development operating entity on behalf of the fellows and made possible by a grant from Wells Fargo.

While PCHTF anticipates offering additional fellowship opportunities for boot camp graduates, the timing and availability of those opportunities remain to be finalized. The boot camp is available as a stand-alone opportunity.