Polk County Housing Trust Fund receives $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo for emerging developer program

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.