Following the success of the City of Carroll’s Infill Housing Incentive Program, officials are exploring other opportunities to encourage the construction of new residential units in the community. Nearly a year ago, the city began offering up to $20,000 of Carroll’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to individuals or contractors planning to build homes on available lots. They later doubled the number of potential awards to 20 due to interest in that program, but it was always going to be a limited opportunity due to the nature of the funding source. The council voted Monday to extend the construction completion deadline for selected projects to Sept. 1, 2026, giving contractors and applicants two more years to finish work. Councilmembers Kyle Bauer, LaVern Dirkx, and Carolyn Siemann recently formed an ad-hoc housing committee earlier this year to identify other housing opportunities. Bauer and Dirkx say their first idea involves developing city-owned space on the west side of the Carroll Municipal Golf Course.
Between seven and 10 lots could potentially be platted for future construction. Dirkx says an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) grant for upper-story housing conversions has been well-utilized and successful in other communities. He says it is an opportunity that should be pursued more aggressively in Carroll.
The third option is a partnership with Region XII Council of Governments to oversee the construction and management of new housing units with the city to provide the initial capital.
The council did not vote on any of these housing proposals at Monday’s meeting, but they did give the housing committee the nod to continue refining their proposals. The various ideas will be brought back to the council at future meetings for final approval. Applications for the current infill housing program and details about other housing opportunities are available by contacting Carroll City Hall at 712-792-1000.
