Local officials in Iowa are bracing for a spike in eviction filings starting today that likely could outpace available assistance to renters. Nearly 25% of all renters in the City of Dubuque spend at least half of their annual income on rent. Governor Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that she will begin phasing out a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures and other debt collection activities starting today. However, she will allocate about $20 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to aid people who have lost income due to the pandemic who face residential eviction or foreclosures. City of Dubuque officials this month set aside $20,000 out of about $650,000 in federal grant funds received for COVID-19 relief to offer up to $1,000 per month per household for three months to assist low- and moderate-income renters and homeowners whose income has been reduced due to the pandemic.
