Mapping Potential 'Opportunity Zones'

The GOP tax reform bill enabled a potentially powerful new funding mechanism for struggling communities.

2 minute read

February 26, 2018, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Downtown Flint Michigan along Saginaw Street

Tony Faiola / flickr

Jess Weaver shares a map from Esri that determines whether Census tracts across the country are qualified for the Opportunity Zone program, enabled by the "Investing in Opportunity Act" approved by Congress in 2017 and the tax reform package signed by President Trump into law late in 2017. The case for the Opportunity Zones as a component of the tax reform bill was also originally spearheaded by the Economic Innovation Group think tank.

The bill established Opportunity Zones, "which encourage long-term investments in low-income urban and rural communities across the country," explains Weaver. "The Opportunity Zones program provides a tax incentive for investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into so-called 'Opportunity Funds.' These funds apportion at least 90 percent of their capital to specific areas designated by the chief executives of every U.S. state and territory."

Jim Tankersley reports on the GOP tax reform package's role in bringing Opportunity Zones to fruition. Tankersley reports that Opportunity Zones represents the first "substantial federal attempt" to aid struggling communities in more than a decade. "If the zones succeed, they could help revitalize neighborhoods and towns that are starved for investment," writes Tankersley. "They could also deliver a windfall, in the form of avoided capital gains taxes, for corporations and financiers who invest in the Opportunity Zones."

The value of Esri's map is in informing state chief executives as they prepare to designate Opportunity Zones. The deadline for that decision was set for 90 to 120 days after December 22, 2017. The maps will also provide a valuable comparison tool after those recommendations are made.

Monday, February 5, 2018 in Data-Smart City Solutions

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

6 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

7 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.