The Next Phase for Opportunity Zones

While I still remain something of a skeptic about the effectiveness of the Opportunity Zone program, I also recognize that is one of the few Federal tools still available to support significant private investment in America’s distressed communities and neighborhoods.   I hope that Opportunity Zones (OZs), version 2.0, can be successful in truly helping our most deserving places.  That’s why I’m very excited about the Urban Institute’s new Opportunity Zone 2026 Selection Tool, which allows users to access interactive mapping tools to identify the best situated neighborhoods and Census tracts for current and future OZ investments.  The tool includes maps for every US state, and assesses locations based on key criteria of local needs, ability to attract private investment, and expected impacts.  Ultimately, the tool can identify which communities would benefit most from an OZ designation.   As state and local leaders begin to designate new OZs, this tool is a great resource.  The Urban Institute site also includes lots of other great information on the OZ program and its past impacts.