The federal Opportunity Zones (OZ) program has led to over $100B invested in real estate and businesses in qualified census tracts—with housing one of the largest asset classes. The program can be a powerful tool for states, regions, counties, and cities to attract investment for real estate and businesses, jumpstart local economic growth, and build housing. Now that the program is permanent, it's timely for governments, developers, and investors to get creative about how to direct investment into affordable and workforce housing long-term.
OZ 2.0 includes changes to the tax benefits, tract designation, and enhanced benefits for rural investments. This panel breaks down the new program guidance, approaches to effective public-private partnerships, how OZ equity can work within certain types of housing deals, and how to align with Texas's development landscape.