A Closer Look
The Opportunity Zones Program is the most recent federal initiative using market-based, tax policy approaches to spur investment in low-income communities. There are nearly 9,000 Opportunity Zones in the United States. In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law providing the enabling legislation for this emerging federal economic and community development program. Simply put, this new program provides a vehicle for investors to invest in “opportunity funds.” These funds will, in turn, invest their resources into Opportunity Zones.
First enacted in December 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the idea of channeling more investment to neighborhoods and communities that are traditionally deprived of investment dollars, received widespread, non-partisan support. Using census data, governors nominated areas within their states, and after receiving certification by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones were identified as part of the program.
The City of Tampa has invested in creating a Prospectus and Market Report to highlight and promote the City’s Opportunity Zones in five defined sub-districts within the Tampa area.
You can download the full document on the Opportunity Zone Program Links & Documents page.