Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 and Texas Planners’ Role Webinar

The federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program could be a significant boost to neighborhoods experiencing poverty and lack of investment especially in the area of real estate development. This is the second round of the federal tax deferral program for investors made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill. These zones could be set in your community by January 1st of 2027. Only 25% of the eligible Census tracts will become the Opportunity Zones for the next decade. In Texas the time for your community to get engaged is NOW! The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor will lead the selection process and they are asking for nominations no later than June 26, 2026. More on their process and interactive map of zones here: https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/o... City planners need to understand how they can take part in the process and possibly leverage impacts. Planners can guide OZ investment to align with community goals to support the needs for housing, community investment, and resiliency. Learning Objectives: Understanding the Opportunity Zones designation process in Texas and how local governments get involved Learn strategies for leveraging Opportunity Zones through public-private sector coordination where planners can guide processes. Speakers: Ray “Wes” Jensen, Finance Specialist - Economic Development Finance, Office of Governor Greg Abbott R. Michael Shenk Jr., The George Washington University