The federal “Investing in Opportunity Act” enabled the U.S. Department of the Treasury to designate 8,672 low-income census tracts nominated by governors across America as “Opportunity Zones." Individual and corporate investors whose funds are subject to capital gains tax liability can put those monies into “Opportunity Funds,” which invest in real estate projects, economic development and business initiatives in these Opportunity Zones. These investors obtain deferrals, reductions and exclusions from capital gains liability for long-term capital investments in underserved communities. There is an estimated $6.1 trillion in unrealized capital gains funding in America that could be invested in the coming years, which could help to spur revitalization in communities with low access to capital.
Success: Opportunity Zone Designations
OPPORTUNITY ZONES
If your community has an Opportunity Zone, or your project is located in one, are you ready to put Opportunity Zones into action? Sustainable Strategies DC's Opportunity Zones practice can help prepare your community to attract Opportunity Fund investments, leverage resources for your real estate and economic development projects, connect with leading Opportunity Funds, apply for these resources, and put them into action:
Opportunity Roadmapping
- Define the assets & competitive advantages of your Opportunity Zone(s)
- Identify projects that are competitive & ready for Opportunity Fund investments, or help get them ready
- Identify other grants, incentives & resources from federal, state, philanthropic, private sector & local finance sources to leverage into your projects
Opportunity Pitching
- Create pitchbooks, pitchdecks, prospectus documents, and on-line portals to attract Opportunity Funding
- Collaborate with your state’s economic development department to attract Opportunity Fund investments
Opportunity Forum
- Plan & conduct an Opportunity Forum to bring together local/regional/state civic officials, economic developers, business & finance community leaders, experts, and Opportunity Fund managers to catalyze action in your Opportunity Zones & projects
- Provide webcast or on-site technical assistance & education on Opportunity Zone strategies
- Opportunities into Action
- Confirm capital stacks & funding strategies
- Identify and connect you with Opportunity Fund managers
- Apply for Opportunity Funds
- Create your own Opportunity Fund at the project, Zone, community or regional level
Opportunities into Action
- Confirm capital stacks & funding strategies
- Identify and connect you with Opportunity Fund managers
- Apply for Opportunity Funds
- Create your own Opportunity Fund at the project, Zone, community or regional level
Sustainable Strategies DC is affiliated with other experts to ensure comprehensive and robust services on your Opportunity Zone projects, including the National Development Council (community development finance), Callay Capital (structuring financial deals), Urban Partners (market research & analysis), and others. Prices for services depend on the scope & complexity of the project(s), levels of funding sought, and the need for allied experts.
“The secret to success is to be prepared when your opportunity comes.” — Disraeli
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle
Putting Opportunity Zones into Action in Your Community
In 2018, Sustainable Strategies DC helped a number of communities secure Opportunity Zone designations for eligible, low-income census tracts in their communities.
Clients:
Charles Town, West Virginia
Dubuque, Iowa;
Frankfort, Kentucky
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Hopewell, Virginia
Huntington, West Virginia
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Lansing, Michigan
Martin County, Florida
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Morgantown, West Virginia
Norwalk, Connecticut;
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Ranson, West Virginia
Spokane, Washington
Stamford, Connecticut
Weirton, West Virginia
To view an interactive map of Certified Opportunity Zones CLICK HERE.