New Opportunity Zones Span States, Start 2027

New federal Opportunity Zone designations taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, are intended to draw private investment into lower-income communities through tax benefits for qualifying investments in businesses and real estate. Lake Elsinore selected two tracts near Historic Main Street and the Collier Road industrial corridor, while Beaumont designated a North End tract that includes the East Lucas corridor. Idaho received approval for 25 zones in communities including Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls; Wyoming received 20 zones across nine counties, 16 of them rural, which qualify for stronger incentives under the updated program. Local officials say the designations could help finance housing, businesses and jobs, but the zones themselves do not guarantee development.