Excitement is rising in both the commercial real estate and economic development communities as the first new, national investment program in 15 years begins. Referred to as “the biggest tax cut you’ve never heard of” by The Economist, the Opportunity Zone incentive was created as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
This new incentive will provide the flexibility to develop and redevelop a variety of commercial and residential project types—from much-needed workforce housing to well-located brownfield sites in metropolitan areas and even energy assets—resulting in new opportunities for engineering firms.
And with over 9,000 communities designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones—including many in transit-oriented, urban locations—your firm could be poised to profit from this new investment program.
Join Catherine Lyons and Vanessa Sturgeon to learn:
- How to uncover the Opportunity Zones in your area
- What kinds of projects will be done under the program
- The basics of the Opportunity Zone program — key information you’ll need as you talk to your developer clients, as well as state, local and economic development officials
- What developers and owners pursuing Opportunity Zone projects will be looking for in engineering consultants
About the Presenters:
Catherine Lyons is Manager of Policy and Coalitions for Economic Innovation Group (EIG), which developed the concept of the Opportunity Zone in 2015. The bipartisan policy group EIG is working with public and private stakeholders to advance the understanding and use of Opportunity Zones.
Vanessa Sturgeon is President & CEO of commercial real estate firm TMT Development. She has 15 years of experience developing high-rise, mixed-use, retail and industrial assets in the Pacific Northwest, and recently led the launch of a $330 million Opportunity Zone fund is already an experienced presenter on this new topic.