INDIANA — Indiana communities have a unique window of opportunity to attract vital private investment, following an announcement from State Treasurer and Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) Vice Chairman Daniel Elliott.
Nominations are officially open for “Opportunity Zone 2.0,” a newly updated initiative designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in distressed communities. Out of 501 eligible census tracts across Indiana, Governor Mike Braun will select 126 to receive the official Opportunity Zone designation.
According to state officials, the revamped 2.0 program shifts its focus to place a much greater emphasis on rural communities. It also introduces stronger accountability measures and enhances financial incentives to successfully draw private capital into the areas of the state that need it most.
A Call for Local Input
State leaders are urging community advocates, local government officials, stakeholders, and everyday Hoosiers to actively participate in the selection process to ensure the most deserving areas are put forward.
“You now have the chance to help shape the next generation of your communities,” Treasurer Elliott said in a statement to Hoosiers. “You have the chance to change the community you live in or a community you care about. Get your nomination in by the deadline!:
The federal Opportunity Zone program, originally established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, allows investors to defer, reduce, or eliminate capital gains taxes if they reinvest those profits into designated low-income areas. The “2.0” framework aims to refine these incentives to ensure local towns see tangible, long-term improvements.
How to Apply
The public nomination window is brief and will remain open through July 17, 2026.
Interested parties can access guidelines and application materials through the following state resources:
- Program Overview & Guidelines: Detailed information and nomination guidance can be found on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) webpage at iedc.in.gov/program/indiana-opportunity-zones/overview.
- Submission Strategy: A comprehensive guide featuring tips on building a strong stakeholder nomination can be viewed via the IEDC’s Official Stakeholder Guidance PDF.
- Application Process: While a review copy of the nomination paper form is available for informational planning, all final entries must be submitted electronically. The online submission portal is hosted through the IHCDA Jotform Link.
Local municipal leaders and regional economic development groups are encouraged to coordinate their efforts ahead of the July deadline to maximize their chances of selection.
