Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool that allows people to invest in distressed areas in the United States.
Their purpose is to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities while providing tax benefits to investors.
Opportunity Zones were created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Public Law No. 115-97). Thousands of low-income communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories are designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Taxpayers can invest in these zones through Qualified Opportunity Funds.
Workshops:
SESSION 1: Stakeholder Engagement
Join us on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, for the first of four virtual Opportunity Zone (OZ) workshops hosted by the County of Hawai’i and featuring leading OZ experts: Blake Christian (Tax Partner | Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP), Gerry Reihsen (Corporate/Securities Attorney | Reihsen & Associates), and Ed Smith (former Chief Opportunity Zones Officer | City of Atlanta’s Economic Development Authority-Invest Atlanta). Starting with a session focused on stakeholder engagement, the series will take attendees from start to finish on OZ project development and provide resources, best practices, and opportunities to connect with stakeholders and a network of incentives. This series will be held biweekly and will feature leading experts in the field, with mentorship and advising available to attendees throughout.
Session 2
On June 29, participate in a deep dive into the OZ regulations and special topics for various stakeholders. Panelists will have “office hours” throughout the entire workshop series to answer questions and provide additional guidance to stakeholders.
Session 3
Taking place on July 13, this workshop will help project managers prepare to pitch in front of investors, including examples of actual projects, putting together pitches, project packaging, etc.
Session 4
On July 27, we end the OZ workshop series by inviting Big Island stakeholders to participate in a pitch event
Presented by the County of Hawaiʻi, this series runs June 15, through July 27, 2021.
For registration for all sessions Click Here!
For a map of Hawaii Opportunity Zones Click Here!
