Development on Tap: The Promise of Opportunity Zones and the Challenges of Implementation

The federal government's Opportunity Zone initiative has catalyzed a flood of interest in economic development circles throughout the country, but many low to moderate income communities are still waiting to see significant impacts. What's the state of this new market? Why has implementation been such a challenge for many communities? Who has effectively taken advantage of this program and how have communities positioned themselves for investment? What promising trends and utilizations are on the horizon? What secondary benefits of Opportunity Zone designations through other federal agencies exist?
 
The agenda will feature a discussion with Economic Innovation Group, the DC-based public policy group that incubated the idea behind Opportunity Zones. EIG will speak to the latest developments and tools for Opportunity Zones as well as assessing community impact in OZ projects. Following EIG, we will hear from Vincent Ash, Senior Project Manager for Develop Indy, to discuss Opportunity Zones in Indy through Develop Indy's Investment Prospectus, sharing zone geography and demographics, recent projects and trends, opportunities for investment and more. Jon Berg, IndyEast Promise Zone Director, to discuss the Promise Zone investment prospectus, as well as other federal agencies that are giving preference points or priority consideration to grant applicants in Opportunity Zones.

Come prepared to engage in a lively conversation! Beer from Sun King Brewery and pretzels will be provided. Tickets for this event are $5. Please do not let this $5 fee keep you from attending. Scholarships are available by emailing mbulla@lisc.org.