Last month, the Opportunity Funds Association (OFA) proudly relaunched under new leadership and with renewed purpose. Just days later, we were excited to welcome President Trump’s proposed One Big Beautiful Bill—a bold step that reaffirms the importance of Opportunity Zones in driving investment and economic revitalization. Below is a statement from OFA Executive Director, Ja’Ron Smith, on the significance of this moment for the OZ community.
“With the passage of this historic legislation and Opportunity Zones 2.0 included, we’re celebrating a generational win for underserved communities, responsible developers, and long-term investors alike. The bipartisan improvements made to the OZ provisions not only signal a recommitment to place-based investment—it positions Opportunity Zones as a permanent fixture in America’s economic development toolkit.
The updated measures—like rolling five-year deferral windows and simplified basis step-ups—will unlock new momentum for catalytic projects across urban, rural, and tribal communities. These enhancements are smart, responsive, and investor-friendly, and they help put an end to the ‘dead zones’ that hampered deployment under OZ 1.0. Even more exciting: rural OZ investors now receive a 30% basis step-up at the five-year mark—proof that equity and economic growth can move in lockstep.
With the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ headed back to the White House, we’re already shifting into the next phase: telling the story. This is our opportunity to showcase the impact, spotlight real people and real places, and shape the national narrative about what inclusive growth can look like.
OFA will be launching a renewed communications strategy to educate the public, policymakers, and partners about how OZ 2.0 delivers. From digital storytelling and investor briefings to community spotlights and bipartisan policy roundtables, we’re ready to scale this movement—and make it visible.
Opportunity Zones are no longer a pilot. They are a promise—and now, they’re permanent.”
To be part of this pivotal moment for the Opportunity Zone industry, we invite you to join the Opportunity Funds Association today. As a member, you’ll gain access to timely policy updates, exclusive events, investor resources, and a national network of OZ leaders driving real impact. Visit www.zonefunds.org to learn more and become a member.