COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) – A total of 260 census tracts across Ohio have been approved as federal Opportunity Zones, opening the door to tax incentives intended to encourage private investment and economic development.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the designations after the U.S. Department of the Treasury approved all 260 tracts nominated by the state. The Opportunity Zones 2.0 program takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and is designed to encourage investments in housing development, business expansion, job creation and community revitalization.
The Department of Development received 951 nominations representing 515 of Ohio’s 1,040 eligible census tracts through a statewide survey. Of the 260 tracts selected, 96 are in rural communities. Every Ohio county with an eligible census tract received at least one nomination. Additionally, 78 of the newly designated tracts were part of the state’s original Opportunity Zones program, which began in 2018 and included 320 tracts across 73 counties.
Southeast Ohio counties receiving new Opportunity Zone designations:
- Athens
- Belmont
- Coshocton
- Fairfield
- Guernsey
- Harrison
- Hocking
- Jefferson
- Licking
- Morgan
- Muskingum
- Perry
- Tuscarawas
- Washington
Originally established in 2017, the federal program provides tax benefits to eligible investors who put money into economically distressed communities. Under the updated framework approved by Congress in 2025, states must redesignate eligible zones every 10 years. Ohio’s new designations will remain in effect through 2036.
