Colorado Submits 91 Geographic Areas for Federal Opportunity Zone Designation

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 28, 2026 — Colorado has put forward 91 geographic areas, which represents the maximum number permitted, for federal designation as new Opportunity Zones. This strategic move is intended to stimulate long-term private investment within low-income communities throughout the state.

The initiative encompasses a broad range of locations, including areas within the Colorado Springs and Denver metropolitan regions, as well as rural communities. The designation of these areas as Opportunity Zones aims to attract capital for development and economic growth in underserved populations.

In El Paso County, specifically, eight census tracts have been nominated for this designation. Among the nominated areas are the North Nevada Corridor and the South Nevada Corridor, both located near downtown Colorado Springs. The nomination of these tracts signals a concentrated effort to promote economic development and create new employment opportunities within these specific locales.

The core objective of the Opportunity Zone program is to encourage private sector investment in these designated areas. By offering tax incentives, the program seeks to spur economic development, foster job creation, and facilitate infrastructure improvements in communities that have historically faced economic challenges.

Details regarding the specific timeline for federal review and designation were not provided in the summary. The contractor responsible for the nominations was also not specified. The success of this initiative will depend on subsequent private investment flowing into these designated zones.

Story summarized from the original created by Breeanna Jent on gazette.com, see more information here.

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