The CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series, presented in partnership with Grow America, brings together in-depth research and national experts to help communities stay informed on the latest Opportunity Zone developments. The Learning Series delivers timely, relevant insights on evolving policy, Opportunity Zone developments and implementation strategies.

As updated Opportunity Zone designations are identified in 2027, communities must prepare to leverage this unique development finance tool. The Learning Series translates complex updates into practical guidance, equipping local leaders with the knowledge needed for informed, confident decision-making.

Through expert-led discussions, CDFA will explore how communities can strategically deploy Opportunity Zone equity investments alongside complementary debt instruments. The series will also examine how Opportunity Zones can support a wide range of development priorities, including mixed-use, office, commercial, housing, manufacturing, redevelopment, nonprofit facilities, and essential utilities.

Each session will discuss newly released and timely Opportunity Zone information as it becomes available. Focus areas include:

• Accessing timely updates and news on Opportunity Zone policy and guidance
• Introduction to Opportunity Zones
• Project prospectuses and OZ strategies
• Building and/or engaging Opportunity Zone Funds
• Guiding bond programs to support OZ projects
• Using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and OZ together
• Engaging tax credits to complete the capital stack in OZs
• Maximizing revolving loan funds (RLFs) to support OZ small businesses
• Navigating OZ compliance, monitoring, and reporting
• Creating an "OZ Ready" approach
• Connecting with the OZ private sector stakeholders
• Exploring best practices and case studies for OZ success

Attendees have the option to register for one session or the full series. Significant discounts are available for CDFA member organizations and those who register for the full series.

Past sessions can still be purchased and an exclusive recording of the event will be sent to your email.

Register for the CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series today, and learn more about joining CDFA.

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Course Advisor Noelle Sheets Council of Development Finance Agencies Vice President, CDFA and Executive Director, CDFA Foundation Noelle Sheets is Vice President overseeing the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and Executive Director of the CDFA Foundation. She plays a pivotal role in shaping CDFA's future direction and... ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of development finance. Ms. Sheets came to CDFA in 2019, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit association management gained through positions at SSTI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Central Ohio, and the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. As VP of the Knowledge & Networks Division, Ms. Sheets implements strategies to expand, energize, and optimize CDFA’s portfolio of work including the CDFA Training Institute, CDFA Advisory Services, membership, sponsorship, and event activities. As Executive Director of the CDFA Foundation, Ms. Sheets designs and coordinates the Foundation’s activities, focusing on creating equitable and inclusive opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and communities involved in the development finance industry. She is deeply passionate about the Foundation’s mission and actively champions initiatives such as the CDFA Foundation Scholarship Program and the Caren S. Franzini Fellowship Program. She is skilled at connecting with people authentically and positively, leading to effective collaboration and shared success. Ms. Sheets holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations from Capital University. (More)

CDFA has provided two options for registering for the CDFA Opportunity Zones Learning Series.

Individual Sessions
Participants can register at any time for an individual webinar:
CDFA Member: $300
Non-Member: $375

Full Series
Participants can register for the full series and receive a significant discount:
CDFA Member: $1,000
Non-Member: $1,400

Group Rate
Participants from the same organization will receive a 50% discount for registering 5 or more people.

Session Recordings
Webinars will be recorded and placed online for participants to access afterward. Only attendees who purchased either an individual webinar or the full series will have access to the online recordings. Attendees who miss a webinar or who register for a session after it has taken place will also have access to the online recording.

Register