Opportunity Zones, a federal economic development tool that provides tax incentives for investments in low-income communities, are back and bigger than ever. They’re one of the most exciting and catalytic development finance tools in decades. Originally introduced as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Congress has just passed legislation to renew and strengthen this successful program.

An Opportunity Zone designation alone does not guarantee investment in your community. Effectively leveraging this complex tool requires a strong understanding of its strategies and deployment mechanisms. Communities and practitioners with the most comprehensive knowledge and preparedness will be best positioned to unlock the full potential of this innovative financing tool, supporting community revitalization, economic development, and housing projects.

The CDFA Intro Opportunity Zones 2.0 Finance Course will bring together program designers, fund managers, community leaders, investors, and policy experts to share strategies for attracting zone investments and maximizing Opportunity Zone 2.0. The course will also cover key legislative updates, including enhanced bonus depreciation provisions, new zone designations with an emphasis on rural areas, and other critical policy developments.

This course is taking place as part of CDFA's 2025 National Development Finance Summit. Learn more about the National Summit here.

This course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.

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Course Objectives Learn the fundamentals of Opportunity Zones 2.0 Understand key legislative updates and changes Explore how OZs can support housing and other development projects Gain insight into the key players shaping the Opportunity Zone landscape Engage directly with fund managers and investors Discuss best practices for structuring Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Funds Learn how to identify potential funders and effectively market your zones Explore how OZ 2.0 can contribute to community revitalization Build connections and identify opportunities for future investment Topics Covered Fundamentals of Opportunity Zones Strategies for attracting investment Engaging stakeholders and communities Rural and urban Opportunity Zone approaches Impact investing within Opportunity Zones Community, zone-level, and project case studies Timing and location of Opportunity Fund investments Fund-manager perspectives on zone investment State-level Opportunity Zone strategies Debt-financing tools that complement Opportunity Fund investments Who Should Attend? Economic development professionals Community development practitioners Real estate developers Investors and fund managers Non-profit leaders Elected officials Legal counsel Policymakers Accountants and tax professionals Commercial bankers Financial advisors

Course Advisor

This training course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.

Scholarships are available for members to attend this event. Learn more about the CDFA Scholarship Program, and submit your application today. Please note that the application deadline is two weeks prior to the course start date.

Register by September 18, 2025 for Early Bird Rates.

Early Bird Rates (Ends November 28) CDFA Member: $500 Non-Member: $825

Standard Rates (After November 28) CDFA Member: $625 Non-Member: $950

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