-Overview
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 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 Zones 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.
Register
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
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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
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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
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-Agenda
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
| Wed 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM |
Welcome & Overview
Opportunity Zones 2.0 builds on the foundation of the original incentive, incorporating lessons learned and updated approaches to investment, equity, and long-term impact. This session introduces the scope and structure of the course, highlighting the range of strategies, tools, and perspectives we’ll explore together.
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| Wed 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM |
Opportunity Zones: The Fundamentals & What’s Changed
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the OZ program, including the origins of the incentive, tax benefits, and zone designation. We’ll also discuss how the landscape has changed since the program launched and explore how those changes are influencing current strategy and community readiness.
Speaker(s)
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| Wed 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM |
Laying the Groundwork: Partnerships, Assets & Local Readiness
Strong OZ investment starts with strong community groundwork. This session explores how local leaders can engage key partners, conduct asset and opportunity mapping, and organize investment pipelines. We'll also discuss how a refreshed investment prospectus can reflect not just potential, but community priorities.
Speaker(s)
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| Wed 12:20 PM - 12:30 PM |
Break
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| Wed 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Stacking Capital: Financing Projects in OZs
Most successful OZ projects rely on multiple sources of capital. In this session, we’ll explore how to layer OZ equity with bonds, tax credits, revolving loan funds, and other tools. We’ll also examine how capital stacking can improve financial viability and community outcomes.
Speaker(s)
- James Snyder, Senior Principal, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
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| Wed 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM |
Break
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| Wed 1:40 PM - 2:35 PM |
Opportunity Funds 2.0: Structure, Strategy & Alignment
This session explores how Opportunity Funds are evolving—moving toward greater transparency, compliance awareness, and impact-driven investment strategies. We’ll cover the mechanics of fund formation, what makes a fund appealing, and how communities can better align with fund goals.
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| Wed 2:35 PM - 3:20 PM |
What Opportunity Funds Want (Now)
Understanding what attracts an Opportunity Fund is key to securing investment. This session examines how fund managers evaluate opportunities based on financial returns, mission alignment, risk, and readiness. Participants will gain practical insights into how to shape their projects to resonate with today’s evolving investor.
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| Wed 3:20 PM - 3:55 PM |
Spotlight: Emerging Strategies & Community Approaches
We’ll wrap with examples of early OZ 2.0 strategies from the field. These may include new fund models, refreshed prospectuses, and community-led approaches. Attendees will gain insight into how others are evolving their use of the OZ incentive and what lessons are emerging.
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| Wed 3:55 PM - 4:00 PM |
Closing Discussion
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-Location
The Intro Opportunity Zones Course will be held at Royal Sonesta San Juan. The course will meet from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Eastern. |
-Registration
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 16, 2025 for Early Bird Rates.
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CDFA Member: $500
Non-Member: $825
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CDFA Member: $625
Non-Member: $950
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Register