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), in 2025 Congress 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.

Created exclusively for HUD CPD staff, this specialized edition of CDFA's Intro Opportunity Zones Finance Course brings together program designers, fund managers, community leaders, investors, and policy experts to share strategies for attracting Opportunity Zone investments and maximizing Opportunity Zones 2.0. The course will 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 qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program.

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)