There is now an organization calling itself a "Chamber of Commerce" for opportunity zones.
"A staffer for Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), one of the creators of the 2017 tax law’s opportunity zone tax breaks, has left the senator’s office to launch a trade group that will represent investors taking advantage of the tax incentives," reports Lydia O'Neal.
"Shafron 'Shay' Hawkins, who confirmed his departure to Bloomberg Tax, founded the Opportunity Funds Association, a Section 501(c)(6) trade association, with Surya Gunasekara, a lobbyist and former chief of tax and tax counsel to former Rep. Jim Renacci (R-Ohio)," according to O'Neal. "The association will lobby on policy surrounding opportunity zones at the federal, state, and local levels, according to its website."
More details on the group, its financial backing, and some of the legal questions still in plan regarding opportunity zones are included in the article.
FULL STORY: Former Scott Staffer Sets Up Opportunity Zone Lobby Group (3)
Shuttered Baltimore Hotel Will Become Affordable Housing
The project will create 303 new workforce housing units in a former downtown hotel.
Growth of Ohio Data Centers Prompts Concerns
A watchdog group is questioning whether the benefits of data centers outweigh their negative impacts on the local economy and power grid.
Opinion: Congress Should Expand the Opportunity Zone Program
The federal economic development program has brought over $100 billion in private investment to revitalize struggling communities.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service