Palm Beach County forwards 20 census tracks to governor for Opportunity Zone consideration
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Summary
The board approved forwarding 20 recommended census tracks (16 in eastern county, 4 in western) to the governor for Opportunity Zone designation; staff will complete the state's April 1 form and coordinate with municipal partners to strengthen each track’s zoning and infrastructure case.
Palm Beach County commissioners voted to recommend 20 census tracks for Opportunity Zone designation and directed staff to finalize and submit required forms to the state by April 1.
Sean Rowland of the Business Development Board and county staff described the selection process: staff, local municipalities and stakeholders reviewed eligible census tracts and prioritized tracks with poverty rates and low median family income levels that also possess zoning, infrastructure and job characteristics attractive to investors. Rowland said the county worked with land planners and multiple community groups to refine the recommendations.
Mary Weimer noted the state’s submission form now requires more detailed information, including zoning, infrastructure and economic development potential; staff said they would return to municipalities to fill out the state form so the governor would have no empty fields and would be more likely to select the county’s recommendations.
The board approved the slate 6-0 and asked staff to coordinate with municipal partners on outreach and the April 1 submission deadline.