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Presenter outlines Opportunity Zones 2 timeline and local implications for Linn County
Summary
A presenter summarized the new Opportunity Zones 2 program, explained the reduced state nomination slots and deadlines (June 1 nominations to commerce; investments could begin Jan. 1, 2027), and advised Linn County to identify a staff contact after a mapping check showed a narrow corridor along U.S. 69 as potentially eligible.
Paul, a presenter to the Linn County Board of Commissioners, briefed the board on Opportunity Zones 2 and what local officials should do before the state's June 1 nomination deadline.
Paul said the updated federal program reduces the number of state nominations (from 74 to 52 in Kansas) and that qualifying census-tract maps from the U.S. Treasury remain pending; once published, the state will vet nominations and forward a recommended list to the governor for submission to Treasury. He urged communities to use the available mapping tool and to prepare concise business cases focused on how the designation would attract investors rather than re-stating need.
Commissioners asked whether nominations must be within city limits and how the county might engage investors. Paul said qualifying census tracts can include rural county areas and that investors often seek infrastructure support—such as roads, water or power upgrades—from local government if a project requires it.
During on‑screen mapping with the presenter, commissioners observed that only a corridor along U.S. 69 (north of Trading Post to the power‑plant area, including Lynn Valley Lakes) appeared as a possible qualifying tract for Linn County under current tool outputs. Paul noted that the U.S. Treasury's official list had not been posted yet and agreed to email the definitive map and related guidance once available.
The presenter summarized key dates: the state's internal nomination process leading to a June 1 submission deadline to commerce, U.S. Treasury notification to communities expected in November, and investments becoming eligible beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The board directed staff to identify a county point of contact for investor relations and to circulate the official map when Treasury releases it.
