Pennsylvania outlines nomination process for Opportunity Zones, opens July window

Melissa Wright, executive policy director at Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development, told a state webinar that Pennsylvania has 866 eligible census tracts and may nominate 25% — 207 tracts — for Opportunity Zone designation in the OZ 2 cycle. "We really want to make sure that you will have an opportunity to engage early and provide meaningful input as we move forward," Wright said.

The state’s nomination window opens on July 1, and the governor will have 90 days to submit the nomination package to the U.S. Treasury for certification, with federal designations scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to Wright. She said the state has already notified municipalities whose tracts lost eligibility under updated federal criteria and is now in a phase of local engagement and ranking.

Wright described the state’s review as focused on collecting stakeholder feedback, evaluating eligible tracts and assembling a nomination package for the governor. Communities should expect virtual office hours, webinars and one-on-one support from the DCED Opportunity Zone team, and Wright said the webinar recording and slides will be posted on the agency website.

She urged local governments and economic development organizations to answer a short survey (municipal emails include tract-specific requests), complete the public feedback form on the DCED site if not contacted directly and reach out to the general program address (opzonespa.gov) for assistance. Wright said municipalities and counties received outreach with a June 5 deadline to submit rankings and information on readiness and zoning.

Wright recommended that communities prepare by identifying catalytic redevelopment opportunities, gathering investment-ready project information, reviewing planning documents, coordinating with anchor institutions and regional partners, and assessing how Opportunity Zones would complement other state and federal funding sources. "This is really the time to begin organizing locally and thinking strategically about long term development priorities," she said.

Next steps: DCED will evaluate local submissions in June and July, produce a recommended map and the governor’s office will review nominations during the 90-day window that begins July 1. Communities that did not receive direct outreach should email opzonespa.gov to confirm receipt of their tract lists and to request assistance.