Kittitas County commissioners approve resolution to nominate six census tracts for Opportunity Zones 2

The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing six eligible census tracts to be submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce for nomination to the Treasury’s Opportunity Zones 2 program.

Josh Fredersen, Public Works, told the commissioners the resolution would allow the county to forward the identified tracts to the Department of Commerce for nomination to Opportunity Zones 2, a program the presentation described as offering "some tax benefits for economic growth, housing, and jobs in rural areas." Amy McGuffin, president and CEO of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, said the county is required to adopt a resolution under the program’s eligibility rules and noted municipal participation and letters of support.

The motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded during the meeting; the board recorded two affirmative votes and the resolution was approved. Commissioners directed staff to submit the county’s nomination materials to the Department of Commerce as required by the program process.

Why it matters: Opportunity Zones nominations can make tracts eligible for tax‑advantaged capital investments aimed at spurring development in qualifying areas. County staff said the submission signals municipal buy‑in and is a necessary step in the application process.

What’s next: The approved resolution will be transmitted to the Washington Department of Commerce for its nomination packet to the U.S. Treasury. The board did not amend the text of the resolution during the session and staff said they would bring any subsequent contract or follow‑up documents back to the board for formal acceptance.