Bossier Parish committee backs three census tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0 recommendation

Dr. Ken Ward, Bossier Parish Administrator, told the committee that the State of Louisiana requested the parish identify its top three Opportunity Zones under the 2025 "Big Beautiful Bill," explaining Opportunity Zones are federal capital gains tax incentive locations often sited in low-income areas. He said there are 13 census tracts in Bossier Parish and presented a map showing his suggested tracts in Plain Dealing, Haughton and the Cyber Innovation Center area.

Ward noted the parish had received a request for a zone at the Pierre Bossier Mall but said that, after verification, "it is not a good fit for the area." He asked the committee to approve placing an item on the May 6, 2026 Regular Meeting agenda to designate Census Tract Numbers 22015011107, 220150111111 and 22015011118 to participate in the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. The committee indicated unanimous support: "All were in favor, with none opposed." Ward said the selection must be finalized at the May 6 meeting to meet the May 15, 2026 deadline; the Louisiana Economic Development office will advertise Opportunity Zones statewide to attract potential development.