Selma council backs nominations for Opportunity Zone 2.0; public comment period runs through Aug. 28

The Selma City Council authorized staff to continue advocating for three census tracts to be designated in the state's Opportunity Zone 2.0 recommendations and to submit supporting documentation during the state's public‑comment period.

City Manager (speaker 8) told the council that two of the three tracts submitted by the city were included in the state's draft recommendations and a third tract—covering a large portion of the downtown business district—remained eligible and subject to public comment through Aug. 28. "Tonight's action authorizes the city to continue advocating for these designations and submit supporting documentation during the state's public comment process," the City Manager said.

City staff said nomination could make parcels in the tracts more attractive to long‑term private investment by offering federal tax incentives beginning Jan. 1, 2027, for qualified projects. Council members noted existing and proposed developments in the area, including Las Casitas and potential Summit Marketplace, and expressed optimism that the designation would help leverage private investment and infrastructure funding. The resolution passed on roll call.