The Delaware Division of Small Business has unveiled a new online mapping tool designed to help communities identify and nominate areas for the next phase of the federal Opportunity Zone program.
Developed in collaboration with the Office of State Planning Coordination, the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Office of the Governor, the tool highlights 61 census tracts across the state that are eligible for nomination under Opportunity Zones 2.0. The interactive map is available at de.gov/oz.
The platform allows users to view existing opportunity zones and overlay additional data identifying both rural and non-rural eligible census tracts. The tool follows guidance issued April 6 by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury outlining procedures for designating new qualified opportunity zones, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
“Technology makes opportunity more accessible for everyone, and we launched this mapping tool to make the Opportunity Zone nomination process simpler while there is still time for communities to weigh in,” said Matt Meyer. “This tool helps local leaders, property owners, and community partners engage in the process and compete for the investments and jobs their communities deserve.”
State officials said the map is based on the federal appendix identifying eligible census tracts and was created to streamline the nomination process at the state level.
“We’re excited to launch this mapping tool as we’ve had many people ask when it would be available,” said Patricia Cannon. “I want to thank our partners at the Office of State Planning who were able to produce this map so quickly after receiving the federal list.”
In addition to the mapping tool, the state has launched an online nomination form that allows developers, financial institutions, property owners and community leaders to propose census tracts for consideration. Submissions are due by May 15, giving the Delaware Opportunity Zone team time to review and evaluate proposals before the governor submits up to 25 nominations to the U.S. Treasury between July 1 and Sept. 30.
As of April 6, officials said 23 census tracts had already been nominated.
State leaders are encouraging applicants to submit strong business cases and engage local stakeholders to strengthen their proposals. Officials also noted that census tracts designated under the original Opportunity Zone program will expire for new investments after Jan. 1, 2027, unless they are re-nominated and approved under the new program.
The Opportunity Zone initiative is designed to spur economic development by encouraging investment in underserved communities, and state officials say the new tool will help ensure Delaware remains competitive in attracting future growth.
Learn more by visiting DSB online.
