Opportunity Zones and the Challenge of Addressing Our Economic Divides

Explore the potential impact of Opportunity Zones on addressing economic divides in a 1 hour 36 minute conference talk by The Aspen Institute. Delve into how this initiative could unleash investment in low-income communities across the United States, examining its potential benefits and challenges. Learn about the geographical concentration of economic growth, job creation disparities between prosperous and less prosperous areas, and the persistent racial bias in wealth inequality. Discover how Opportunity Zone investments might support small business growth and local ownership in underserved communities. Gain insights from featured speakers, including experts from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Concerned Capital, Economic Innovation Group, and LISC. Understand the importance of focusing investments to create jobs and wealth for communities, support small business development, and extend opportunities to traditionally marginalized groups. Explore topics such as brownfield remediation, impact investment, and local planning services. Join the conversation on social media and learn about related resources and events from the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.

Introduction
Welcome
Background
Why Opportunity Zones
The potential of Opportunity Zones
The value of Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones for businesses
Opportunity Zones regulations
More guardrails
Local planning services
Investment pitfalls
Lessons to learn
Incentives
The Toolbox
brownfield remediation
impact investment
idea principle message
we are worth it