SSTI, economic development peers submit OZ letter to EDA

SSTI and five peer, economic development-focused organizations submitted a letter to assistant secretary for economic development, John Fleming, in response to a request for information about incorporating Opportunity Zones (OZs) into existing EDA practices. The letter encourages the agency to be cautious in its approach, pointing out that OZ’s impacts are not yet understood. In the meantime, EDA can continue to support distressed regions by providing more education about available programs, technical assistance to strengthen competitiveness, and leverage existing research funding and grant reporting to increase the country’s understanding of economic activity within OZs. The other organizations signing the letter are: International Economic Development Council, National Association of Counties, National Association of Regional Councils, National League of Cities, and Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Read the full letter.