WH Opportunity Council (E.O. 13853)

Summary

Creates a White House council to find ways to bring more jobs and money to poor communities, including special areas called opportunity zones.

What problem does this solve?

Many American communities suffer from high poverty, few jobs, and failing schools despite a growing national economy. This order creates a council to coordinate government efforts and encourage private investment to help revitalize these struggling areas.

What does this order do?

Establishes the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council

Creates a new council to coordinate federal efforts to encourage investment in poor communities, especially in designated 'opportunity zones'.

Defines the council's mission

Tasks the council with finding ways to use federal money to help poor areas, reduce rules that stop investment, and work with local leaders.

Appoints council leadership

Names the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Chair and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy as the Vice Chair.

Sets reporting deadlines

Requires the council to submit reports to the President with a work plan, recommended policy changes, and best practices within specific timeframes.

Amends Executive Order 13845

Changes a previous executive order about the American worker, shifting appointment power for an advisory board to the Secretary of Commerce.

Who does this affect?

Residents of economically distressed communities
Investors and businesses
State, local, and tribal governments

What is the real world impact?

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Coordinates federal support for opportunity zones

Aims to make the 'opportunity zones' tax incentive from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act more effective. Gets all federal agencies to work together, remove roadblocks, and focus resources on helping these poor areas.

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Streamlines government aid

Reduces red tape for community groups and local governments applying for federal help. Makes it easier for them to get and manage different types of public and private money for development projects.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for the new council to report its findings and recommendations.

Work plan submission

Within 90 days of the order (by March 12, 2019), the council must submit a detailed work plan to the President.

Initial recommendations

Within 210 days of the order (by July 10, 2019), the council must provide a list of recommended changes to laws and rules to encourage investment.

Further recommendations

Within 1 year of the order (by December 12, 2019), the council must recommend changes to help local governments use federal resources.

Best practices report

Within 1 year of the order (by December 12, 2019), the council must submit a list of best practices for public and private investments.

Council termination

The council is set to end on January 21, 2021, unless the President extends it.