Targeting Opportunity Zones and Other Distressed Communities for Federal Site Locations

Aug 27, 2020

Summary

Changes rules to encourage placing new federal government buildings in areas that need more jobs and investment, called Opportunity Zones.

What problem does this solve?

The federal government was not always placing its new buildings in communities that could most benefit from the economic growth. This order changes the rules to give first choice to these struggling areas when the government is picking a new location.

What does this order do?

Prioritizes Opportunity Zones for federal buildings

Changes a previous order to give preference to qualified Opportunity Zones and other distressed areas when the federal government chooses locations for new facilities.

Updates historic property rules to focus on distressed areas

Revises an order about locating federal facilities in historic properties to focus on distressed communities and Opportunity Zones instead of just 'central cities'.

Clarifies General Services Administration's role

Updates language to direct the Administrator of General Services to develop programs for acquiring and managing federal space to support these policies.

Who does this affect?

Residents of Opportunity Zones and distressed communities
Federal government agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Boosts economic growth in struggling areas

Aims to bring federal jobs and investment to economically distressed communities, known as Opportunity Zones, to help create local growth and opportunity.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on August 24, 2020, the date it was signed.