Gov. Pritzker Announces Approval of 240 Illinois Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0
State finalizes selections to attract investments and create jobs, with nearly 90% of approved tracts in underserved areas
November 5, 2026
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the State of Illinois has received approval for 240 qualifying census tracts from the U.S. Department of the Treasury as part of Opportunity Zones 2.0, completing the State's evaluation and engagement process for the next round of federally-designated Opportunity Zones. A map of the approved tracts can be found on DCEO's Opportunity Zones webpage.
“Growing Illinois’ economy and making our state the best place to live and work is at heart of my administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am grateful for the work of our state and local leaders who helped guide this process toward a clear goal of bringing investment and economic development to communities across Illinois. These designations will help attract business, create good-paying jobs, and build lasting opportunity for Illinois families.”
Opportunity Zones 2.0 incorporate changes to the program made through federal legislation in 2025. Nearly 90% of the approved tracts qualify as underserved areas under DCEO’s criteria, while 32.5 % qualify as Rural Opportunity Zones and will have enhanced benefits under the updated program. DCEO received and reviewed more than 500 tract nominations from economic development organizations, businesses, local elected officials, and individuals representing all ten economic development regions in Illinois.
The 240 tracts were identified through a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation and statewide engagement process, which included reviewing eligible census tracts for economic need, business and investment attraction potential, housing and workforce indicators, existing development opportunities, regional economic priorities, and opportunities to leverage Opportunity Zones alongside other public and private investments. The engagement process also incorporated input from local governments, economic development organizations, community leaders, developers, and investors to help identify priorities that could benefit from the Opportunity Zone 2.0 initiative.
“Through a data-driven evaluation and extensive statewide engagement, we identified 240 census tracts with potential to attract new investment, support business growth, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen local economies." said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "As we move toward implementation, DCEO will continue working alongside local leaders, businesses, investors, and economic development partners to help ensure these designations support long-term, inclusive growth in communities throughout Illinois.”
With the designations finalized, DCEO will continue working with communities, investors, developers and economic development partners to promote the new Opportunity Zones and help connect investment with local economic development priorities. The Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts are expected to take effect beginning in January 2027.
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