Opportunity Zones

A new way to finance projects in underserved areas.

Overview, Background and Description

Public Law 115-97, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provides for the governor of each state to nominate certain census tracts as “Opportunity Zones”. Designation as an Opportunity Zone allows for the creation of a new class of investment vehicle with tax advantages authorized to aggregate and deploy private investment located in Opportunity Zones. The purpose of these tax advantages is to attract capital investment into economically distressed areas.

On Friday, May 18, 2018, the Department of the Treasury designated 63 Opportunity Zones in New Mexico. New Mexico’s Opportunity Zones are located in rural, tribal and urban communities in 22 counties. Qualified Opportunity Zones retain this designation for 10 years. 

Connect to New Mexico's Opportunity Zones and Resources 

NMEDD has created an online hub to assist with education, technical assistance and making connections for businesses, investors, communities and partners. 

• Find OZs in NM using our interactive map
• Access numerous resources
• Submit an OZ project
• Sign up for the NM OZ email list

Go to the NM Opportunity Zone Online Hub

OZ LEDA Jobs Bonus 

To encourage development in NM Opportunity Zones, NMEDD is offering an incentive as a part of LEDA. New Mexico will guarantee an additional $1 million in LEDA funding to projects locating in an Opportunity Zone if they meet specific criteria:

• The project must be in one of the nine key industry sectors outlined by the Governor: aerospace, biosciences, cybersecurity, film & television, global trade, intelligent manufacturing, outdoor recreation, sustainable & green energy and sustainable value-added agriculture.
• Investment must create a minimum of $2.5 million dollars in annual payroll with average annual salaries greater than 2% above the county average as defined by the Bureau of Labor statistics QCEW Data; if located in Santa Fe, Albuquerque or Rio Rancho, investment must create a minimum of $3.5 million dollars in annual payroll with average annual salaries greater than 2% above the county average as defined by the Bureau of Labor statistics QCEW Data.
• Must commit to a 10-year agreement.
• Must have a capital investment of $10 million or higher; if located in Santa Fe, Albuquerque or Rio Rancho $15 million or higher.
• The project must be an expansion or out-of-state relocation

Questions?  Contact 505-827-0300 or opportunity.zones@state.nm.us 

Printable PDF Opportunity Zone Maps:

• Statewide
• Central Region
• Doña Ana County
• Santa Fe County