Governor Pritzker Finalizes 240 Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0
Growing Illinois’ economy and making our state the best place to live and work is at heart of my administration,
Governor JB Pritzker said as the state announced the approval of 240 qualifying census tracts from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The announcement marks the completion of Illinois’ evaluation and engagement process for the next round of federally designated Opportunity Zones, building on changes enacted through federal legislation in 2025. Nearly 90 percent of the chosen tracts qualify as underserved areas under criteria set by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Meanwhile, 32.5 percent of the approved locations qualify as Rural Opportunity Zones, setting them up for enhanced benefits under the updated program.
The state reached this final list of 240 tracts after reviewing more than 500 nominations submitted by businesses, local elected officials, economic development organizations, and individuals across all ten of the state’s economic development regions. DCEO Director Kristin Richards noted that the selection relied on a data-driven evaluation looking closely at economic need, workforce indicators, housing metrics, and existing development potential.
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,
DCEO Director Kristin Richards said.
Local governments and community stakeholders provided extensive input throughout the evaluation phase to help target areas that could best use public and private investments. A complete map of the approved tracts is now available directly on the DCEO’s Opportunity Zones webpage.
BREAKING 🚨 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has approved 5 Opportunity Zone designations in IL-13! These designations will help spur investment, support local businesses, and create new economic opportunities in: • Downtown Springfield •…
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps for Communities
With the federal approvals now secured, the DCEO is shifting focus toward promotion and implementation. State officials will collaborate directly with community leaders, investors, and developers to align incoming capital with local economic priorities across the state.
The newly designated Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts are expected to take effect beginning in January 2027.
