20260528 Special Executive Session: Opportunity Zones

This transcript is from a special executive session held by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors on May 28, 2026, focused on Opportunity Zones within the county. The meeting involved detailed discussions about identifying and prioritizing census tracts eligible for nomination as Opportunity Zones under the upcoming Opportunity Zones 2.0 program, effective January 1. Board members reviewed various geographic areas, considering factors such as infrastructure availability, population density, poverty rates, workforce proximity, and potential for long-term investment. They discussed challenges including data discrepancies between sources, the impact of water management areas, and the presence of state and federal lands that could affect development. While no final votes were taken during this session, the board planned to reconvene the following week to vote on which zones to nominate. The session emphasized the importance of selecting zones attractive to private investors, particularly highlighting areas near the port of entry and commercial corridors. The discussion also underscored that Opportunity Zone investments are driven by private capital seeking tax incentives, with no direct government funding involved.