# Illinois Secures 240 Opportunity Zones

Illinois received federal approval for 240 census tracts under Opportunity Zones 2.0, with the designations expected to take effect in January 2027. Nearly 90% of the selected tracts meet the state’s underserved-area criteria, and 32.5% qualify as Rural Opportunity Zones. The announcement identifies no solicitation, contract, or procurement funding; it signals potential investment and economic-development activity that may be relevant to businesses, developers, and investors planning work in Illinois communities.

- Businesses and developers can review DCEO’s approved-tract map and coordinate with local partners to assess potential projects in designated areas.
- Rural Opportunity Zone designations may offer enhanced benefits, making those tracts relevant to investment and project-location planning.
- Procurement professionals should treat this as an economic-development signal, not an open contracting opportunity; no contract value or solicitation was announced.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury)
- State of Illinois

### Key Quotes
> These designations will help attract business, create good-paying jobs, and build lasting opportunity for Illinois families.
> — JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

### Sources
- [The State of Illinois Newsroom](https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-announces-approval-of-240-illinois-census-tracts-for-opportunity-zones-20) - IL
- [release](https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.33110.html) - IL