Described as an innovative new tool for American economic development, Opportunity Zones were introduced into the tax code through the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017. The policy, which aims to spur real estate development and small business growth in struggling census tracts across the nation, has generate significant excitement and interest. With applicable rules and regulations yet to be finalized, however, the amount of “opportunity” actually promised remains to be seen.

Mr. Seigel was named Baltimore City’s first Opportunity Zones Coordinator in October 2018. He now promotes development in Baltimore Opportunity Zones while serving as the primary point of contact for potential investors and city stakeholders. Join us as he shares a firsthand view of the program’s early development in Baltimore and cities like it.

Mr. Thomas is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an MBA from Stanford's Graduate School of Business. As Director of Economic Development and Opportunity Zones at Accelerator for America, Mr. Thomas now leads collaboration with small-scale cities across the U.S. as they develop their plans for leveraging Opportunity Zones to meet policy goals and mitigate potential pitfalls.

Join us as Ben and Aaron share a firsthand view of the program’s early development, discuss its policy implications, and review the newest round of Treasury rules governing Opportunity Zones' roll-out.