Oppurtunity Zones

Opportunity Zones & Economic Freedom Zones Revitalization Program (OZ-EFZRP)

The Michigan First Movement operates the Opportunity Zones & Economic Freedom Zones Revitalization Program (OZ-EFZRP), a targeted economic development initiative designed to fully leverage existing federal Opportunity Zones incentives and related Economic Freedom Zone concepts alongside traditional state and federal grant funding. This program accelerates the revitalization of distressed Michigan communities by attracting private capital, creating jobs, and fostering long-term prosperity for local families and businesses.

OZ-EFZRP functions as a strategic investment hub and grant accelerator, assisting local governments, developers, community organizations, and businesses in accessing tax incentives, grants, and technical resources to transform designated zones into thriving economic centers.

Program Vision and Goals

The program drives comprehensive community revitalization by:

• Maximizing private investment through Opportunity Zone tax benefits (deferral, exclusion, and basis step-up).

• Complementing tax incentives with layered federal and state grants for infrastructure, housing, and business development.

• Creating high-quality jobs and economic opportunity in historically underinvested areas.

• Supporting mixed-use, mixed-income development that strengthens neighborhoods and attracts young families.

• Promoting sustainable, locally driven growth that expands the tax base and reduces long-term public service costs.

Strategic Alignment with Existing Incentives and Grants

OZ-EFZRP is built to combine Opportunity Zone designations with major funding streams:

• Federal Opportunity Zones: Capital gains tax incentives for Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) investing in designated census tracts.

• Economic Development Administration (EDA): Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Build to Scale grants.

• HUD: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Choice Neighborhoods, and HOME Investment Partnerships.

• USDA Rural Development: For rural Opportunity Zones (Community Facilities, Business & Industry).

• U.S. Department of Commerce and Treasury: Support for Opportunity Zone ecosystems.

• Michigan-Specific: Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) programs, Michigan Community Revitalization Program, Brownfield Redevelopment incentives, and state tax abatements.

Eligible Project Categories

The program offers broad flexibility to align with grant and incentive requirements:

1. Business and Industry Growth

• Attraction and expansion of manufacturers, tech firms, agribusiness, and service companies in Opportunity Zones.

• Small business incubators, commercial corridors, and supply chain development.

2. Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization

• Mixed-income housing, workforce housing, and redevelopment of blighted properties.

• Traditional neighborhood design that supports family living and community stability.

3. Infrastructure and Placemaking

• Roads, utilities, broadband, and public amenities that unlock private investment.

• Downtown revitalization, parks, and gathering spaces that enhance quality of life.

4. Workforce and Talent Development

• Job training, apprenticeships, and education partnerships tied to zone employers.

• Programs that connect local residents, including young people and generational Michiganders, to new opportunities.

5. Community and Cultural Anchors

• Projects that combine economic development with historic preservation, arts, and small-town character.

• Initiatives that strengthen local identity and long-term community resilience.

Program Features Designed for Maximum Impact

• Integrated OZ + Grant Strategy: Expert guidance on structuring Qualified Opportunity Fund investments alongside grant applications for blended financing that reduces project risk and increases scale.

• Technical Assistance Hub: Comprehensive support including OZ certification assistance, grant writing, pro forma development, incentive stacking, and compliance. Priority help for smaller communities and local developers.

• Local Priority Focus: Emphasis on projects that deliver benefits to existing residents, generational families, and Michigan-based businesses.

• Transparency and Accountability: Clear metrics (capital invested, jobs created, housing units built, private leverage ratios, and community outcome indicators) with public reporting.

• Equity and Inclusion: Outreach to ensure underserved census tracts and rural Opportunity Zones fully participate.

Expected Outcomes

• Substantial private capital deployment into Michigan’s Opportunity Zones.

• Revitalized commercial districts, new housing, and modern infrastructure.

• Job creation and higher wages in targeted communities.

• Increased property values and expanded local tax bases.

• Stronger, more prosperous neighborhoods that retain and attract young families and businesses.

• Measurable progress toward broader Michigan economic leadership.

The Opportunity Zones & Economic Freedom Zones Revitalization Program harnesses powerful existing federal tax incentives and grant resources to catalyze transformative, market-driven revitalization across Michigan. By strategically combining capital, grants, and local vision, OZ-EFZRP helps communities rebuild stronger, more vibrant, and economically self-sufficient futures.

Municipalities, developers, nonprofits, and businesses operating in or near designated Opportunity Zones are encouraged to partner with the Michigan First Movement for technical assistance and program support.

Unlocking Opportunity. Revitalizing Communities. Building Michigan Prosperity.