Opportunity Zones 2.0: Shaping the Future of Investment on the Western Slope
Opportunity Zones play a critical role in how communities grow, attract business, and create long-term economic opportunity. The Business Incubator Center, in partnership with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), is hosting a community listening session on Opportunity Zones 2.0 to help shape the Western Slope’s ability to leverage this critical program.
What Are Opportunity Zones?
Opportunity Zones are a federal economic development program designed to encourage long-term private investment in designated low-income communities.
Through this program, investors may be eligible for tax benefits when investing in qualified real estate projects and operating businesses within designated areas.
Since their introduction, Opportunity Zones have been used across the country to support business development, redevelopment projects, and broader economic activity, particularly in communities seeking to attract new capital and opportunity.
Why This Moment Matters
The current Opportunity Zones program is scheduled to sunset at the federal level in the coming years, and conversations are underway at both the federal and state levels about what the next phase of the program will look like.
In Colorado, OEDIT is leading a process to evaluate and nominate eligible census tracts for future Opportunity Zone designation. This process includes input from communities across the state to help ensure that local priorities, challenges, and opportunities are considered.
For Mesa County and the broader Western Slope, this is a meaningful opportunity to help influence which of the eligible tracks will be selected by Governor Polis.
Because not all areas will qualify, local insight is essential to ensure that designations reflect the realities and priorities of the region.
A Collaborative Conversation
This listening session is designed to bring together business leaders, developers, investors, and community stakeholders for a focused conversation about Opportunity Zones 2.0.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn more about the designation process
- Share perspectives on community needs and priorities
- Contribute input that will help inform Colorado’s nominations
This is not just an informational session, it is an opportunity to ensure that Western Colorado’s voice is part of the conversation.
Event Details
Opportunity Zone 2.0: Designation on the Western Slope
Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Colorado Mesa University, UC South Ballroom
1455 N 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO
All Are Welcome
BIC’s Role
At the Business Incubator Center, we work at the intersection of entrepreneurship, capital, and community.
Our role in conversations like this is to help convene stakeholders, elevate local perspectives, and ensure that economic development tools are understood and used effectively.
Opportunity Zones have the potential to support business growth, attract investment, and strengthen communities. As the program evolves, thoughtful input and regional collaboration will be key to ensuring those outcomes continue on the Western Slope.