Gentrifying Neighborhood Qualifies as a Federal 'Opportunity Zone'

The state of Georgia's Opportunity Zones designations included one choice that raised questions about the purpose of the new federal program.

1 minute read

June 5, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

sevenMaps7 / Shutterstock

"Georgia recently unveiled its 260 'Opportunity Zones' — designations included in a new federal program, aimed at spurring investment in struggling areas," reports Stephannie Stokes.

The state's choice of Opportunity Zones has raised some eyebrows, however, as the list includes the neighborhood of Edgewood on Atlanta’s eastside. According to Stokes, Edgewood "might not fit many people’s image of struggling," as homes are selling for $900,000 and new apartment buildings open around MARTA transit stops.

Similar questions about designating gentrifying areas as Opportunity Zones have also been raised in Portland, Oregon.

FULL STORY: Georgia’s ‘Opportunity Zones’ Include Gentrifying Atlanta Neighborhood

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 in WABE

Community / Economic Development Urban Development Georgia Atlanta Edgewood Opportunity Zones Gentrification View More

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