Wisconsin Opportunity Zones 2.0 Community Application / Request for Information

This application is intended to gather information from Wisconsin municipalities, counties, Tribal governments, and other public entities regarding eligible census tracts for designation as Qualified Opportunity Zones from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2036. Responses will inform the State of Wisconsin’s selection of census tracts for nomination to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) will evaluate the applications received. Nominations will be based on several factors, including socio-economic and housing data, and responses submitted in the application. Current federal law and guidance direct a state’s governor to submit their state’s nominations by September 28, 2026.

While all economic development proposals will be considered, the State of Wisconsin will prioritize for nomination eligible census tracts demonstrating a need and plan for workforce housing and an investment pipeline supporting this need. Completion and submission of this application do not guarantee a federal nomination.

Each application must correlate to a single eligible census tract seeking Qualified Opportunity Zone designation. A unique and separate application should be completed for each census tract a jurisdiction seeks to have nominated. Where multiple jurisdictions or public entities have an interest in the same census tract, applicants are encouraged to coordinate and submit one lead application supported by partner jurisdictions, regional organizations, or other public stakeholders.

Section 1. Applicant and Census Tract Information

Use the HUD map to find a census tract.

Is this census tract eligible as a Rural Opportunity Zone?(Required)
Is this census tract currently designated as an Opportunity Zone scheduled to sunset after the current cycle?(Required)

Section 2. Community Need and Case for Designation

Describe why this tract should be nominated, including key economic conditions, housing needs and existing pipeline, strategic location advantages, and why Opportunity Zone designation would improve the census tract’s ability to attract investment.

Section 3. Local Conditions, Planning, and Supportive Policies

Check all that apply for the proposed census tract or the immediately supporting jurisdiction:
List the plans, studies, ordinances, incentives, and commitments that support the boxes checked above. Include document names and dates where possible.
Upload any supporting documentation that supports the selections made above.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 100 MB.

    Section 4. Prior Opportunity Zone Experience

    If the tract is currently or previously designated as an Opportunity Zone, summarize how that designation has been used, what investment or activity resulted, what barriers remain, and why redesignation is warranted.

    Section 5. Local Priority Ranking and Certifications

    If the applicant is submitting more than one tract, indicate the tract’s priority ranking within the jurisdiction and briefly explain the ranking.
    Certification(Required)
    Date certified(Required)
    Primary contact name(Required)