Delaware Nominated 25 Tracts for Opportunity Zones

The state aims to drive investment into specific areas, potentially offering new tax benefits to eligible investors.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Regional Economics

Isometric editorial illustration featuring elevated, geometric land plots arranged across a flat, structured landscape representing designated economic development zones. — Governor Matt Meyer has nominated 25 Delaware census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation, seeking to stimulate private investment into local communities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe state-led Opportunity Zone tax incentives effectively boost economic growth in your community?

Governor Matt Meyer has nominated 25 census tracts across Delaware for federal Opportunity Zone designation. These areas, selected from 61 eligible candidates, include 13 tracts in New Castle County, 5 in Kent County, and 7 in Sussex County.

Why it matters

This designation aims to attract capital to communities where economic need and investment potential intersect. If certified, these zones could provide investors with specific tax advantages for long-term project commitments.

The state selected 25 census tracts from 237 community nominations. Qualifying rural investments in these zones may be eligible for a 30% basis increase.

The players

Matt Meyer

The Governor of Delaware who is responsible for nominating the state's proposed Opportunity Zones.

Division of Small Business

The Delaware state agency that managed the review and selection process for the census tracts.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

The federal agency tasked with the final certification of the state's nominated census tracts.

The details

The Division of Small Business managed the selection process by aligning potential zones with local zoning and comprehensive plans. Once designated, investors who channel capital through a Qualified Opportunity Fund may be eligible to defer taxes on eligible gains until 2027 or later. Additionally, rural investments in Kent and Sussex counties may qualify for a 30% basis increase to support development.

March 4, 2026: The statewide nomination process officially opened.
May 15, 2026: The submission window for nominations closed.
January 1, 2027: Proposed designations take effect, pending federal certification.

Money Landscape

This move follows the framework of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to incentivize investment in specific communities. It represents the state's attempt to align federal tax tools with local zoning priorities.

Investors should monitor the federal certification status of these tracts to understand potential eligibility for tax deferrals. You should consult with a qualified tax professional to evaluate how these designations might impact your specific financial and investment strategy.

The takeaway

The state has narrowed down its candidates for federal Opportunity Zone status to target capital toward 25 specific tracts. Watch for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to confirm these designations, which could alter the tax profile of future long-term investments in these areas.