The Opportunity Zone (OZ) program uses federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in low-income communities and was made into a permanent, decennial program through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA). This brief expands upon The Research Bureau’s 2019 report Opportunity Zones in Worcester: Characteristics of Worcester’s Designated Areas by shifting attention to the next round of OZ designations and examining all 49 OZ eligible census tracts across Worcester County, including the 26 in the City of Worcester. A map of Worcester County’s first-round OZ census tracts is included on page four. Additionally, an accompanying interactive map provides demographic, economic, tax, and transportation data to help stakeholders evaluate eligible census tracts for the next round of Opportunity Zone designations. While research suggests OZs can attract private investment, their economic benefits have been uneven and often concentrated in large metropolitan areas already experiencing growth.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is seeking input from municipalities, developers, community organizations, and residents to help inform which eligible census tracts Governor Healey should nominate for OZ designation. The Administration has also created a 2026 Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Program website with general information about the OZs. Feedback about OZs and the designation process can be submitted through the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Municipal Input Form, which is open until June 17th. Members of the public can also submit feedback through the Community Feedback Form on how Massachusetts should approach OZ designation, which will remain available until June 30th.
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