OZones + QOFs

Let's start off by stating that these two subjects are complicated. It's not a short easy read. Readers will need to set aside a considerable amount of time to get acquainted with both.
Readers of this blog know there havw multiple posts published here and are encouraged to use the convenient Search Box to search for both official information and points-of-view 

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Opportunity Zones Frequently Asked Questions | Internal ...

www.irs.gov › credits-deductions › opportunity-zones-f...

www.irs.gov › credits-deductions › opportunity-zones-f... 
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Opportunity Zones are economically-distressed communities that may qualify ... Designated Qualified Opportunity Zones ... Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOF) ...

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2 days The Rose Law Group Reporter published a reprint from Realtor Magazine 08.26.2020

Federal agencies asked to consider move into opportunity zones;

Dan Gauthier, RLG transactional attorney handling many opportunity zone investments, comments

Posted by Staff  /  August 28, 2020  /  No Comments

"President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week (24 August 2020) for federal agencies to prioritize moving their offices to opportunity zones, low-income areas flagged for revitalization. The executive order could prompt some federal agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Department of Housing and Urban Development, to relocate their offices to designated census tracts under the federal opportunity zones program, The Real Deal reports.
All federal agencies will be asked to stop prioritizing city centers and central business districts when considering new offices and instead explore relocating to a designated opportunity zone.
COMMENTS:
"Should federal agencies carry out President Trump’s order to prioritize relocation into qualified opportunity zones, there may be ancillary development opportunities (housing, for example), spurring more long-term investment in opportunity zones.”
– Daniel Gauthier, Rose Law Group Transactional Attorney

MESA OPPORTUNITY ZONES
Mesa Opportunity Zone Investment Prospectus
2 are outside of the Central Business District
Official information Go here > https://www.selectmesa.com/business-environment/incentives-programs/opportunity-zones/mesa-opportunity-zone-investment-prospectus
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Opportunity Zones Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-questions

irs.gov |

The following questions and answers (Q&As) were prepared in response to inquiries that have been proposed to the IRS.  They are intended to provide a basic understanding and awareness of Opportunity Zones.
These Q&As do not constitute legal authority and may not be relied upon as such.  They do not amend, modify or add to the Income Tax Regulations or any other legal authority.   

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LISC: Our take on the census and the racial wealth gap

An Accurate Census Count is Imperative for America. 

Here’s Why.

Matt Josephs, LISC SVP and head of the organization’s policy team, makes the urgent case for why a fair and accurate census count is so important for the health and wellbeing of our communities. 

Anything short of that undermines equity and thwarts our democratic process. Every one of us, he writes, has a role to play in making sure the census is successful.

 

 

Read More

Respond to the 2020 census online.
How to respond by phone or mail.

 

 

 

Dismantling Structural Racism in Community Development Finance

In an opinion piece for ImpactAlpha, LISC COO Annie Donovan draws on the expertise she honed as head of the CDFI Fund to illustrate the layered ways that BIPOC community development entities are locked out of federal tax credit allocations and other resources. More [+]

Breaking Down the Barriers to Health Equity: Q&A with La Tasha Barnwell

LISC Emerging Leaders Council member La Tasha Barnwell describes her work in public health and the imperative of a holistic strategy for closing the racial wealth gap. More [+]

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco > Strengthening Financial Health in Times of Crisis

An update from Community Development at the SF Fed​

Here we are in August 2020. The coronavirus remains a threat to our physical and economic health, racial injustice continues to roil our nation, and across the country, storms and other climate impacts pose additional threats to our collective safety and well-being. In communities across California, we’re grappling with a jarring start to fire season, which brings both destructive flames and oppressive, far-reaching smoke and ash. (As I write this, my car is packed with my family’s irreplaceable items, some food and water, and for the first time, a bag filled with masks, sanitizer, and a host of cleaning supplies.) As we remain vigilant in our efforts to curb a variety of crises, we must also continue to center our most vulnerable populations when building solutions. Our Community Development team at the SF Fed is committed to just that. Here's what we've been up to: Strengthening Financial Health in Times of Crisis COVID-19 makes it clearer than ever that inclusion in the financial system is critical for households and businesses to access timely relief funds. Distributing funds at scale, however, presents numerous challenges, including issues related to technology and communication. To explore what it takes to have an inclusive financial system, Laura Choi sat down with Leigh Phillips, CEO of SaverLife, for aconversation on leveraging fintech, data, and strategic partnerships to strengthen financial health in times of crisis. Nonprofits Face Real Estate Pressures in the LA Region Nonprofit organizations provide critical services for low-income communities, communities of color, and the LGBTQ community, particularly in times of crisis. Our new report, based on a survey and interviews conducted by Elizabeth Mattiuzziand Eileen Hodge, finds that many nonprofits in the Los Angeles region faced displacement pressures going into the pandemic due to the high cost of renting or purchasing operating space. Pathways to Racial Economic Justice Opportunity Alliance Nevada is hosting the “Pathways to Racial Economic Justice Series” to discuss the racial wealth divide in Nevada from a national and state perspective. Joselyn Cousins and Bina Shrimali contributed perspectives to two foundational sessions: Joselyn spoke about the racial wealth gap, and Bina discussed health disparities by race and place. Check out the full series here.  And with the recent reminders that climate risk remains a very real threat, revisit our issue of Community Development Innovation Review edited by Ian Galloway to explorestrategies to address climate change risk in lower-income communities. Finally, it's always a good time to reread the Racial Equity Primer by Bina Shrimali. With every read (and I've read it a lot), I become more equipped to engage in productive conversations about race, and I find new ways to apply the learnings. I hope you will too. Thank you for reading and for your shared commitment to our communities. Stay safe, Laurel Gourd Communications Specialist for Community Development Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco   MORE FOR YOU   ICYMI: Virtual Events with Mary Daly SF Fed President Mary C. Daly was a panelist on the Oakland Rotary Club's Under the Magnifying Glass: Inequity and COVID-19. You can watch the recording here. And last week, we launched The New Future of Work, a discussion series exploring what’s next for the workplace once the pandemic is behind us. The first session explores the tensions between employers and employees facing dynamic work environments and offers insights into the needs and desires of our future workforce.      Two Tales of Changes in Retail Banking A new issue of Consumer & Community Context from the Federal Reserve Board examines the implications of faster payments for cash-flow-constrained consumers and explores the emergence of online-only subsidiaries of traditional brick-and-mortar banks.     Main Street Lending Program The Federal Reserve Main Street Lending Program keeps credit flowing to small and mid-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the coronavirus pandemic but now need financing to maintain operations. Looking for more information? Ready to apply for a loan? Interested in registering as a lender? Visit the Main Street Lending Program website for answers to your questions, program updates, and resources for borrowers and lenders.     SF Fed COVID-19 Resource Hub Our resource hub makes it easy to find information about Fed actions and guidance in response to COVID-19 and related resources from the San Francisco Fed.

NEWS FROM MESA ARTIST CHRISTINE CASSANO: Virtual Studio Visit + Tour

This is about as close-and-personal it is possible to get in these passing six disruptive months and ongoing Pandemic Days. 

Thanks to the artist - a friend now at arms-length - for sending along a special pleasure.
Tim

"Hello and I hope this email finds you safe and healthy during these strangest and challenging days. 

It's been a full year  since I've sent out an update and so much has happened including the short film below. 

It feels strange sending out emails about art when there are so many critical issues impacting the world right now, but I was recently reminded by several people sharing the arts (visual, poetry, music, dance & theatre) is what's critically needed to lift spirits these days. 

My hope is the contents here uplift your day a bit. It does mine when I read, see or hear what other creatives are up to. I do miss seeing so many of you and very much look forward to when we can connect with one another in person again. 

If you'd like, reply to let me know what you've been up to or put me on your mailing list; I'd love to hear from you. 

Til' next...Warm regards,
Christine Cassano 

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__________________________________________________________________________________ VIDEO EMS Legacy Films is a continuing series of short films produced by EMS on artists and exhibitions. Learn more about EMS Art Scene. Sampson's (cat) debut & why this video feels full circle for me... back in 2012 my work was exploring synergies between biological and technological systems. Copper motherboards with their conductive, multi-layered coding, systems and functions became a fixture of the work as I examined the inner-world of body systems following several major surgeries. As my health restored, the fascination expanded and the work transitioned. My exploration of these circuit patterns broadened to survey their shared systems beyond biologies in to geometries, ecology, aviation charts, NASA satellite views of earth's civilization and space exploration. Two years ago I became obsessed with documenting aerial views of human patterns and grids from my window seats during flights and those will finally be part of an exhibit that has been rescheduled for this January. From the inner-world of our tiny cells to outer-world of our expansive universe, circuitry has been the binding agent - the conduit - enabling my artwork to evolve and visualize my interpretations of shared connections between humanness, technology and cosmology. I like to think it's traversing these connections that makes sharing our journey on this rock an interesting and beautiful ride to be on. Upcoming Exhibit. January's exhibit at Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery is a group exhibition titled "Explore" and looks at space exploration and the cross over metaphors it represents such as human curiosity, pushing known and unknown boundaries. Upcoming Public Art.  It's an honor to have been the artist selected for this project in downtown Phoenix. I'm currently working on a large suspended ceiling art installation for one of the lobbys of Wexford's Biomedical Campus to be installed this fall.  Updates to follow soon. Phoenix Biomedical Campus Innovation Center is a 226,000 square-foot research and office building. Last fall I installed my site specific copper wall installation at an AC Hotel in San Francisco. Details and images on website. This project opportunity was courtesy of Jude Smith.  During the last year, I've been busy in the studio. The website has been updated with new works and images. As always, thanks for keeping in touch and feel free to share this email, drop me a line and / or connect with me via social media links below.

Fox News: "They've Done An Excellent Job In Arizona"

Media Manipulation sent right from The Governor's Office 

Fox News: "They've Done An Excellent Job In Arizona"

View the full video online

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From Fox & Friends: ICYMI: HUD Secretary Ben Carson Discusses the Unifying Power of Opportunity Zones on Fox and Friends First

In Case You Missed It 

HUD Secretary Ben Carson Discusses the Unifying Power of Opportunity Zones on Fox and Friends First

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson told  Fox and Friends First Hosts Jillian Mele and Tom Piro that Opportunity Zones- like many of President Trump’s accomplishments- are a unifying force, one that contrasts the current state of unrest in many democrat-run cities. 

[CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW]

Highlights: 

The American Dream: 

“You have to put forth the effort to achieve whatever it is that your dream is. And all of us need to make sure we put in place those ladders of opportunity that allow that to happen. And that’s what’s going on now with the Opportunity Zones.”

Opportunity Zone Successes:  

“[opportunity zones] are already providing job opportunities. Just designating a place an opportunity zone increases the property value by 1.1% . For the half of people who live in opportunity zones who own homes, that worth has gone up by $11 billion already. This is the type of thing the President is trying to do- a rising tide lifts and floats all boats. That’s what we’re talking about.”

Violence in Cities: 

“People need to recognize that when these people come into their communities from the outside and destroy things, those are not your friends. They are not people who are actually helping you. They are actually destroying your opportunities.”

Restoring Law and Order: 

“We need to have law and order. It’s important for people to feel safe in their neighborhoods, safe in their businesses, who is going to start a business in a place that is going to be burned down by rioters with nobody doing anything about it? This is antithetical to the whole concept of individual freedoms, entrepreneurship, and innovation in this country, and if we don’t stop it it is going to continue to magnify.”    

American Prosperity: 

“This is an opportunity for us all to thrive and survive, not listening to the purveyors of hatred and division, which will destroy this country if we listen to them.”

NEW DATA from Igor Popov @ Apartment List: Uptick in Mesa Rent Increases

Thanks to Igor for providing these details from this month's highlights of Large Cities With The Biggest Rent Changes Since March
Rents in Mesa up 0.6% since start of pandemic

Hey Tim, 

I hope you're staying safe and healthy. As the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic fallout continue to overwhelm renters across the country, our monthly rent estimates provide the most timely picture of the rapid changes in the rental market. 

For a full analysis of the newest monthly data, see our September report here: https://www.apartmentlist.com/az/mesa#rent-report

Here are some of this month's highlights:

• Rents in Mesa increased by 0.4% month-over-month, and are up 0.6% since the start of the pandemic in March.
• Year-over-year rent growth in Mesa currently stands at 3.1%.
• Median rents in Mesa currently stand at $928 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,156 for a two-bedroom.

Check out the full report here. If you have any questions or would like to hop on a call to discuss these findings, please let me know!

Best,

Igor

Igor Popov

Chief Economist

Apartment List

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NEW DATA: 
Fewer renters looking to move to Phoenix during COVID

Hey Tim, 

Checking in to see if you have any questions on our latest migration report. As a reminder, Apartment List recently released our Q3 migration report, which uses proprietary data from our user searches to provide new insight on how moving trends are being impacted by COVID-19.

Apartment List just published our quarterly renter migration report, shedding new light on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted moving trends.

Our Q3 Migration report analyzes proprietary data from millions of user searches spanning April through early-August to determine where Americans are looking to make their next move. Compared to this time last year, we are seeing notable shifts in search activity, likely due to the pandemic and its impact on the economy. While some of the hottest markets have seen a dropoff in out-of-metro interest, other metros are seeing activity pick up.

Key insights from the report include:

• 36.3% of those looking for a place to live in Phoenix are searching from outside the metro, compared to 38.4% at this time last year.
• 15.9% of apartment hunters currently living in Phoenix are looking to move elsewhere, compared to 15.4% last year.
• Renters looking to move to the Phoenix metro from elsewhere are most likely to be searching from Los Angeles, CA. This is also is the most most popular destination among renters looking to move away from Phoenix.

Check out the full report for more detailed data and to explore trends for major metro areas around the country.