Published in DJC Oregon
In an article published in the DJC Oregon, VF Law Of Counsel Coni S. Rathbone explains how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025 (QOZ 2.0) made the Qualified Opportunity Zone program permanent and why that shift matters for developers, property owners, and investors evaluating long-term real estate strategies. The updated framework can influence development areas, underwriting, and the use of complementary incentives, especially in rural markets.
“No longer viewed as a temporary tax stimulus, but instead, like the IRC 1031 exchange, it is a tool to improve project feasibility and investor outcomes,” Rathbone notes.
QOZ 2.0 has added targeted benefits intended to make rural projects more feasible for investors and developers. Rathbone explores why rural development can be difficult to make financially attractive in the first place, including limited high transportation costs and elevated perceived risk tied to market size and population trends.
“QOZ incentives are most effective when paired with Federal, state, and local economic development tools,” explains Rathbone. “These programs can address infrastructure costs, financing gaps, and early operating expenses.”
Read the article in full, click here (subscriber-based).