Established by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Opportunity Zones present an opportunity for private, tax-free investment in low-income areas with economic need, benefiting residents living in the zones and private investors. 1,305 qualifying low-income census tracts were available for selection, of which only 25% could be nominated by the Governor for inclusion in the program.

In May of 2018, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced that 327 Opportunity Zone census tract recommendations submitted by the State of Illinois have been approved by the U.S. Treasury Department. These zones cover more than 85 counties throughout the state and aim to support the future of Illinois through economic growth and investment.

Gov. Bruce Rauner recommended 1,300 census tracts, then announced in May that 327 Opportunity Zone census tract recommendations submitted by the state of Illinois were OK’d by the U.S. Treasury Department. Ten Kane County tracts made the final cut.


Elgin opportunity zones.


Carpentersville and Dundee area opportunity zones.


Aurora area opportunity zones.

Chart of Opportunity Zones by Municipality

Census Tract Number	Municipality	County
17089850202	Carpentersville	Kane
17089850301	Carpentersville	Kane
17089851400	Elgin	Kane
17089851600	Elgin	Kane
17089851904	Elgin	Kane
17089853200	Aurora	Kane
17089853400	Aurora	Kane
17089853600	Aurora	Kane
17089854301	Aurora	Kane
17089854400	Aurora	Kane

Find more information about Opportunity Zones at:
Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity – Opportunity Zone
Opportunity Zone FAQ – Internal Revenue Service (IRS)