Opportunity Zone 2.0 could aid rural data center investment

Troutman Pepper Locke partner Thomas D. Phelan commented on Opportunity Zone 2.0 in a July 10, 2026 Connect CRE article, discussing tax incentives for investment in economically disadvantaged communities and possible use for rural data centers.

• Main point: Phelan said the general framework remains the same, and the program continues to encourage investment in economically disadvantaged communities through tax incentives.
• Additional context: He noted QOZ 2.0 may be especially useful for rural areas, and that investors making QOZ investments during 2026 may get little or no meaningful deferral and may not benefit from the five-year deferral and 10% exclusion of invested gain on a five-year hold.