Aurora Among Indiana Nominees for Opportunity Zone 2.0 Designations

Gov. Braun says Opportunity Zones will further spark investment and development in previously overlooked areas

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Governor Mike Braun has nominated 126 census tracts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for certification as Indiana’s Opportunity Zones for the 2027–2036 designation cycle.

The only eligible census tract in Dearborn County, Indiana -- the tract encompassing downtown Aurora and surrounding areas -- has been included in Gov. Braun’s OZ 2.0 nominations.

“As a state, Indiana is committed to creating a pro-growth business climate that attracts investment and talent, creates jobs and raises wages for Hoosiers,” said Gov. Braun. “Opportunity Zones will further spark investment and development in previously overlooked areas, giving urban and rural communities across our state another tool to attract growth, advance economic development and ensure opportunity for Hoosiers.” 

Opportunity Zones (OZs) are designed to encourage local development projects in census tracts that meet federal low-income community criteria by providing federal tax incentives for investors. Congress first created the program in 2017; the updated program – commonly referred to as OZ 2.0 – was made permanent through the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and new zones will be designated every 10 years.

Indiana’s OZ 2.0 nominations reach all 15 economic development regions, include all or portions of 61 cities or towns and 47 counties, and include 42 rural census tracts. After Treasury certifies and designates Indiana’s nominations, these Opportunity Zones will be in effect from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2036.

The full list and map of OZ 2.0 nominations can be viewed here.

The Aurora Opportunity Zone would be the closest enhanced Rural OZ to the center of the Cincinnati metro region.

"We believe this designation will be a new tool to help attract new investment, revitalization, and historic property preservation in downtown Aurora," reads a statement from One Dearborn, Inc.

Learn more about the Aurora Opportunity Zone nomination and potential benefits starting in 2027 here.