KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Two census tracts in Keene are included among 25 locations across New Hampshire approved for federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 designations, a program intended to encourage private investment in housing, businesses and community infrastructure.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s approval on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The state’s 25 designated tracts were selected from 53 eligible locations and span all 10 New Hampshire counties. Seventeen of the approved tracts are in designated rural communities.

In Keene, the designated census tracts on the map cover portions of the city’s southern and southwestern sections, extending from the western outskirts toward downtown and the Route 101 corridor.

The highlighted area includes land south of West Street and portions of the city south of the Route 9 and Route 101 corridors. It also encompasses parts of the Winchester Street and Island Street areas, the vicinity of Main Street and Marlboro Street, and areas extending toward eastern Keene. The designation applies to the designated census tracts, not automatically to every individual property or development project within or near the boundaries.

“Opportunity Zones are an important tool to attract new investment, create good-paying jobs, and bring more housing to New Hampshire,” Ayotte said in a statement. She said the designations are intended to support economic growth in communities throughout the state, including rural areas.

Originally established under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Opportunity Zone program encourages investors to direct eligible capital gains into designated communities. Federal legislation enacted in July 2025 established Opportunity Zone 2.0, updating the program and expanding certain investment incentives.

Under the revised program, qualifying investments through rural Opportunity Zone funds can receive an enhanced tax incentive, including a 30% increase in an investment’s tax basis after five years. The incentive is intended to encourage private capital to support projects such as workforce housing, commercial and industrial development, and community infrastructure improvements.

New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange said municipalities and regional partners submitted proposals outlining potential opportunities for local development, including commercial sites and housing projects.

Following the federal approval, the department plans to hold additional community briefings and implementation workshops. The sessions will connect municipal officials, economic development organizations and prospective investors with guidance on financing projects and deploying capital under the updated program.

The new Opportunity Zone 2.0 designations take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and remain in place through Dec. 31, 2036. Existing Opportunity Zone 1.0 designations remain active through Dec. 31, 2028.

Maps of the designated census tracts, program guidelines and information about upcoming regional sessions are available at Choose New Hampshire’s Opportunity Zones webpage.