We asked, and consultants answered.
Three months ago, I posted a simple question to economic development consultants: ready to collaborate on Opportunity Zones 2.0?
The response confirmed what I suspected — consultants aren’t waiting for OZ 2.0 to arrive. They’re already helping communities prepare: drafting economic development strategies, vetting sites, structuring public-private partnerships, and building the investment readiness that rural communities need before capital can flow.
But preparation happens faster with a network behind it.
That’s why Ascension OZ Advisors, in partnership with the Rural OZ Alliance, has launched a home for this work: https://www.ozconnecthub.com
On the site, you’ll find:
- The collaboration journey we’re building together — Designation → Investment Readiness → Capital Attraction → Project Execution → Measurable Community Impact
- An opportunity matcher: describe your expertise and community relationships, and get tailored OZ 2.0 collaboration suggestions in seconds
- A direct line to start a conversation about referral partnerships, joint municipal engagements, and shared projects
If you serve communities — as a strategist, site selector, P3 advisor, capital formation specialist, or rural development practitioner — your relationships are the missing link between OZ designations and real investment.
Let’s build those relationships before the opportunities arrive.
Start here: https://www.ozconnecthub.com