Business

The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” Creates Opportunity Zones to Spur Economic Development

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Opportunity Zones have the potential to address many of the country’s most vexing economic problems, notes Tami Bonnell, CEO of EXIT Realty International. “One in six Americans lives in an economically distressed community,” said Bonnell. “There is something wrong with the way we’re operating when we have that much poverty in the United States.”

Published

7 years ago

February 19, 2019

Oakland Post

By Christopher G. Cox, publisher and managing editor, www.realesavvy.com

A relatively small component of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December of 2017, was the creation of Opportunity Zones in every state in the U.S., as well as in the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

The purpose of this legislation is to encourage investment in economically distressed communities by making it possible for investors to receive preferential tax treatment for investments made in businesses operating within these Zones.

Tami Bonnell, CEO of EXIT Realty International, explains that individuals who invest in Opportunity Zones are eligible to reduce taxes on capital gains, depending on how long the investment is held. “If the investment is held for 10 years,” she said, “there are zero capital gains taxes on the increase in the investment. It’s a great thing when you can get a return on your investment and invest in people at the same time.”

At a time when bipartisan agreements are rare and becoming rarer, Bonnell points out that the Investing in Opportunities Act was initially supported by Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Representative Pat Tiberi of Ohio and Democrats Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin.

Opportunity Zones have the potential to address many of the country’s most vexing economic problems, Bonnell notes. “One in six Americans lives in an economically distressed community,” said Bonnell. “There is something wrong with the way we’re operating when we have that much poverty in the United States.”

Bonnell cautions that the goals related to Opportunity Zones need to be closely monitored to ensure that both investors and communities benefit. “We don’t want to impose gentrification where people in poverty zones end up with fewer options in smaller and smaller communities,” she said.

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, agrees with Bonnell that this legislation has great potential to reinvigorate urban communities, but must be carefully implemented with important “guard rails to ensure that it does not become a tool for removal and gentrification.”

“I think what is required,” said Morial, “is for community leaders – mayors, city council members, county commissioners and other local leaders – to legislate conditions that require affordable housing to be an integral component of new projects.”

Morial also wants Opportunity Zone projects to require that minority and women-owned businesses have a chance to participate in construction and that local residents have access to jobs within the Zones.

In addition, Morial adds, community leaders — who clearly want these investments — should not wait for Congress to act but should take the initiative to make certain these protections are in place before projects get under way. “When I look at Opportunity Zones,” Morial notes, “I see green lights and yellow lights. The yellow lights say caution.”

Moving forward, Bonnell sees one of the biggest challenges associated with Opportunity Zones as making investors aware of them and how they work. Noting that she travels the country giving dozens of speeches every year, Bonnell often asks audience members to raise their hands if they’re aware of Opportunity Zones.

“Typically, less than half the audience raise their hands – sometimes it’s just a handful of individuals,” she said. “This is a big opportunity that people are not embracing because they’re not aware of it.”

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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

17 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com