Ohio's OZ 2.0 nominations

Total nominated tracts

260

Total nominated tracts

Counties represented

75

Counties represented

Rural tracts (36.9% of nominations)

96

Rural tracts (36.9% of nominations)

Non-rural tracts (63.1% of nominations)

164

Non-rural tracts (63.1% of nominations)

Tracts than Ohio's OZ 1.0 map, a reduction of 19%

60 fewer

Tracts than Ohio's OZ 1.0 map, a reduction of 19%

Counties receiving their first OZ nomination

10

Counties receiving their first OZ nomination

Ohio's nomination allocation was based on 1,040 eligible census tracts. Federal rules allow states to nominate up to 25% of eligible tracts, giving Ohio a maximum of 260 nominations.

All new designations will take effect January 1, 2027, and run through December 31, 2036.

Ohio's original program included 320 designated tracts across 73 counties. With 260 nominations in the new round, Ohio's next map would contain 60 fewer tracts, a reduction of 18.75%.

The new program uses narrower eligibility criteria. The resulting map also reflects updated Census data and the state's selection of eligible communities.

Ohio's original OZ designations remain in effect through December 31, 2028, creating a two-year overlap with the new designations. However, the overlap does not mean that every new project in an original tract will qualify after 2026. Acquisition dates and federal transition rules matter.

A total of 75 counties received at least one OZ 2.0 nomination, compared with 73 counties under the original program. Ashtabula, Allen, Butler, Coshocton, and Miami counties recorded the largest numerical increases. Ashland, Coshocton, Darke, Delaware, Hardin, Huron, Madison, Morrow, Ottawa, and Shelby counties received nominations after having no designated tracts under OZ 1.0.

The table below compares the number of nominated and previously designated tracts in each county.

These five counties account for 115 OZ 2.0 tracts, or 44% of Ohio's nominated tracts. During OZ 1.0, the same counties held 54% of all designations, so Ohio's OZ 2.0 selections are spread across more counties.

Ohio nominated 96 rural tracts, representing 36.9% of its selections. That compares with 92 original OZ 1.0 tracts identified as rural under the federal definition.

The rural tract count increased by 4 tracts, and the rural share of the statewide total increased from 28.8% to 36.9%.

Rural status matters because qualifying investments can receive additional federal benefits. For communities, that creates a reason to revisit older buildings, industrial sites, housing proposals, and other projects that have struggled to attract financing.

The following is a list of all 260 OZ 2.0 nominations across the state: