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Department of City Development
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Mayor Tom Barrett and the Department of City Development are ready to assist investors interested in Milwaukee Opportunity Zones. This federal program rewards investment in designated economically challenged communities by providing favorable treatment of the investor's capital gains taxes.
The City of Milwaukee is an ideal location to maximize the benefits of Opportunity Zone investments. Zones (indicated in tan on the map) can be found from the far northwest side to an area near Mitchell International Airport. Businesses and real estate projects in the 30th Street Industrial Corridor/Century City business park, Havenwoods, the Menomonee Valley, Riverworks industrial area, Harbor District, the near south side, and adjacent to the Park East corridor all qualify for Opportunity Zone investment.
Search the interactive map on this site to determine whether a property is located in a Milwaukee Opportunity Zone and to connect with Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Improvement Districts, and neighborhood organizations in the area. Click on a zone (indicated in tan on the map) for more information. Department of City Development staff are happy to answer your questions; David Misky at 414-286-8682 or Lori Lutzka at 414-286-5846. For more information on navigating the map click here.
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The Opportunity Zone program provides federal tax incentives to encourage investors to put their capital to work in low-income neighborhoods. It provides the following;
A temporary tax deferral for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund. The deferred gain must be recognized on the earlier of the date on which the opportunity zone investment is sold or December 31, 2026.
A step-up in basis for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund. The basis of the original investment is increased by 10% if the investment in the qualified opportunity zone fund is held by the taxpayer for at least 5 years, and by an additional 5% if held for at least 7 years, excluding up to 15% of the original gain from taxation.
A permanent exclusion from taxable income of capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment in a qualified opportunity zone fund, if the investment is held for at least 10 years. (Note: this exclusion applies to the gains accrued from an investment in an Opportunity Fund, not the original gains).
Real estate and businesses located within the Opportunity Zones in Milwaukee are eligible for investment. View our Development Opportunities to see city real estate available, some may fall within the Opportunity Zones.
David Misky 809 North Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 286-8682 dmisky@milwaukee.gov
Lori Lutzka 809 North Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 286-5846 lori.lutzka@milwaukee.gov
Tax Cuts and Job Act (PDF) Investing in Opportunity Act (summary) Community Development Finance Agencies Opportunity Zone Enterprise Community Partners Opportunity Zone National Real Estate Investor Article: Opportunity Zone Guidance U.S. Department of Treasury Opportunity Zone Resources LISC Opportunity Zones - Navigating the Opportunity Zones Federal Programs Targeting Opportunity Zones
Business Improvement Districts & Community Groups Granville Havenwoods Villard Avenue 30th Street Corridor Riverworks Center Street Marketplace West North Avenue Gateway North Avenue Marketplace Milwaukee Downtown Brady Street Near West Side Historic King Drive Cesar Chavez Drive Harbor District Mitchell Street Airport Gateway Menomonee Valley Reed Street Yards North West Side Community Development Corporation
Neighborhood Improvement Districts Havenwoods Garden Homes Harambee Washington Park Sherman Park
MKE United The MKE United Greater Downtown Action Agenda is a comprehensive planning process through which we will create a shared and inclusive vision for Downtown Milwaukee and its adjacent neighborhoods, supported by a strategic Action Agenda to make that vision a reality.
3608 W Villard Ave Villard Ave BID #19 Theater, performance venue 7,200 square feet $20,000
541 N 20th St Marquette University Neighborhood Building lot available 9,900 square feet $30,000
Century City 30th Street Corridor 60 acres industrial land available