Grand Rapids, Mich. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Center for Faith, in conjunction with the HUD Great Lakes Regional team, hosted a conference with leaders from the faith community, business sector, and federal, state, and local government to encourage them to participate in economic and community development within Opportunity Zones (OZs). The speakers emphasized the important role faith-based organizations play in family formation and community revitalization, especially in underserved communities in OZs.

The "Opportunity Zones: Economic Development and Community Revitalization by the Power of Faith" conference featured panels on topics such as business opportunities in OZs, OZ project funding, attainable housing options, federal government resources, and the involvement of faith organizations in their communities.

"Opportunity Zones are one of the most effective tools we have to bring private investment into communities that need it most," said HUD Great Lakes Regional Administrator Duey Stroebel. "When investors, developers, and faith leaders come together around a shared vision, we can make real gains for families and neighborhoods across Michigan. The engagement we saw today reflects what is possible when the power of faith is paired with sound economic policy."

This landmark initiative, established in 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has poured more than $100 billion of private investment into OZs, making it one of the largest economic development programs in history. OZs have lifted more than one million Americans out of poverty, spurred the creation of more than half a million jobs, and led to the construction of more than 400,000 housing units in distressed communities.

Under President Trump's transformational Working Families Tax Cuts Act, OZs have been made permanent. Enhanced incentives, such as a rolling designation cycle, expanded investment incentives for underserved rural communities, and a 10-year investment timeline will build on the program's immense success.

"OZs are not a top-down government effort to revitalize communities, nor are they handouts. They are long-term investments created through public-private partnerships that give a hand-up to vulnerable Americans to help them achieve self-sufficiency," said HUD Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development Ronnie Kurtz. "As communities prepare for new OZ designations, we must understand that OZs are not just about bringing jobs or lifting wages, they are about breathing new life into communities that have often been ignored or left behind."

"We want to thank HUD for this incredible event, especially being able to network with faith-based organizations," said Executive Vice President of UMH Properties Daniel Landy. "UMH really wants to build affordable housing communities in Opportunity Zones, and the important word there is 'community.' Faith-based organizations know how to build communities. This was a great event to help revitalize communities in OZs and build partnerships with faith-based organizations."

"It's great to see faith-based organizations, businesses, and non-profits come together around the same table discussing ways we can use each other's strengths to advance the community," said CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries Chris Palusky. "And that could be through affordable housing, jobs, or investment in communities. It was very heartening to see that there was this commitment."

"I am very thankful to HUD for coming across the country to Michigan. I love the fact that DC is paying attention to the local and state level," said Chairman of the Board of the Michigan Christian Chamber of Commerce Rodney Sanderson-Smith. "Every speaker had great wisdom, great insight, and had real, practical, hands-on information to share. My takeaway is that there is great opportunity here for us to come together to make a significance difference that is going to change a legacy. It was inspiring to see that some of the speakers had come from homelessness to building homes. I really hope HUD does more of these conferences so we can continue to keep the momentum going."

This was the fifth conference in a series of national conferences hosted by HUD's Center for Faith. Learn more about Opportunity Zones, the conferences, and how the faith community can be involved HERE.

HUD Regional Administrator Duey Stroebel delivers presentation on how Opportunity Zones advance economic and community development.

HUD Assistant Secretary Ronnie Kurtz delivers the keynote address on self-sufficiency and how faith-based organizations can be involved in community revitalization.

Matt Temkin, Co-Founder of Greatwater Opportunity Capital, speaks about the great impact Opportunity Zones have on communities and housing.

The "Faith in Action in Opportunity Zones" panelists outline how houses of worship can repurpose their surplus property to address community needs.

The "Attainable Housing Options in Opportunity Zones" panelists discuss innovative housing solutions, such as manufactured and modular housing.

Faith-based organizations join HUD's growing "Work and Dignity Coalition."

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