Invest Acadiana is an initiative led by One Acadiana and the Acadiana Planning Commission to support Opportunity Zone investment across the Acadiana region.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness of Opportunity Zones as an economic development tool and helping align investors, projects, and communities around high-impact opportunities. As federal Opportunity Zone policy evolves, Invest Acadiana also serves as a platform for regional coordination and preparedness.
Goals
Invest Acadiana aims to:
- Increase understanding of Opportunity Zones and how they can support local economic development and revitalization efforts
- Serve as a connector between project developers, Opportunity Zone investors, and Opportunity Zone communities across Acadiana
- Help catalyze investment in Opportunity Zone projects that advance community and economic goals
Opportunity Zones 1.0
The federal Opportunity Zones program was created through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term private investment in economically distressed communities through targeted tax incentives on capital gains.
Opportunity Zones are census tracts nominated by states and approved by the U.S. Treasury. Acadiana’s nine-parish region includes 25 federally designated Opportunity Zones.
To support investor and developer engagement, One Acadiana partnered with the Acadiana Planning Commission to produce a regional Opportunity Zone prospectus.
In 2019, Invest Acadiana was recognized as a Top 20 Opportunity Zone Catalyst as part of the Forbes OZ 20, a national campaign highlighting best practices related to Opportunity Zone implementation.
Opportunity Zones 2.0
The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, 2025 makes the Opportunity Zones program permanent. The “Opportunity Zones 2.0” rules offer simplified tax benefits, enhanced rural incentives, and tighter eligibility restrictions. Governors must redesignate OZ census tracts every 10 years, starting in July 2026, with new zones taking effect January 1, 2027.
As the new rules go into effect, One Acadiana will continue to serve as a regional convener and resource, helping ensure Acadiana is positioned to compete for future Opportunity Zone investment.
Opportunity Zones 2.0 Resources:
Contact
André Breaux
VP, Policy & Strategic Initiatives
Andre@OneAcadiana.org
337-408-3674