The short version
- PRFAA reports Governor Jenniffer González-Colón announced 178 census tracts designated under Opportunity Zones 2.0, with 82 rural and 97 non-rural
- El Nuevo Día reports the designations follow nominations submitted by October 28 and take effect January 1, 2027 for 10 years under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- NotiCel reports all 178 tracts requested by the government were approved through coordination between DDEC and PRFAA
- Sources report over $110 billion in national private investment generated by the program since its creation
New Designations Announced
Governor of Puerto Rico Jenniffer González-Colón announced on November 6, 2026 that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service published the official list of 178 newly designated census tracts under the Qualified Opportunity Zones program, known as Opportunity Zones 2.0. Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration reported The tracts cover 82 rural areas and 97 non-rural areas across the island, as requested by the governor. El Nuevo Día reported
The governor worked with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce along with the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration to secure these designations. The new zones will take effect on January 1, 2027 and last for a 10-year cycle. The deadline for submitting nominations was October 28. NotiCel reported Primera Hora reported
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Since my time as Resident Commissioner in Washington, D.C., I have championed and defended the Opportunity Zones program as a tool to attract investment, create jobs, and promote economic development across the Island.
The source's own statement, as quoted by PRFAA. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Under President Trump’s leadership, the Working Families Tax Cuts permanently renewed and strengthened Opportunity Zones, giving investors, entrepreneurs, and local leaders the long-term certainty they need to commit capital to communities that have been overlooked for too long.
The source's own statement, as quoted by PRFAA. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Program Background and Legislation
The Opportunity Zones program was created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to attract investment to low-income communities through tax incentives. González-Colón secured Puerto Rico’s inclusion while serving as Resident Commissioner. Following Hurricane Maria, she obtained provisions in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to designate economically distressed census tracts on the island. Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration reported
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, permanently authorizes the program and keeps Puerto Rico eligible under the same rules as the states, requiring selection of 25 percent of eligible low-income census tracts. The governor stated that previous efforts resulted in approximately 98 percent of the island being designated as Opportunity Zones. El Nuevo Día reported NotiCel reported
Statements From Officials
González-Colón said the program serves "as a tool to attract investment, create jobs, and promote economic development across the Island." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the legislation gives long-term certainty to direct private investment "to expand economic opportunity, support job creation and unlock" growth. Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration reported
Department of Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Carlos Ríos Pierluisi said the approval of all 178 nominated tracts reflects rigorous planning and an inclusive strategy that extends opportunities beyond urban centers. PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli highlighted federal and congressional coordination. Primera Hora reported NotiCel reported
Where the sources differ
All four sources agree on the announcement of 178 census tracts (82 rural, 97 non-rural), the governor's role, coordination with DDEC and PRFAA, the October 28 nomination deadline, January 1 2027 effective date, 10-year duration, and the program's legislative history including the 2017 TCJA, 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act changes after Maria, and the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by Trump. They also align on statements from González-Colón, Bessent and Ríos Pierluisi. The PRFAA release and NotiCel mention approximately 98 percent of the island previously designated. El Nuevo Día, Primera Hora and NotiCel cite over $110 billion in national private investment. Primera Hora and NotiCel provide the CDFI Fund link for the list and map. No major numerical or factual conflicts exist.
What the reports do not say
The sources do not list the specific 178 census tracts or name the municipalities or regions covered beyond the rural/non-rural split. They provide no details on expected investment amounts for Puerto Rico, projected job creation, or particular development projects planned. No information is given on how the new designations differ from prior Opportunity Zones or what happens to existing designations after the new 10-year cycle begins.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official NEW of PRFAA - PR Federal Affairs Administration-2-21-2025
- Reporting Designan 178 áreas en Puerto Rico bajo el programa federal “Opportunity Zones 2.0″
- Reporting Designan 178 áreas de Puerto Rico para atraer inversión mediante incentivos contributivos
- Reporting Designan 178 áreas en Puerto Rico bajo el programa federal Opportunity Zones 2.0
How we checked this
The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration published the governor's full announcement including quotes from González-Colón, Bessent and Ríos Pierluisi. El Nuevo Día, Primera Hora and NotiCel covered the same announcement with minor variations in quoted material and added the CDFI Fund link in two cases. All details rest on the official PRFAA release and the four news outlets' reporting of it.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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