What is an opportunity zone?
An Opportunity Zone is an economically distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Theres sites have been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury via his delegation of authority to the internal Revenue Service.
Grinnell's Opportunity Zone is an expansive area that includes Grinnell's central business district, agricultural area and residential opportunities for investors. Zone assets include a total of $155 million worth of investment committed to improving the area in and around the central business district ($18 million in public infrastructure projects, $7.5 million rehab of former school into a boutique hotel/event center, $30 million mixed-use area at the confluence of Grinnell's historic downtown and Grinnell College's campus, $110 million for Grinnell college campus improvements). Since it's 2016 $3.5 million upgrade, Central Park has been embraced by the community and the visitors alike. Usage of the park has increased 700% since its reopening and reinvigorated the area creating a community epicenter.
Zone Opportunities include:
Grinnell Statistics:
Top 3 Industries: Professional Services, Retail, Restaurant/Hospitality/Food Services
Major Employers: Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell College, Brownells, JELD-WEN
Median Household Income: $43,791
Median age: 43.2
Vacant Residential Properties: Number: 306 - Percentage: 14.2%
Local Incentives: Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement
New Market Tax Credits: Yet - Qualified Severely Distressed Zone
USDA Programs: Available, project specific
Zone Area: 6.1 square miles - Typology: residential, mixed-use, agricultural
For more information:
Rachael Kinnick | President & CEO, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce
rachael@getintogrinnell.com - 641-236-6555
Des Moines Metro Information, courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership:
Des Moines area has outgrown its' Midwestern peers in terms of percentage of population growth, and is expected to near 1 million in population by 2040 according to a American City Business Journals analysis.
Total employment in DSM continues to grow and outpace surrounding metros, signaling a healthy workforce
Top 10 Industries expected to experience growth: Construction, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance, Admin and support and waste management and remediation services, retail trade, finance and insurance, educational services, accommodation and food services, wholesale trade, and manufacturing.
Gross Domestic Product Total - All Industries
National Recognition: