Press Coverage July 10, 2026

Opportunity Zone 2.0: Beefing Up an Investment Tool

Related professionals

Thomas D. Phelan


Thomas D. Phelan, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the July 10, 2026, Connect CRE article, “Opportunity Zone 2.0: Beefing Up an Investment Tool.“

  • “The general framework remains the same,” said Troutman Pepper Locke partner Thomas Phelan. “The program continues to encourage investment in economically disadvantaged communities through tax incentives.”
  • …
  • “The new QOZ 2.0 rules may be particularly helpful for those looking to invest in rural areas,” Phelan said. “Though that has not always been a prime target for real estate investments, one area of interest is the possibility of using the QOZ program to invest in rural data centers.”
  • …
  • “As a result, investors making QOZ investments during 2026 may get little or no meaningful deferral and can”t benefit from 2.0’s five-year deferral and 10% exclusion of invested gain on a five-year hold,” Phelan said.

This just in

See all insights

Speaking Engagements

2026 ACI Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law

July 29 – 30, 2026
Seaport Hotel Boston
1 Seaport Ln, Boston, MA 02210

Speaking Engagements

72nd Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute

July 24, 2026  |  4:30 PM – 5:30 PM PT
Seattle, WA

Speaking Engagements

Mergers and Acquisitions in Entertainment, Publishing, and Gaming

July 23, 2026  |  5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT
San Diego Convention Center

Speaking Engagements

Society of Construction Law North America Conference

July 22 – 24, 2026
JW Marriott Downtown Nashville

See all insights