Halifax County has completed review and prioritization of Opportunity Zones 2.0 nominations, identifying three census tracts that best align with North Carolina’s economic development priorities and offer the strongest potential for transformative investment in the county. After evaluating all eligible census tracts in Halifax County, local leaders recommended Census Tracts 9310, 9301, and 9309.2 for designation as Opportunity Zones. Based on the state’s guidance, these tracts provide the best combination of existing infrastructure, development momentum, industrial readiness, and realistic opportunities for private investment and job creation.
- Census Tract 9310 emerged as the county’s top recommendation due to its concentration of major economic assets and industrial development opportunities. The tract includes the US 301 Industrial Site, one of North Carolina’s SelectSites, the Halifax Corporate Park, Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport, and several major employers including Binderholz, Reser’s Fine Foods, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, and PCB Piezotronics. The area also includes available housing sites and development-ready land positioned along the US 301 corridor.
- Census Tract 9301 was prioritized because of its established industrial and commercial base and its strategic location near Interstate 95. The tract includes portions of the Town of Weldon, the Roanoke River area, Roseburg Forest Products operations, Becker Industrial Park, a portion of Roanoke Rapids, including the Carolina Crossroads Entertainment District, hotel developments, and multiple housing and redevelopment opportunities.
- The county’s third recommendation, Census Tract 9309.02, centers around the Enfield area and the I-95 Exit 154 corridor. The tract includes industrial employers, tourism and RV-related development, agricultural businesses, and future housing and commercial growth opportunities. Local leaders believe the tract’s location along Interstate 95 creates long-term investment potential for both industrial and commercial expansion.
Opportunity Zones are intended to encourage long-term private investment in economically distressed areas through federal tax incentives tied to capital gains investments. The Working Families Tax Act permanently extended the Opportunity Zone (OZ) program and implemented major structural overhauls. Halifax County leaders believe the updated Opportunity Zone 2.0 program could become an important tool for rural communities competing for industrial, commercial, housing, and mixed-use development projects.
“We wanted to present the strongest possible case for Halifax County,” commented Vernon Bryant, Chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners.
Beginning July 1, 2026, governors have 90 days to nominate 25% of their state’s eligible low-income census tracts for inclusion in the next round of Opportunity Zones.
As a Tier 1 area, Halifax County continues to focus on strategies that support industrial recruitment, housing development, downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, and long-term job growth. Local officials see Opportunity Zones 2.0 as another tool that can help position the county for future investment and economic opportunity.