Atlanta newest “opportunity zone” touted as way to spur jobs, lower poverty

Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency, applauded Georgia’s designation of new “opportunity zone” in Atlanta. The new zone is the area bounded by White Street and Lee Street in southwest Atlanta. New or existing businesses located within an opportunity zone are eligible for a yearly income tax credit of $3,500 for each new job created as long as they create at least two net new jobs. The annual tax credit is good for up to five years, meaning a business could be eligible for up to $17,500 in tax credits if it hired at least two new people per year.