OZ 2.0 Focus: Census Tract 12.02

851 NW 13th Street Corridor | FIPS 12086001202

Candidate tract for OZ 2.0 designation, anchored by Aurea at Highland Park Miami

What is OZ 2.0?

Opportunity Zones are a federal tax incentive program designed to spur economic development in distressed communities:

OZ 1.0 designations were based on 2010-era census data and became effective in 2018.
OZ 2.0 is a proposed refresh using updated census statistics and a new designation cycle.
Maps circulating now show modeled candidate tracts; final designations are expected after a formal state + Treasury process.
Governors will nominate tracts from their states, and Treasury will certify the final OZ 2.0 map.

Note: This page provides general information about OZ 2.0 and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals for guidance on Opportunity Zone investments.

Why Tract 12.02?

Census Tract 12.02 (FIPS 12086001202) demonstrates strong indicators for OZ 2.0 designation:

Economic Need Indicators

Metric	Tract 12.02	County Average
Poverty Rate	~36%	~15%
Median Family Income (MFI)	~45-52% of AMI	100% baseline
Unemployment	8-11%	~3%

Strategic Position

Location: Perfectly positioned between the Health District (46,000+ jobs) and historically underserved Overtown
Underinvestment: Decades of disinvestment despite proximity to major employment hub
Aging housing stock: High proportion of pre-1950 housing signaling reinvestment need
Vacant/underutilized land: Significant parcels suitable for infill development

Adjacency Rule Eligibility

Even if Tract 12.02's income metrics improve slightly, it remains adjacent to multiple qualifying low-income tracts. Under the adjacency rule, it may still be designated if its MFI is no more than 125% of the adjacent tract's MFI.

Policy Stacking: OZ 2.0 + Live Local + TOD

Tract 12.02 offers one of the highest-leverage policy stacks in Miami:

OZ 2.0 Benefits

Capital gains deferral for QOF investors
Potential step-up in basis
Tax-free appreciation on long-term holds

Live Local Act Benefits

75% property tax abatement on workforce units
Enhanced density and height by right
Administrative approval process

TOD Context

Adjacent to Culmer Metrorail station
Near MiamiCentral transit hub
Walkable to Health District jobs

                    Combined Impact
                    Triple-stacked policy advantages
Reduced cost of capital
Enhanced returns potential
Community benefit alignment

                

How to Lobby a Tract into OZ 2.0 - Playbook

A step-by-step approach to advocating for Census Tract 12.02 designation:

Secure Local Government Resolutions

Obtain city and county resolutions expressing support for the tract's OZ 2.0 designation. These demonstrate local alignment and political backing.

Engage County EDO / Beacon Council

Present a data-driven memo to economic development organizations showing jobs, underinvestment metrics, and committed private capital.

Obtain Letters of Support

Gather endorsements from community groups, healthcare institutions (Jackson, UM Health), neighborhood associations, and anchor employers.

Engage State Legislators

Work with state senators and representatives whose districts include the tract to advocate directly to the governor's economic policy office.

Present Private Capital Commitment

Demonstrate clear, concrete commitment of private investment contingent on designation. This shows the state that capital will deploy immediately upon approval.

Provide Eligibility Data Package

Submit adjacency and eligibility data in a simple, governor staff-friendly format that makes the designation decision straightforward.

Download the Full Advocacy Package

Access detailed letter templates, the complete scoring model, and the full advocacy dossier for Census Tract 12.02.

Download Materials →

Black Salmon's Role

Black Salmon is preparing to be an early, data-driven OZ 2.0 participant:

Flagship project: Aurea at Highland Park Miami demonstrates the Live Local + Health District + candidate OZ 2.0 integration.
Advocacy leadership: The firm has assembled a comprehensive advocacy packet showcasing why Tract 12.02 should be included.
Capital commitment: Black Salmon will deploy targeted OZ-eligible capital into Tract 12.02 upon designation.
Community benefit focus: Emphasis on workforce housing, local retail, and public-realm improvements that serve existing residents.

Capital Commitment Statement: "We will deploy targeted opportunity zone capital into Tract 12.02 to accelerate the delivery of mixed-income housing, support retail, and public-realm improvements anchored by Aurea at Highland Park Miami, contingent upon OZ 2.0 designation of the tract."

Learn More About Aurea

Explore the full case study of Aurea at Highland Park Miami, including project specifications, Live Local Act benefits, and Health District context.

View Aurea Case Study →

Disclaimer: The information presented on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. OZ 2.0 designations are subject to state nomination and Treasury certification processes that have not yet been completed. Consult with qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.