Jefferson County, MT Selected by Governor Gianforte for New Opportunity Zone Designations

Opportunity Zone Designation Creates New Tax Advantages for Investment in Jefferson County, Montana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2026

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mont. – Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) announced today that Governor Greg Gianforte has selected census tracts in Jefferson County for inclusion in Montana’s latest round of Opportunity Zone nominations, positioning the county to benefit from the new, permanent Opportunity Zones program beginning in 2027.

Opportunity Zones are designed to encourage private investment in designated communities by providing federal tax incentives to qualifying investors. The new Opportunity Zones program, commonly referred to as Opportunity Zones 2.0, creates additional incentives for investment in rural communities.

For Jefferson County, the selection adds a powerful financial incentive to an already compelling business location.

“Jefferson County already offers direct interstate access and proximity to some of Montana’s fastest-growing communities,” said Samantha Yearry, Executive Director of Jefferson Local Development Corporation. “With this Opportunity Zone designation, we can now offer investors another significant advantage. Opportunity Zone tax incentives can make investing and growing a business here even more attractive.”

Located at the crossroads of Interstates 15 and 90, Jefferson County provides direct access to Helena, Butte and Bozeman, as well as regional and national markets. Businesses can take advantage of competitive industrial sites, including the 200-acre Sunlight Business Park along Interstate 90, available workforce and a business-friendly environment.

“We have worked closely with our community and the State of Montana’s Department of Commerce, and appreciate everyone’s support in selecting Jefferson County for this opportunity,” said Keith Foley, President of the Jefferson Local Development Corporation Board of Directors. “Investment in Jefferson County supports businesses, creates jobs and strengthens our communities. We are excited about what this can mean for our county.”

The designation also strengthens JLDC’s ability to market Jefferson County to investors, developers and businesses seeking locations where financial incentives can complement long-term growth opportunities.

“This Opportunity Zone designation gives Jefferson Local Development Corporation another tool for attracting investment to Jefferson County,” said Amanda Haller, Vice President of the Jefferson Local Development Corporation Board of Directors. “We can introduce investors to opportunities where the financial benefits are compelling and where their investment can have a meaningful impact on our communities.”

Jefferson County also offers something investors and businesses cannot find everywhere: an exceptional Montana quality of life. More than 550,000 acres of public land provide access to rivers, mountains, trails and hot springs, creating a place where people can build a business and enjoy the reasons people choose to live in Montana.

Investors, developers and businesses interested in exploring Opportunity Zone investment and development opportunities in Jefferson County are encouraged to contact Jefferson Local Development Corporation at 406-287-7972 or visit www.jldcmt.com.

About Opportunity Zones

Opportunity Zones are economically distressed communities, defined by census tract, that are nominated by governors and certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service. Under certain conditions, investments made through Qualified Opportunity Funds in designated Opportunity Zones may qualify for preferential federal tax treatment.

The permanent Opportunity Zones 2.0 program begins January 1, 2027, with new Opportunity Zone maps established every 10 years. The program provides tax benefits that can include deferral of eligible capital gains, a step-up in basis for qualifying investments held for at least five years, and potential exclusion of appreciation for qualifying investments held for at least 10 years. Opportunity Zones 2.0 also provides enhanced incentives for qualifying rural Opportunity Zone investments.

Learn more about the federal Opportunity Zones program at HUD.gov/opportunity-zones.

About Jefferson Local Development Corporation

Established in 1998, Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) is a nonprofit, economic development organization dedicated to strengthening the economy of Jefferson County, Montana. JLDC works with existing businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and companies considering Jefferson County for investment or expansion and offers concierge services to investors interested in doing business within the county. Learn more about Jefferson County’s Opportunity Zones at www.jldcmt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Samantha Yearry
Executive Director
Jefferson Local Development Corporation
5 Whitetail Road
Whitehall, MT 59759
406-287-7972
samantha.yearry@jldcmt.com