Though long abandoned, this project was never forgotten. The passage of time, however, made it less and less likely that the project would be found valuable, due to the one-time, ten-year window of the program. And then came One Big Beautiful Bill–and a renewed focus on data analysis.

Yes, OB³ has revitalized the QOZ, with some changes. At the same time, I’ve found renewed interest in reviving the program through continued study of data analytics tools. Specifically, tools better accustomed to accomplishing larger-scale analysis and insight for a one-person team.

Work has begun using R Studio to explore a few areas that did not exist before the programs renewal, including:

• Performance analysis: The opportunity to compare changes to the original QOZs, roughly seven years since the program went into effect.
• TCJA vs. OB3 changes: The new version of the QOZ program features changes that may have excluded some of the currently designated zones, including a definition of “low income” that is 10 percent lower than the original (70%- vs. 80% of the metro/state median income)
• Forward-looking analysis: The program will now select new tracts every five years, beginning in 2026, creating the opportunity to look at which tracts might have fallen out of eligibility and which tracts might be newly-eligible.
• Scaling: Creation of a template to quickly expand a “prototype” analysis for all 50 states and territories through comprehensive R Studio scripting (instead of crossing my fingers and hoping someone would pay me for the time/effort to expand beyond the prototype)
• Advanced mapping: Utilizing tools beyond Google Maps and spreadsheets has allow me to create better visuals, such as filling in/outlining census tracts versus placing a dot in the middle.

Work has already begun, now using Wisconsin as the prototype state, so stay tuned!