What @sog_ced is reading online: October 2018

The following are articles and reports on the web that the Community and Economic Development Program at the UNC School of Government shared through social media over the past month. Follow us on twitter or facebook to receive regular updates. Items of interest related to CED in North Carolina: Does revitalization of public spaces such as libraries, parks and plazas increase civic capital, including public trust and perceptions of safety? New study: http://bit.ly/2yBqRtI Carolina Demography ranks NC counties by health and quality of life. https://unc.live/2CV5d82 The Charlotte Observer’s post-mortem on failed business recruitment effort. http://bit.ly/2NQ9aMr Other CED items: A new online data tool, The Opportunity Atlas, allows users to explore economic mobility at a neighborhood level. It turns out that your zip code influences your ability to access the “American Dream.” https://n.pr/2P7NkWg US Department of Treasury releases the first tranche of Opportunity Zone regulations (concepts such as the 90% investment requirement and the “reasonable period” for reinvesting proceeds after sale of qualifying assets to avoid penalty, will be addressed in later guidance). http://bit.ly/2NRkXtM Michael Novogradac provides a good summary of recently released Opportunity Zone guidance—and what questions remain. http://bit.ly/2Oyngao Key finding for economic development pros in Raj Chetty’s Equality of Opportunity Project: Having lots of jobs nearby doesn’t improve the chances for low-income children to move up the income ladder. More important is “growing up around people who have jobs.” http://bit.ly/2NS1wB6 Curbed reviews Opportunity Zones and their promise and pitfalls. http://bit.ly/2OJ3zgp There are still many unanswered questions about the first tranche of released Opportunity Zone guidance. See the National Council of State Housing Agencies letter to IRS requesting clarity on afford housing, combining with tax credits and [...]