The U.S. Treasury has approved 25 New Hampshire census tracts for the next version of the federal Opportunity Zone program, Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Oct. 27.

The tracts span all 10 counties. Seventeen of the 25 are in designated rural communities. The state selected the areas from 53 eligible tracts.

Opportunity Zones use tax incentives to encourage private investors to put eligible capital gains into qualifying projects. The designation itself does not award a construction grant or establish that a particular housing or business project will be built.

The new designations take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and run through Dec. 31, 2036, according to the governor's announcement. Existing designations remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2028.

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs plans community briefings and workshops for municipal officials and prospective investors. The announcement links to the selected municipalities and program maps, allowing residents to check whether a proposed investment falls within a designated tract.