“Opportunity Zones” are census tracts designated by state governors in which qualifying investments receive substantial tax breaks. The tax breaks include the deferral of federal capital gains tax, the reduction of that tax and the elimination of subsequent capital gains tax on some or all of the appreciation on the investment. A creation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Opportunity Zones are intended to stimulate long term investment in low-income census tracts by rewarding investors with meaningful tax benefits.
This presentation and webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of this important new program and guidance on getting deals done in Opportunity Zones.
Discussion topics will include:
- What is the purpose of the OZ program
- Description of enabling legislation and expected guidance
- Creation of Opportunity Funds
- Investments in OZ property and businesses
- Opportunity Funds Investor Profiles
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR
PRESENTERS
MICHAEL WILLIAMSON
Buchalter
Michael Williamson Chairs the Firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. His practice includes finance, equity investments, tax credits, real estate fund formation, syndicated investments, and portfolio and syndicated credit facilities, including asset-based lending, secured and unsecured credit facilities, municipal and project finance. Michael earned his B.A. in Government and Public Policy Analysis at Pomona College and his J.D. at Loyola Law School.
JOSHUA PERTTULA
Abington Emerson
Joshua Perttula is a founding partner and principal of Abington Emerson Investments, LLC, (“Abington Emerson”), a private real estate investment company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Perttula leads the firm’s real estate, finance, and investment departments. Abington Emerson’s real estate portfolio consists of assets in multi-family, office, retail, hospitality and mobile home parks across seven states and includes multiple investments in Opportunity Zone areas. The firm is currently in the process of launching its first Opportunity Zone Fund. Joshua is also an expert and active consultant on land use and real estate policy as it relates to local governments. He graduated with a B.A. in both Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine and holds a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Joshua is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the California State Bar and a licensed real estate broker in the State of California.
ARI BELIAK
Bank of America
Ari Beliak is a Senior Vice President at Bank of America in Community Development Banking. He is co-leading the Bank’s response to Opportunity Zones, and provides debt and equity solutions for affordable housing developers based in Northern California, Nevada, and Colorado. Ari was the key driver in Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s funding of the nation’s largest affordable housing project, the San Francisco Rental Assistance Demonstration. He has an extensive background in affordable housing, real estate finance, and law. Prior to joining the Bank, Ari practiced law for Sidley Austin LLP, served in various real estate finance capacities for Wells Fargo Bank, including their affordable housing group, and was a management consultant for A.T. Kearney. Ari received his BA and MBA from the University of California, Berkeley and JD from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
