Strategic priorities that guide the zone South Metro EZ Economic Development Goals
The South Metro Enterprise Zone supports strategic outcomes that align Enterprise Zone incentives with local priorities. These goals help guide outreach, partnerships, and the types of activity encouraged within the Zone.
Why Goals Matter
They connect tax credit incentives to broader local and regional economic priorities.
How They’re Used
They help guide outreach, partnerships, investment decisions, and the kinds of activities encouraged in the Zone.
Who Should Review Them
Businesses, project sponsors, economic development partners, and organizations considering Enterprise Zone opportunities.
These goals shape the kind of activity the Zone is meant to encourage.
The South Metro Enterprise Zone is not just about credits in the abstract. It is intended to support outcomes that strengthen business investment, job growth, revitalization, workforce readiness, equitable opportunity, and public-private coordination.
What this page is for
This page gives businesses, partners, and project sponsors a clear sense of the strategic priorities that sit behind the South Metro Enterprise Zone. It helps users understand how local goals connect to the kinds of projects, partnerships, and activities the Zone seeks to support.
It also makes it easier to think about Enterprise Zone activity in a broader context — not just whether a credit may apply, but how a project or investment contributes to the long-term economic health of the region.
Economic development priorities for the South Metro Enterprise Zone
The live page identifies five core goals that guide the South Metro Enterprise Zone.
Encourage Business Investment and Job Growth
Promote activities and projects that create and retain jobs within the SMEZ, especially in industries that support local economic resilience and long-term growth.
Support Adaptive Reuse and Revitalization of Commercial Corridors
Incentivize private investment in building rehabilitation and redevelopment that strengthens business districts, enhances community vibrancy, and improves property values.
Advance Workforce Development and Training Partnerships
Strengthen connections between employers, education institutions, and workforce or training providers so residents are prepared for in-zone job opportunities.
Promote Equitable Economic Opportunities
Support inclusive business growth initiatives, entrepreneurship pathways, and expansion projects that benefit diverse communities within the Zone.
Facilitate Strategic Public-Private Partnerships
Leverage Enterprise Zone incentives to attract investment, expand regional competitiveness, and align with broader economic development plans and community priorities.
Practical next steps
The live page explains that businesses can engage by exploring eligible tax credits, completing pre-certification early, and coordinating with trusted tax professionals to ensure compliance and documentation.
Explore Eligible Credits
Start by reviewing which Enterprise Zone tax credits may apply to your business activity.
Complete Pre-Certification Early
Do not wait until the end of the year. Many credits depend on completing pre-certification before the qualifying activity begins.
Maintain Compliance and Documentation
Coordinate with a trusted tax professional to document the activity correctly and stay aligned with filing requirements.
Questions about SMEZ goals or priorities?
Naomi Colwell
President & CEO, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
ncolwell@aurorachamber.org
For time-sensitive questions about eligibility, documentation, or filing, please consult your tax professional. This page provides general information about SMEZ goals and priorities and is not tax or legal advice. Program requirements and priorities may evolve to reflect community and economic conditions.
Connect your activity to the goals behind the Zone
The strongest Enterprise Zone activity is not just technically eligible. It also supports the broader goals of business investment, revitalization, workforce development, equitable opportunity, and regional partnership.