PRESS RELEASE - Mason EDC Announces Governor Ferguson’s Designation of a Mason County Census Tract as an Opportunity Zone 2.0
October 12, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karin Leaf, Interim Executive Director | 360-426-2276
Mason EDC Announces Governor Ferguson’s Designation of a Mason County Census Tract as an Opportunity Zone 2.0
The Mason County Economic Development Council (Mason EDC) is pleased to announce the Governor’s designation of a census tract encompassing downtown Shelton and extending to the Johns Prairie Industrial Park as part of the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program.
This designation creates an important opportunity to attract investment across a diverse range of projects. This includes industrial and manufacturing expansion, workforce and affordable housing, childcare and healthcare services, small business growth, and infrastructure improvements. These upgrades strengthen our region’s long-term economic competitiveness.
This comes after Mason EDC’s recent designation as a 2027 Washington State Main Street Program Affiliate, we will now have additional tools and resources to support downtown Shelton’s revitalization and broader economic development efforts.
“Being selected as an Opportunity Zone is a tremendous win for Shelton. This designation helps us attract new investment that can support local businesses, create jobs, and expand housing choices. Most importantly, it gives us new tools to strengthen the quality of life for the people who call Shelton home,” said Mark Ziegler, Manager for City of Shelton.
Together, these initiatives provide new tools to attract private investment, create opportunity, and build a more resilient and diversified economy for Mason County. We’re grateful for the partnership and leadership of the City of Shelton, Port of Shelton, PUD 3, and Evergreen Coast EDD, whose continued collaboration is essential to advancing economic development and creating new opportunities throughout our community.
For additional information about the federal Opportunity Zones program, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Opportunity Zones webpage.
About Mason EDC
The Mason County Economic Development Council works to expand and diversify Mason County’s economy by retaining and recruiting jobs, growing sustainable industry clusters, and promoting global competitiveness.
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