The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program drives strategic investment into Georgia’s underserved communities, from Atlanta’s opportunity corridors to South Georgia’s rural counties. As the Southeast’s economic hub continues its remarkable growth trajectory, NMTC investments play a crucial role in ensuring that prosperity reaches all corners of the Peach State. CBO Financial leverages deep expertise in structuring complex transactions to help developers, nonprofits, and businesses access this powerful financing tool, creating lasting impact in communities that need it most.
How the NMTC Program Works in Georgia
Georgia’s NMTC ecosystem operates through a sophisticated network of Community Development Entities (CDEs) that channel private investment into qualified low-income communities. The program provides investors with a 39% federal tax credit claimed over seven years, incentivizing capital deployment into projects that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional financing. Georgia’s diverse economy, spanning logistics, manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, and technology sectors, creates abundant opportunities for impactful NMTC investments.
The state’s strategic location as a transportation hub, anchored by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Port of Savannah, positions Georgia projects to leverage NMTC financing for logistics and distribution facilities that create substantial employment opportunities. Manufacturing operations, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials sectors, utilize NMTC investments to establish or expand facilities in economically distressed areas. Understanding the requirements of new market tax credit consultants helps ensure projects meet all federal guidelines while maximizing community benefit.
Since the program’s inception, Georgia CDEs have deployed billions in NMTC allocations, supporting projects ranging from urban redevelopment in Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta to rural healthcare facilities and agricultural processing operations across the state’s 159 counties. This track record demonstrates Georgia’s capacity to effectively utilize NMTC financing for transformative community development.
Eligible Projects and Borrowers
Georgia’s NMTC landscape encompasses diverse project types that address critical community needs while generating economic returns. Commercial real estate developments in qualified census tracts, including retail centers that eliminate food deserts, office buildings housing growing businesses, and mixed-use properties that anchor neighborhood revitalization, represent prime candidates for NMTC investment. Industrial and manufacturing facilities that commit to hiring from low-income communities consistently attract strong CDE interest, particularly when located in areas transitioning from economic decline.
Healthcare infrastructure projects remain a priority throughout Georgia, with rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and specialty clinics serving Medicaid populations qualifying for substantial NMTC support. Educational facilities, ranging from technical colleges preparing workers for in-demand careers to charter schools serving disadvantaged students, leverage these credits to expand capacity and enhance program delivery. Community facilities operated by nonprofits, including Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and workforce development centers, often use NMTC financing to upgrade facilities and expand their reach.
Eligible borrowers span the spectrum from established corporations committed to community investment to grassroots nonprofits advancing social missions. Public-private partnerships addressing infrastructure needs, social enterprises combining business models with community benefit, and small businesses ready to scale operations all participate in Georgia’s NMTC market. Access to community development financial institutions’ expertise ensures organizations navigate complex structuring requirements while maintaining focus on their core missions.
Benefits of the NMTC Program for Georgia
The transformative power of NMTC investments extends far beyond individual projects, creating ripple effects that strengthen entire Georgia communities. Job creation stands as the most tangible benefit, with NMTC projects generating thousands of construction positions during development and permanent employment opportunities upon completion. These jobs often provide living wages and career advancement pathways for residents of distressed communities, breaking cycles of poverty and building generational wealth.
Capital leverage amplifies the program’s impact, with each dollar of NMTC allocation typically attracting three to four dollars in private investment. This multiplier effect enables Georgia communities to undertake larger, more comprehensive development projects that address multiple needs simultaneously. Mixed-use developments combining affordable housing, retail, healthcare, and community services exemplify how NMTC financing enables holistic approaches to neighborhood transformation.
Beyond economic metrics, NMTC investments improve quality of life through enhanced access to essential services, cultural amenities, and recreational facilities. Georgia projects have included performing arts centers that anchor creative districts, fresh food markets that improve health outcomes, and business incubators that foster entrepreneurship. Organizations seeking to evaluate their project’s potential can apply for NMTC financing through CBO Financial’s streamlined assessment process.
Regulatory & State Development Framework
Georgia’s supportive policy environment enhances the effectiveness of the federal NMTC program through complementary state initiatives and local partnerships. The Georgia Department of Economic Development coordinates with CDEs, local development authorities, and regional commissions to identify strategic investment opportunities and facilitate project execution. This collaborative approach ensures NMTC investments align with broader economic development strategies and maximize community impact.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers various programs that layer effectively with NMTC financing, including opportunity zone investments, tax allocation districts, and state tax credit programs. These tools enable sophisticated capital structures that reduce project costs while maintaining financial sustainability. CBO Financial maintains strong relationships with Georgia’s active CDEs and stays current on evolving state policies affecting NMTC deployment.
Municipal governments throughout Georgia actively court NMTC investment through streamlined permitting processes, property tax abatements, and infrastructure support. Cities like Savannah, Macon, and Albany have dedicated economic development teams familiar with NMTC requirements who work closely with developers to expedite project approval and implementation. This multi-level governmental support creates an environment where NMTC projects can achieve maximum efficiency and impact.
Get Started
Position your Georgia development project for success with strategic NMTC financing that delivers substantial tax benefits while creating meaningful community impact. CBO Financial’s proven expertise in structuring complex NMTC transactions ensures your project captures maximum value while maintaining full compliance with federal requirements. Our team’s deep understanding of Georgia’s economic landscape and strong relationships with active CDEs provide the foundation for successful project execution.
Whether developing a manufacturing facility in rural Georgia, creating a healthcare center in an underserved Atlanta neighborhood, or establishing a mixed-use development in a historic downtown district, NMTC consultants, through CBO Financial, provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process. Contact our team today to begin exploring how NMTC financing can accelerate your community development objectives while generating attractive returns for investors committed to Georgia’s continued growth and prosperity.