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EO 13853Executive OrderTrump 45 · R

Executive Order 13853

Establishing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council

This executive order establishes the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, chaired by the Secretary of HUD, to coordinate across federal agencies to promote investment in economically distressed communities and qualified opportunity zones created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Council is tasked with assessing agency actions, streamlining regulations, and producing multiple reports with recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 65071

Impact dates

  1. Council terminates unless extended by President

  2. List of recommended changes to help state/local/tribal governments identify, use, and administer federal resources

  3. List of best practices for public and private investments to increase economic growth and revitalization

  4. List of recommended changes to federal statutes, regulations, policies, and programs to encourage investment

  5. Detailed work plan for accomplishing section 3 goals due to President

Key directives

  • Establish White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council chaired by Secretary of HUD
  • Vice Chair (Assistant to President for Domestic Policy) convenes regular meetings and directs work
  • Assess agency actions to prioritize federal investments in distressed communities and opportunity zones
  • Assess agency actions to minimize regulatory burdens discouraging investment
  • Consult regularly with state/local/tribal governments and private sector
  • Coordinate interagency efforts with diverse stakeholders including HBCUs and tribal colleges
  • Recommend policies to streamline burdens on multi-program applicants
  • Evaluate integrated web-based tool for federal financing programs
  • Evaluate opportunity zones as locations for federal buildings
  • Develop data/metrics/methodologies to measure investment effectiveness
  • Amend EO 13845 regarding American Workforce Policy Advisory Board appointments

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Council establishment with designated chair and vice chair
  • HUD designated to provide administrative support
  • Executive Director designated

Near term (90d)

  • Detailed work plan due to President
  • Council begins assessing agency authorities and consulting with stakeholders

Long term

  • Recommended changes to federal statutes/regulations due at 210 days
  • Recommended changes for state/local/tribal resource use due at 1 year
  • Best practices list due at 1 year
  • Council terminates January 21, 2021 unless extended

Risks & tensions

  • Council sunset date (January 21, 2021) creates uncertainty about institutional continuity
  • Dependent on 'existing appropriations' and 'availability of appropriations' — funding constraints possible
  • Vague 'to the extent permitted by law' qualifiers limit enforceability of directives
  • No enforcement mechanism if agencies ignore recommendations (Sec. 6(b) says 'shall consider' but not adopt)
  • Amendment to EO 13845 shifting appointment authority to Secretary of Commerce may reduce presidential control over advisory board
Executive Order 13853: Establishing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council · Executive Orders