Claude Desktop MCP Setup

Step-by-step guide to add the Opportunity Zone MCP server to Claude Desktop. Get AI-powered geographic intelligence directly in your conversations.

5 minute setup

macOS & Windows

Prerequisites

What you need before starting

Claude Desktop app installed (download from anthropic.com)

Node.js and npm installed (from nodejs.org)

Your Opportunity Zone API key (from the dashboard)

Step 1: Find Your Configuration File

Locate the Claude Desktop configuration directory

On macOS:

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/

Press ⌘ + Shift + G in Finder and paste the path above

On Windows:

%APPDATA%\Claude\

Press Win + R, type the path above, and press Enter

Screenshot needed: Take a screenshot showing the Claude application folder with the configuration file visible in your file manager.

Step 2: Create or Edit Configuration File

Set up claude_desktop_config.json

Create or open the file claude_desktop_config.json in the directory above.

If the file doesn't exist, create it with:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Opportunity Zone MCP": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://oz-mcp.vercel.app/mcp/sse",
        "--header",
        "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      ]
    }
  }
}

If the file already exists, add the Opportunity Zone MCP server:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "existing-server": {
      // ... your existing servers
    },
    "Opportunity Zone MCP": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://oz-mcp.vercel.app/mcp/sse",
        "--header",
        "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Screenshot needed: Show the configuration file open in a text editor with the Opportunity Zone MCP server configuration visible.

Step 3: Add Your API Key

Replace the placeholder with your actual API key

Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual API key from the dashboard.

Example with real API key:

"Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"

Security tip: Keep your API key secure. Don't share screenshots that contain your actual API key.

Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop

Apply the new configuration

On macOS:

Press ⌘ + Q to quit Claude completely
Reopen Claude Desktop from Applications

On Windows:

Right-click Claude in the taskbar and select "Close window"
Reopen Claude Desktop from the Start menu

Screenshot needed: Show Claude Desktop application being relaunched, possibly with a loading screen or startup interface.

Step 5: Test Your Setup

Verify the MCP server is working

Try one of these test prompts in Claude:

"Is the address '123 Main Street, Detroit, MI' in an Opportunity Zone?"

"Check if coordinates 42.3314, -83.0458 are in an Opportunity Zone"

"What Opportunity Zones are available in San Francisco?"

If successful, Claude will:

Access the Opportunity Zone MCP server
Query geographic data in real-time
Provide accurate Opportunity Zone information
Show census tract details and zone status

Screenshot needed: Show a successful conversation with Claude using the Opportunity Zone MCP server, including both your question and Claude's response with geographic data.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions

Claude doesn't recognize MCP commands

Verify the configuration file syntax is valid JSON
Check that the file is saved in the correct location
Ensure you completely restarted Claude Desktop
Verify Node.js is installed and accessible

API authentication errors

Double-check your API key is correct
Verify the API key hasn't expired
Make sure there are no extra spaces in the configuration
Check your account has sufficient API credits

Network connection issues

Ensure you have a stable internet connection
Check if your firewall is blocking the connection
Try testing the API directly from your browser
Verify the MCP server URL is accessible

What's Next?

Explore More Features:

Geocode addresses to coordinates
Validate location searches
Get detailed census tract information
Check Opportunity Zone status in bulk

Integration Options:

Use with other MCP servers
Combine with business intelligence tools
Integrate into real estate workflows
Build custom applications