Economy and Infrastructure

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Goal Statement

Hillsboro’s world-class economy, advanced technical training, and innovative, business-friendly culture attracts investments and supports businesses of all sizes. State of the art infrastructure systems including communications, roads, transit, and water supply are in place and continually updated to accommodate the city’s growth and evolution. Hillsboro is a vibrant, regional destination for arts, recreation, cuisine, and entertainment.

LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNERS

City of Hillsboro
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership

Washington County Chamber
Westside Transportation Alliance

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Coming soon!

INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS

Initiative 1: Promote Hillsboro’s business-friendly culture and proactive workforce development initiatives.

ACTIONS

A. Share top local occupation and career pathway opportunities with students and community members
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

B. Create or recruit specialty trade schools and/or establish a workforce training center in Hillsboro
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

C. Grow a diverse workforce through outreach to women and minorities in partnership with local businesses
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro, Washington County Chamber
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

D. Create a locally funded capital network to invest in and promote entrepreneurial and small business growth
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro, Washington County Chamber
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

E. Develop an online business registry to help consumers connect with local goods and services providers
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

F. Investigate the potential use of land banking to secure sites for future development opportunities (major attraction, housing, etc.)
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

G. Develop a 50-year land development and preservation plan to ensure adequate housing and economic growth, while also establishing long-term farm and environmental protections
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 2: Expand shopping, entertainment, and dining destinations.

ACTIONS

A. Develop a retail and restaurant strategy promoting development of locally owned retail, high-end dining, breweries, wineries, food carts, and contemporary shopping citywide
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro, Washington County Chamber
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

B. Develop an entertainment and tourism strategy
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro, Washington County Chamber
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

C. Explore the feasibility of building and operating a full-service children's museum, including destination attractions and in-house preschool services
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

D. Explore the feasibility of bringing a privately managed roller skating and/or ice-skating rink to Hillsboro
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 3: Continue efforts to develop a vibrant, mixed-use downtown as a unique attraction.

ACTIONS

A. Create walkable connections to Downtown from neighborhoods and Jackson Bottom Wetlands
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

B. Secure investment for a food co-op or grocery store in or near Downtown
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

C. Grow Downtown Hillsboro's visitor destination infrastructure with an emphasis on winery tours supported by shuttles and a boutique hotel/spa
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro, Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

D. Coordinate with TriMet to rejuvenate the East Main Street train bridge and establish a Downtown gateway
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

E. Implement a means for visitors to visually identify their arrival into the Downtown Cultural Arts District
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

F. Complete the Block 67 redevelopment initiative that includes new housing and community amenities
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Started

G. Research viable options and feasibility of installing public restrooms Downtown
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2030+
STATUS: Not Started

Initiative 4: Implement efforts to ease congestion in and around Hillsboro.

ACTIONS

A. Work with employers and community partners to develop innovative solutions for traffic congestion, including staggered work shifts and alternative last mile infrastructure and services
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): Westside Transportation Alliance
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

B. Provide community updates on the Transportation System Plan
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Implemented Ongoing

C. Conduct a local transit feasibility study
LEAD COMMUNITY PARTNER(S): City of Hillsboro
TIMELINE: 2025-2030
STATUS: Not Started