In 2022, the City of Hillsboro launched Engage Hillsboro — an online community engagement platform designed to break down the barriers to participation.

The City’s goals were to hear from more voices, foster transparency, and shape a city that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.

Three years later, Engage Hillsboro’s impact is undeniable.

• In 2024, Engage Hillsboro saw more than 43,500 visits and more than 92,000 page views.
• Engage Hillsboro helped gather more than 4,150 ideas submitted by more than 2,400 community members to help update the Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan.

With Engage Hillsboro, residents can engage without attending in-person meetings, allowing the City to reach a broader audience, including those who may have previously felt disconnected or unable to participate. In surveys, discussions, and project feedback forms, Engage Hillsboro has made it easier for people to share their thoughts and ideas from the comfort of their homes – or their phones.  

 Impact Across Projects 

One of the City’s key goals when launching the platform was to make sure that the voices of all community members, including underrepresented groups, were heard. From neighborhood park designs to strategic planning efforts, the feedback collected through Engage Hillsboro has helped shape projects in ways that reflect the diverse needs of residents. 

Community participation has influenced several high-impact projects.  When the Hillsboro Water Department sought to engage the community on proposed water rate adjustments, Engage Hillsboro provided an accessible way for customers to understand the proposed changes and voice their feelings. The feedback was compiled into a Public Input Report, which directly informed the Utilities Commission’s decision-making.  

In forming the Calle Diez Advisory Committee, Engage Hillsboro played a pivotal role in recruiting a diverse group of community members. The committee of 11 residents will provide ongoing insights into City projects and policies. This representation ensures that diverse voices, regardless of background or experience, are integral to shaping key decisions. (Artwork below: Bloom by Abdiel Flores Ubaldo)

Other recent projects on Engage Hillsboro include:

• the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• the Community-Guided Parks & Recreation System Plan
• the Year-Round Shelter

Building a Stronger Hillsboro through Community Engagement 

The Engage Hillsboro platform has allowed the City to expand outreach beyond traditional community engagement methods. Through surveys and interactive features, the Parks & Recreation Department has leveraged Engage Hillsboro to gather input on everything from movie selections for summer events to proposed public art designs. (Artwork below: Cloud Nest by Becky Borlan)

In each of these cases, community feedback was not only considered but often directly influenced the final decisions. By creating a standardized process for gathering input across various projects, Engage Hillsboro has streamlined communication and made it easier for residents to stay informed and involved. 

Overcoming Challenges 

As with any new initiative, Engage Hillsboro has faced challenges along the way. For instance, the Shute Road Multi-Use Project initially saw limited engagement through the platform, and the City’s team noticed delays in responding to comments. However, by making adjustments — such as adding project managers to participate on the platform in order to reduce response times — Engage Hillsboro has evolved to better meet the City’s standards for timeliness and responsiveness. 

Engagement on infrastructure projects, such as road developments, may not always lead to changes in the scope of the project due to engineering constraints. However, it allows residents to be heard and involved, addressing concerns and providing clarity on each project’s purpose. The platform has proven invaluable for maintaining transparency and fostering ongoing conversations between City staff and the community. 

Building on Success 

The City recognizes that engagement is an ongoing process. The more feedback gathered, the more comprehensive and inclusive the City’s decision-making becomes. As Ryan Godsey from the Hillsboro Public Works Department notes, while capital projects may be confined by engineering standards, community input has been a valuable tool in explaining project details and fostering a deeper understanding of why these changes are important. 

As we continue to evolve and grow, the City remains committed to listening to all voices in our community. The ideas, concerns, and feedback shared through this platform are not only valued — they are integral to creating a city that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents.

Together, we will continue to build a Hillsboro that works for everyone. 

Learn more and see other projects at Engage.Hillsboro-Oregon.gov