The Hillsboro City Council approved the selection of a proposal to bring a new affordable housing project to the area north of the Willow Creek Park & Ride site. 

The proposal from Mercy Housing Northwest and the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) features:  

• 117 affordable apartments plus one on-site manager’s unit  

• Family-focused housing with 75% of units will have 2 or more bedrooms  

• 6 fully accessible “Type A” units designed to provide the highest level of accessibility  

• 18 Permanent Supportive Housing units for those exiting homelessness  

• On-site Early Learning Center: Two preschool classrooms for up to 40 children  

• Resident services: Culturally specific programs, after-school activities, workforce development, parenting education, and more  

• Amenities: Outdoor playgrounds, community garden, public art, and walking paths  

The City has reserved $15.5 million from Hillsboro’s Metro Affordable Housing Bond allocation to support this project.  

“This project represents the best of what transit-oriented development can be – and helps to address our community’s need for affordable housing,” said City of Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “Being next to the Willow Creek Transit Center and Portland Community College’s Willow Creek campus in Hillsboro means residents will have affordable access to higher education, regional opportunities, and vital community services. We are grateful to partner with IRCO, Mercy Housing NW, TriMet, and Metro to make sure marginalized communities have the housing and services they need to thrive.”

TriMet is making the transit-adjacent property available for developer purchase at a discounted price, helping reduce development costs.  

“This public partnership between TriMet and the City of Hillsboro is a win for our community. Our collaboration to convert a plot of under-used land into a transit-oriented development will help provide much-needed affordable housing at a critical time,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said. “With public transportation just steps from their front door, residents will have easy access to jobs, education and opportunities across our region. This is how we work together to build a stronger, more connected future for everyone.”

The location, served by both MAX Red and Blue lines, multiple bus routes, and within walking distance of PCC, will provide residents with easy connections to jobs, schools, and services throughout the region.  

The development will primarily serve low- and very low-income families with its unique design including an onsite early learning center to support young families, and comprehensive partnership with IRCO. 

A Strategic Partnership for Affordable Housing 

A Request for Proposals (RFP) process launched in March 2025, drawing eight development proposals by the May deadline. A community-based Selection Advisory Panel reviewed, scored, and recommended the top proposal for consideration. Mercy Housing NW and IRCO’s plan earned the highest evaluation scores. 

The development team plans to continue public engagement to help inform building design, services, and operations. While Hillsboro City Council’s initial conceptual approval allows the project to advance, final design details may change during the land use and permitting process.  

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, following all required approvals from TriMet, Metro, and City.