News & Announcements

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Meet Rahim Harji: Deputy City Manager

Post Date:02/16/2023

Rahim Harji joined the City of Hillsboro as Assistant City Manager in early 2020, in the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Rahim became Hillsboro's Deputy City Manager. We asked Rahim to share what makes his work so meaningful to him, and where he gets his inspiration.

Rahim, tell us more about yourself.

I was born in Gainesville, Florida, but I grew up in Kenya (I can speak Swahili from my time living in Kenya, although not so well anymore).

I went to college in Canada, then came back to Florida and moved to Oregon almost three years ago. I’m a professional engineer in the State of Oregon and have an Executive MPA from Portland State University.

My wife Emily and I, and our dog, really enjoy the outdoors like hiking, visiting the coast and, of course, soccer.

Rahim with his wife and their dog posing outdoors

I began my career as an engineer designing subdivisions, but I transitioned over to public service early in my career because I was looking for a way to use my skills in service to my community.

My initial focus in the public sector was as a Stormwater Engineer, but then I went on to lead teams as a Stormwater and Vegetation Division Manager and Public Works Director.

Before I came to Oregon, I was an Assistant County Administrator at Pinellas County in Florida, overseeing the Public Works, Utilities, Solid Waste, Parks and Conservation Resources departments, and the Office of Asset Management.

In my current role as Deputy City Manager, my portfolio includes five departments:

Public Works
Water
Parks & Recreation
Information Services
Economic & Community Development

I am fortunate to work with amazing Department Directors who oversee these departments, helping them achieve their objectives.

My true passion is working with people — internally and externally — being able to make a positive difference in others’ lives, especially in our historically and currently marginalized communities.

Hariji and dog over looking the coast

Who inspires you?

My parents inspire me. They did not get the opportunity to finish high school, but they made sure my brother and I were able to get a college-level education. Knowing we help people every day, the people I work with, and the community we serve also inspires me.

What was your most memorable job?

When I was a Public Works Director at Pinellas County in Florida, I had the honor to help lead a team of amazing people in challenges like Hurricane Irma, APWA accreditation, and meeting the needs of the public every day.

I was able to work with frontline workers, hear from them, and bring their perspectives into policymaking. That experience allowed me to witness the extent to which people can come out to help their community, especially when they need it the most.

What led you to work for the City of Hillsboro?

After several years in the Florida heat, my wife and I were ready to move to the cooler Pacific Northwest when we heard about this opportunity at Hillsboro. The strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work drew me here. The food, beer, and scenery are nice out here too.

Rahim hiking on a trail overlooking a town

What is it like to spend a day doing your job?

There are a lot of meetings and emails — things you would expect. Sometimes it can look like helping implement policy direction that our City Council provides. Other days, I am a listening board for my team.

When it comes to the community aspect, I get to go out to speak to community members and hear what is important to them and take that back — it informs what policies we implement. Sometimes it is just about removing barriers to make sure we can accomplish what we need to, what the community wants, and make sure we can be successful. Every day is different and I’m very fortunate to work with an amazing team.

What do you like most about your work?

The people who work here — it's why I love public service. You get to meet and work with people who are here to help the community and make it the best it can be.

We have the opportunity to elevate voices that sometimes aren't heard. Sometimes, it’s just fixing a sidewalk, but that can make a big difference for someone. Other times, it’s implementing things like asset management programs that will benefit our community years from now.

What’s your favorite place in Hillsboro?

Calle Diez is a favorite of mine — there’s an energy there. It’s a cultural hub for our community and there’s amazing food too. It is an area that has a lot of City facilities, like the Shute Park Library, the Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC), and a community park all in one area.

We recognize that we must continue to strengthen the bond between local government and the community that is there, and we’re working on that — it's that true equity work.