Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway has been recognized once again for his outstanding leadership and service in Oregon.

The most recent honor comes from the League of Oregon Cities (LOC), which awarded Mayor Callaway the prestigious James C. Richards Award during the LOC's 99^th annual conference in October. The award is given to an elected city official who serves the citizens of Oregon through an exceptional personal investment in intergovernmental affairs.

“I’m very honored to be recognized by my peers in this manner. It is truly humbling," Mayor Callaway said. "I am proud of what Hillsboro has accomplished, and that as I’ve served the city, I’ve also been able to support other Oregon communities through my service with the League of Oregon Cities.”

From the League of Oregon Cities award announcement:

"Before joining the Hillsboro City Council in 2011, then becoming Hillsboro's mayor in 2016, Mayor Callaway served on the Hillsboro Budget Committee, 2020 Vision Committee, Planning Commission, Library Foundation, the Oregon International Air Show, and the Hillsboro Schools Foundation.

In leading a community where people of color represent more than 40% of the population, Mayor Callaway has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His efforts have been recognized by The League of Minority Voters and Centro Cultural.

Under his leadership, Hillsboro has earned consistent national recognition as a “best place” to live and work. In 2022, the City of Hillsboro was named Public Employer of the Year by the Oregon Resource Association for creating an inviting and equitable work environment for employees with disabilities.

Mayor Callaway’s positive impact has reached communities throughout Oregon, where he’s helped countless elected leaders while serving on the board of directors and as president of both the Oregon Mayors Association and the League of Oregon Cities."

James C. Richards was a city councilor for Bay City, Oregon, and was the administrative officer for Tillamook County. His many years of involvement in intergovernmental affairs serve as a model for others and is the standard by which nominees are evaluated.

Oregon Mayors Association Recognized Mayor Callaway

In July, the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) recognized Mayor Callaway with the Award of Merit for his leadership and service. Mayor Callaway was one of two mayors (along with North Plains Mayor Teri Lenahan) to receive the Award of Merit for his many contributions to the Hillsboro community and throughout the State of Oregon during his eight years in office.

First elected Mayor in November 2016, Mayor Callaway took office in January 2017 and was re-elected in November 2020.

Read Mayor Callaway's OMA Award nomination letter from the Hillsboro City Council

"We are delighted to nominate Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway for the OMA Mayor’s Leadership Award.

While 2024 is his final year in office, Mayor Callaway’s legacy of accomplishments, achievements, and contributions to the greater Hillsboro community will be remembered for years and decades to come. His positive impact is felt in communities throughout Oregon. Steve has helped countless elected leaders during his time in office and while serving in leadership of the Oregon Mayors Association and the League of Oregon Cities.

First elected to the Hillsboro City Council in November 2010 and re-elected in 2014, Steve was elected Mayor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Mayor Callaway has championed initiatives to make Hillsboro a better place for everyone to live, work, and play. From inclusion and equity, to safety and sustainability, community events and connectivity, to education and economic opportunities, Hillsboro is better – more welcoming and friendlier – because of Mayor Callaway and his dedication to public service. His ability to work countless hours in service to the community while maintaining an extraordinary sense of humor and connection with people is nothing short of remarkable.

Having lived in Hillsboro for more than 30 years, Mayor Callaway has always appreciated Hillsboro as a great place to live. He and his wife Joan raised their children here and have served the community for decades in order to help ensure Hillsboro remains a wonderful place for the next generation of families, including his grandchildren. Steve has a gift for connecting with kids and supporting their leadership growth. He will meet with any student who reaches out, visits dozens of classrooms each year to read books aloud, and delights in sharing his enthusiasm and encouragement for youth in Hillsboro.

Back when he was known as Principal Callaway, Steve initially ran for City Council because he wanted to continue his involvement in and service to Hillsboro with the experience he gained while serving on Hillsboro’s Budget Committee, the Hillsboro 2020 Vision Implementation Committee, the Hillsboro Planning Commission, the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Board, the Library Foundation of Hillsboro, the Oregon International Air Show, the 53rd Avenue Community Park Task Force, and the Hillsboro Schools Foundation. And that was all BEFORE he joined the City Council in 2011.

Known for his ability to relate to residents regardless of the situation, Mayor Callaway is a compassionate leader who connects with people on a personal level. Often times, he finds himself choking up when recognizing a resident or City staff member, or when celebrating a meaningful acknowledgement or presenting an award to a student.

Mayor Callaway served our community during unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership, his genuine care and compassion for others, shined through during the community’s pandemic response and recovery.

Under Mayor Callaway’s leadership, Hillsboro has earned considerable national recognition and accolades. Hillsboro has had a consistent presence on many of the lists for the best places to live – and was even recognized in 2022 as one of the safest cities to trick-or-treat.

Mayor Callaway’s leadership has improved the quality of life for those who live and work in Hillsboro. In 2022, the City of Hillsboro was named Public Employer of the Year by the Oregon Resource Association for creating an inviting and equitable work environment for employees with disabilities.

Hillsboro is Oregon’s most diverse large city with a population of more than 110,000 residents and people of color representing more than 40% of Hillsboro’s makeup. Steve is a strong ally and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His ongoing efforts and work have been recognized by organizations including The League of Minority Voters and Centro Cultural.

Steve is the Immediate Past President of the League of Oregon Cities (LOC), former President of the Oregon Mayors Association, and a former member of the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors. He currently serves on the NLC’s 2024 Presidential Election Task Force and Transportation Infrastructure Services Committee.

He is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and serves on their Transportation/Communications Committee. Locally, Steve serves on the Boards of Community Action, Greater Portland, Inc., the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, and Metro's Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation.  

Mayor Callaway leads with his heart – and his head – in service of our community and all people in Oregon. We are excited to share our enthusiasm with you for consideration of the OMA Mayor’s Leadership Award.

Thank you,
Hillsboro City Council"

Recognition for Hillsboro during Mayor Callaway's Leadership

Accomplishments in Hillsboro during Mayor Callaway's Leadership (*partial list)

• Supporting and continuing the Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan implementation with two “five-year” updates in 2019 and 2024.
• Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through community participation and partnerships with historically marginalized communities.
• Prioritizing community engagement, including the launch of the Engage Hillsboro website for 24/7 online community participation in City projects, services, and programs. Thousands of community members weighed in on homelessness, transportation safety, utility rates, and City programming such as summer movies, concerts, and the community’s book reading program.
• Launching a new City website with improved mobile features and user experience
• Launching and hosting the “Community Conversations” monthly video recording and podcast for community members to hear from a panel about timely topics.

• Launching a new program to provide increased utility rate assistance and flexible payments programs, as well as other income-qualifying support for Hillsboro community members.
• Supporting the North Hillsboro Industrial Area and the establishment of the Oregon Semiconductor Center of Excellence
• Support new employers and Intel’s expansion of the Gordon Moore campus (formerly Ronler Acres), including plans for $36 billion in future investments in Hillsboro.
• Continual support for local entrepreneurs and employers, including providing career training opportunities for semiconductor careers, water operators in training, and manufacturing jobs.

RECREATION

• Securing the future home of the Hillsboro Hops with a public-private partnership to build a new ballpark.
• Supporting public art, including new murals in multiple areas, and the installation of Bridge of Land & Sky over Highway 26 at Brookwood Parkway.
• Creating Hidden Creek Park West, a regional recreation destination featuring Oro the Friendly Forest Giant, and several other community parks. 

SUSTAINABILITY

• Supporting sustainability initiatives, including the launch of a food composting program in Hillsboro, and the commitment to renewable energy use through City fleet electric vehicle purchases, community electric vehicle charging stations, and hydroelectric power generation.
• Converting all PGE-owned streetlights to Hillsboro-owned LED streetlights. 

• Supporting affordable housing & home ownership in Hillsboro, including the Nueva Esperanza apartments featuring 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom units to house larger families.
• Supporting affordable home ownership and rehabilitation programs
• Investing in and planning for a long-term, year-round shelter for community members experiencing homelessness
• Establishing the Tree City USA and Bee City USA programs, and tens of thousands of new trees planted each year to support the work.
• Adding needed housing, roads, and infrastructure in the South Hillsboro neighborhood to welcome thousands of new residents.

• Establishing the Hillsboro Police Community Advisory Group and the implementation of body-worn cameras on police officers
• Investing in future infrastructure to support public safety, including a new Police Department Headquarters and a new fire station to serve areas of growth.
• Upgrading traffic safety along major roadways such as Jackson School Road, neighborhood streets such as Cedar Street, and installing rapid flashing beacons for enhanced pedestrian safety.
• Supporting the building of a second water source to provide a resilient and reliable water supply for the future.
• Increasing drinking water production by 10 million gallons per year.
• Securing a federal loan for water infrastructure, saving ratepayers $175 million over time. 

• Leading on COVID-19 response & recovery efforts, including housing and financial support for residents, and $3.6 million in support for small businesses
• Launching HiLight high-speed municipal broadband internet service; helping Hillsboro rank as the lowest rates for internet service and cable in the Pacific Northwest
• Adding Wi-Fi, hot spots available for checkout, and more than doubling the number of Spanish-language materials at Hillsboro Libraries.
• Bringing Junior Achievement’s Discovery Center to Downtown Hillsboro to support financial literacy education for tens of thousands of students.
• Supporting Portland Community College (PCC) students through the PCC Future Connection Scholarship. In Mayor Callaway’s time in office, Hillsboro committed more than $900,000 in support for more than 400 students who qualify.
• Growing the Library of Things at the Hillsboro Public Library.
• Expanding adaptive and accessible programming for all community members.
• Expanding the number of community events, including Pride Party, La Strada dei Pastelli, Showtime at Shute, El Sol, Pix in the Park, El Grito, OrenKoFest, Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration (Cultural Arts District Stage), Snow Much Fun, Lightopia, Latino Cultural Festival, Turkey Trot, Artisan Pop-Up Show, ADA Birthday Party, Arbor Day, Earth Day, Children’s Day, Discovery Day, Pollinator Celebration, World Wetlands Day, Free Fishing Weekend.