Additional projects are being developed as informed by community engagement. We will continue to update this section as more projects arise.
Ongoing. Capacity Building Grants for Community Based Organizations
In June 2021, City staff presented an ARPA program framework to the City Council to allocate the funding effectively, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and equity. In March 2022, The City of Hillsboro, City of Beaverton, and Washington County, in alignment with ARPA guidelines, entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) which foundationally recognized that marginalized and underrepresented communities – especially communities of color, including immigrant, refugee, and other linguistically isolated communities – were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, the IGA memorialized the understanding that multiple jurisdictions would be utilizing many of the same culturally specific community-based organizations (“CBOs”) for outreach and that the agreement provided an opportunity to coordinate engagement to prevent duplicated efforts and maximize public benefit.
The IGA provided funding to hire a consultant to advance engagement with these communities, to develop consistent community engagement policies, and focus on the needs of these communities for pandemic recovery. The consultant collaborated with the COVID-19 Racial Equity Workgroup (CREW) to identify critical capacity-building needs for CBOs, such as staffing, training, and resources. The cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton have allocated $600,000 and $90,000, respectively, for grants to strengthen the community engagement capacities of CBOs, ensuring effective support for impacted communities.
Ongoing. After School Program Support
More than three times as many students in the Hillsboro School District (HSD) have access to after school programs as part of an expanding City of Hillsboro and HSD partnership. Building on years of collaboration from the City's BLAST after-school programs, we are teaming up with HSD to serve more students and low-income families with after school programs at all eight Title 1 elementary schools. The City supported the programs in 2021-22 and will continue to contribute American Rescue Plan funds and BLAST program savings over the next two school years. Visit the Hillsboro School District website to learn more.
Concluded. Supporting Cultural Exchange & Local Businesses at M&M Marketplace
M&M Marketplace is a vibrant, iconic marketplace that will be celebrating its 24th anniversary in Hillsboro. M&M supports independent businesses, hosts Hillsboro Futsal, and serves as a cultural hub and anchor for Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District. In 2022, the City partnered with M&M to create the El Sol Festival: a free, inclusive, all-ages music and dance festival that celebrates diversity while promoting cultural exchange, opportunities for artists, and local small businesses and entrepreneurs. El Sol will be celebrating its third year and will take place during the summer months, starting June 2024. Learn more about our Cultural Arts District.
Concluded. Cultural Arts District Murals
Calle Diez: In 2022, the City partnered with the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s (RACC’s ) mentoring program supporting the careers of local BIPOC artists to bring two new murals to Calle Diez. Artist Abdiel Flores Ubaldo’s mural is inspired by his strong connection to the neighborhood and community feedback on the vision and goals for Calle Diez.
Main Street and the Avenues: Tualatin Valley Creates (TVC) and Stonefly Investors brought three new mural installations by Northwest artists to the Main Street Commons redevelopment, enhancing the vitality of Main and Second Avenue. (TVC’s fundraising efforts, including local foundations and contributions from the developer, resulted in a 6 to 1 return on investment for the City’s contribution to the project’s budget.)
M&M Marketplace: The third mural project, “Together We Have a Bright Future,” by artist Li Tie, was completed in fall 2023 at M&M Marketplace with support from the City of Hillsboro’s Public Art Program.
Though the use of ARPA funds has concluded, the work continues to be ongoing. Read our 'Main Street Commons Features Voices of the Pacific Northwest' news article and the ‘Artist Selected for New Mural at M&M Marketplace’ piece to learn more.
Concluded. Seasonal Lighting in Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District
Starting late fall, and throughout the winter, Hillsboro Main Street and Avenues/Calle Diez area, and M&M Marketplace will benefit from new and expanded lighting along rooflines and street trees. The enhanced seasonal lighting creates a welcoming environment and expanded shopping enhancement for visitors frequenting businesses and organizations in Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District. Though the use of ARPA funds has concluded, the work continues to be ongoing.
To learn more, read our "Seasonal Lighting Returns" news article.
Concluded. One-Time Bonus Appreciation Project for City Employees
One-time recognition pay was paid to qualifying employees that were required to complete the majority of their work in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic from the dates of March 2020 to July 2021. Approximately 670 employees received bonuses in recognition of their dedication and service to the public during the pandemic, with regular full-time employees receiving $1000 and regular part-time employees receiving $500.
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