During the Hillsboro City Council meeting on December 3, 2024, a significant focus was placed on the urgent need for youth homelessness services and the implications of proposed tax cuts on local support systems. Dorian Russell, the new executive director of Home Plate Youth Services, addressed the council, highlighting a staggering 250% increase in the number of youth served in Hillsboro, now reaching around 1,000 annually.

Russell expressed gratitude for the city's financial backing but warned that the growing demand for services is outpacing available resources. She emphasized the critical role of supportive housing services funded by Metro, urging the council to oppose a proposed tax cut for high-income earners that could slash funding for essential services by approximately $17.5 million per year. "Our community needs to see more people housed, not more people on the street," Russell stated, calling for a revision of the tax measure to better reflect the needs of service providers and the community.

The meeting also included discussions on local appointments to the Planning, Zoning, and Hearings Board, which were approved unanimously by the council. Public comments highlighted the community's concerns about housing and shelter needs, with one resident passionately advocating for the construction of a new shelter, drawing on personal experiences and the importance of supporting local workers.

As Hillsboro grapples with rising homelessness among youth, the council's decisions and community engagement will be crucial in shaping the future of local support services and housing initiatives. The urgency of these discussions underscores the need for continued advocacy and collaboration among city leaders, service providers, and the community to address these pressing challenges.