The Hillsboro City Council meeting on December 3, 2024, focused on critical updates regarding housing measures aimed at addressing homelessness and housing affordability in the region. Council members discussed the importance of voter-approved initiatives, including the housing bond and the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program, which are essential in tackling the ongoing housing crisis in Greater Portland and Washington County.

The meeting highlighted the significant financial commitments made through the affordable housing bond, totaling $652.8 million, which is designed to fund capital investments in housing. Council members noted that while progress has been made, including recent groundbreakings for new housing projects, the region is approaching a production cliff, indicating a potential slowdown in new housing developments.

The SHS program, funded by a tax on high-income earners and large businesses, has been instrumental in providing critical services to those experiencing homelessness. However, this funding is set to expire in 2030 unless renewed by voters. Council discussions emphasized the urgent need for continued financial support to prevent homelessness and ensure that housing remains accessible to vulnerable populations.

Despite the positive impacts of these initiatives, council members acknowledged that the housing crisis is worsening, with existing funding sources dwindling. They stressed the importance of proactive measures to increase affordable housing availability, warning that failure to act could lead to a future where the focus shifts solely to managing homelessness rather than preventing it.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community partners and stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that will keep homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring, reinforcing the council's commitment to addressing the housing challenges facing Hillsboro and the surrounding areas.