HLA/FHCO commend the detailed geospatial analysis utilized in the HPS, and commitment to utilizing that data to fully describe the needs of Hillsboro‘s diverse population. This analysis allowed the HPS to identify issues of segregation and lack of opportunity head on, the first step in developing effective strategies.
Once the disproportionate access to housing choice was identified by the geospatial analysis, the data further shaped strategy selection and implication. “Action 1.1: Adopt Comprehensive Plan Map amendments and Zoning Map updates to expand multi-dwelling housing capacity” was both created due to and relies almost exclusively on the geospatial analysis for its implementation. The geospatial analysis will be used to focus on areas of high opportunity (defined as access to schools, public transportation, parks, and that may include higher income households) to expand multi-unit need, while also mapping out areas of vulnerability to combat gentrification.
Additionally, this is one of the first HPS‘s HLA and FHCO observed with data able to showcase how missing middle housing is providing homeownership opportunities to minorities. In doing so, this provides concrete evidence that strategies such as “Action 1.4: Refine middle housing development standards,” and “Action 1.8: Adopt a local pre-approved housing plan for ADUs with universal design,” affirmatively further fair housing in compliance with ORS 197A.100(2).
We especially praise Hillsboro‘s revised HPS for utilizing data to form strategies and shape implementation, and also to quantify success. “Action 1.3: Increase housing in Commercial and Mixed-Use Zones and increase density bonus incentives for affordable, middle-income, and accessible housing units” defines impact as, “This action is estimated to increase the total zoned capacity of the mixed use and commercial zones by 600-700 units. This represents a 20-30% increase over the zoned capacity of these cones estimated in the 2023 HNA.” HPS, p. 55. The only disappointment in HLA‘s and FHCO’s review, was in fact that this rigid and data driven estimation of impact was not applied to all strategies. HLA and FHCO would like to see this type of impact measurement applied for all strategies when practical, including Action 1.1.
