Downtown Hillsboro

Downtown Hillsboro is the next great place in the Portland Metro Area. Full of historic character and charm, Downtown is poised to continue its transformation as one of Oregon’s great downtowns. Downtown Hillsboro has experienced a renaissance of late. With the Venetian Theater, Walters Cultural Arts Center, and Sequoia Gallery, Downtown Hillsboro has emerged as a arts and entertainment center. During the summer, people flock to our downtown for our Tuesday Marketplace and our Saturday Farmers Market; live theater occurs in the beautiful Civic Center Plaza and H.A.R.T. Theater; and musical acts perform at lunchtime during our Brown Bag Concert Series.

Hillsboro is a classic American main street with “good bones” and historic buildings. Downtown was recently designated “Transforming Downtown” status by the Oregon Main Street Program, which assists downtown business in preserving and enhancing Main Street. Earlier this year, the City adopted a Downtown Urban Renewal Plan, providing financial means to accomplish key projects. Also, the City provides a Storefront Improvement Grant to assist property owners in funding storefront renovations to improve the look and character of downtown buildings.

Metro has designated Downtown Hillsboro as a Regional Center, with its quaint surrounding neighborhoods, employment centers, health and educational facilities, and MAX light rail access.

Downtown Revitalization

The Economic Development Department plays a key role in the City’s efforts to create a strong downtown, surrounded by attractive and stable neighborhoods. Primary activities include the formation of a new Urban Renewal Area; updating the Development Code to better accommodate desired development, and implementation of projects and downtown-specific programs aimed at the physical and economic revitalization of main street.