Hillsboro Planning Commission Work Session August 12, 2026

The Hillsboro Planning Commission held a work session on August 12, 2026, focusing primarily on two major topics: the Avanita Diaz equitable development strategy and proposed code amendments related to data centers. The commission received a detailed presentation on the Avanita Diaz program, which aims to balance community investment with concerns about displacement, emphasizing extensive community engagement and coordination with partners. The strategy includes housing, commercial development, and potential redevelopment of city-owned properties, with plans to formally adopt the strategy into the downtown framework and urban renewal plans later in the year. The session also covered the city's approach to regulating data centers, including defining use categories, zoning restrictions, and acreage limitations, with a phase one code amendment scheduled for public hearing soon. Discussions highlighted the need for environmental and economic impact studies, public engagement, and addressing community concerns such as noise, safety, and proximity to schools. The commission was informed about ongoing efforts to balance industrial growth with community needs and the importance of clear communication and phased regulatory updates.