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April is Fair Housing Month

Staff from Washington County Office of Community Development, Department of Housing Services, and Fair Housing Council of Oregon Executive Director, John Miller, with the Board of County Commissioners holding this year’s Fair Housing Poster.

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners signed a resolution proclaiming April 2025 as Fair Housing Month at the Board's April 1 regular session meeting. The resolution affirmed Washington County's strong commitment to providing equal opportunity and access for all.

Recognizing Fair Housing Month supports regional efforts to celebrate the great strides that have been made, as well as acknowledging the work that remains to be done.

As part of Fair Housing Month, the Fair Housing Council of Oregon sponsored a poster contest.

Tp shed light on Oregon's past of discriminatory housing practices, Washington County hosted a display from Fair Housing Council of Oregon in the Public Services Building Lobby April 1 through April 15. The display entitled "Anywhere But Here" depicts Oregon's largely unknown history of discrimination, segregation, and displacement - along with progress made in overcoming these barriers and the challenges that remain.

National Community Development Week

April 21 through 25 is is National Community Development Week, which highlights the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the HOME Investment Partnerships program.

The Office of Community Development has administered the CDBG program within the County since 1979, providing the County with important and flexible assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable community members and those with low- and moderate-income residents through the funding of neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, flood relief, and social services.

Since 1992, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program has provided the County with a critical resource to finance the development of affordable rental housing.

Below are some photos highlighting a few projects that have been completed with these funds in recent years:

Plambeck Gardens, HOME 2021, completed 2025

Plambeck Gardens is a 116-unit affordable housing community on a 4.66-acre lot in Washington County with 7 HOME funded units. The development offers one- to four-bedroom units, including 22 three- and four-bedroom homes designed for families.

Cornelius 12th Ave Pedestrian Corridor, CDBG 2022, completed 2024

The City of Cornelius received funding to support construction of pedestrian improvements along S.12th Ave. from E. Baseline St. (Hwy 8) to S. Dogwood St. These improvements included construction of a new 8-foot-wide concrete sidewalk on the west side of S. 12th Ave. between E. Baseline St. (Hwy 8) and S. Dogwood St., new ADA ramps at all street crossings (Alpine, Beech,and Cherry Streets), and the addition of a raised intersection to replace the old dangerous and pedestrian-unfriendly intersection at S. 12th Ave. and S. Dogwood St.

Cornelius Library, CDBG 2017, completed 2019

The City of Cornelius received CDBG funds to construct the Cornelius Library. This project is a mixed use commercial and residential facility that also included HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding for affordable housing for seniors on the second and third floors above the library.

Just Compassion Shelter and Resource Center, CDBG 2022, completed 2025

CDBG funding was used for the property acquisition of the new 60 bed Just Compassion Shelter and Resource Center. Shelter and day center guests will have access to fresh meals, shower facilities, case management, housing navigation and behavioral health services.

Open Door Mobile Showers, CDBG-CV, 2021

Open Door Housing Works used CDBG funding to purchase two 2-stall ADA accessible mobile shower trailer units. These shower trailers have been in use across Washington County since 2022 and have provided hundreds of showers for the unhoused community.

Tualatin Stoneridge Loop Sidewalks, CDBG 2024, completed 2025

CDBG funding helped the City replace 26 sections of sidewalk and brought 7 sidewalk ramps up to ADA standards. These improvements provide safe pedestrian access for the entire neighborhood.

Partner Proclamations

Thank you to the following partner jurisdictions that have joined us in these proclamations:

These proclamations play an important role in drawing attention to the programs that bring so many positive impacts to their communities.

Public Comment Period and Public Hearing on 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan

The Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Action Plan are available for public review and comment from Monday, March 24 through Thursday April 24, 2025. Copies can be found during regular business hours at the City of Beaverton’s Community Development Division located on the 4th floor at “The Beaverton Round” at 12725 SW Millikan Way in Beaverton, or the City of Hillsboro City Manager’s Office at 150 E Main Street in Hillsboro. Copies of the draft plan documents can also be obtained from Washington County Office of Community Development located at 328 W Main Suite 100 in Hillsboro or by calling 503-846-8814. In addition, you may download a version of the plan via the County’s website:

https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/commdev/2025-2029-consolidated-plan

There is one remaining public hearing which will be held on the draft plans in a virtual format:

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.

Please notify the Office of Community Development at least 72 hours before a meeting or hearing if special accommodations (equipment or interpreting service) are needed. If you have a disability or are hearing impaired and need assistance, please plan ahead by calling 503 846-8814 or TTY relay dial 711 or 1-800-735-1232.

You may comment on the Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Action Plan at either of the public hearings, or by writing to

Shannon Wilson, Program Manager

Washington County Office of Community Development

328 W. Main Street, MS7

Hillsboro, OR 97123

Phone: 503-846-8814

Fax: 503-846-2882

E-mail: cdbg@washingtoncountyor.gov

Public Comment Period on Substantial Amendments to the 2018 and 2020 Action Plans

The Substantial Amendment to the 2018 and 2020 Action Plan is available for public review and comment from comment from Monday, March 24 through Thursday April 24, 2025. You may comment on the substantial amendment by writing to Shannon Wilson at cdbg@washingtoncountyor.gov or at the mailing address listed above.

Copies of the draft plan documents can be obtained from Washington County Office of Community Development located at 328 W Main Suite 100 in Hillsboro or by calling 503-846-8814. In addition, you may download a version of the plan via the County’s website:

https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/commdev/annual-action-plan