Hillsboro is gearing up for a year of noteworthy developments that promise a safer, more cultured, and environmentally forward city. In an update provided by the City of Hillsboro, residents have several projects to look forward to. The construction of a new fire station is underway at SE Butternut Creek Parkway and SE Deline Street. Dubbed Fire Station 9, this addition aims to enhance emergency services in South Hillsboro with its expected completion in late 2025.
Meanwhile, the Hillsboro Police Department (HPD) anticipates the approval of its accreditation by the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, a move that aligns with new state laws and is expected to be formalized sometime in 2025. Plans are also afoot for HPD’s new headquarters on 25th Avenue, with construction slated to begin in the spring and hopeful rounding up in late 2026.
For the younger demographics, The FLIP Museum, a children’s museum designed for ages 0 to 10, is set to establish its permanent residence in downtown Hillsboro’s Terrace Plaza Building. With interactive exhibits spanning art, STEM, and cultural experiences, the goal is to build confidence, encourage social skills, and promote community bonds within youth. Scheduled to be a part of the Cultural Arts District, the museum is deep in the throes of renovations, volunteer efforts, and fundraising activities.
Art enthusiasts can anticipate the new public artwork titled “Cloud Nest” by Becky Borlan, to take shape as a 24-foot-high steel dome with colorful elements in Shute Park. “There’s something both ancient and futuristic about this type of structure, a reflection of Hillsboro’s contrasts: hundred-year-old trees growing where cutting-edge computer chips are made,” Borlan said about the piece, which draws inspiration from various cultural and technological sources.
On the sustainability front, Hillsboro is pushing towards a greener future by expanding its electric vehicle fleet and adding new charging stations across the city. These initiatives support the Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan and the city’s larger sustainability goals, promoting reduced carbon emissions and providing infrastructure for both city-owned and public electric vehicles.
