Hillsboro's City Council has welcomed a new member to represent Council Ward 1, Position A. Cristian Salgado stepped into his role on January 21, after a vacancy left by former councilor Mayor Beach Pace. Elected by the City Council to fulfill the remainder of Pace's term, Salgado plans to carry out his responsibilities until January 2027, with a potential eye for election in November 2026. His potential run for re-election is slated for November 2030, as detailed on the City of Hillsboro's official website.
Tasked with serving on the Transportation Committee, Salgado brings a background in community service. His involvement includes contributions to local nonprofits such as Bienestar and CREATE Alternative School, as well as a role on the board of directors for Oregon Latinos in Local Government. Although recently appointed to the Hillsboro City Council, Salgado also serves as a board member for the City of Beaverton Diversity Advisory Board. In 2021, he received a Hispanic Leadership Award from the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Professionally, Salgado is the Senior Broadband Investment Coordinator for Washington County, an occupation he pursues alongside a significant track record in social service and advocacy within the nonprofit sector. His impressive academic accomplishments include an associate’s degree from Lane Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, and an MBA from Willamette University. In a statement from the City of Hillsboro, Salgado shared his motivations for serving on the council, citing his "heart and spirit for volunteerism" and his passion for "safety in transportation and increasing accessibility to public transportation."
Outlined in the aforementioned city announcement, Salgado's ambitions as a councilor include bolstering housing options, economic growth, and ensuring all communities are given a voice. Aiming high for a resonate leadership style, he aspires, according to his own words, to "create and sustain a positive emotional environment" for those he serves.
Outside of his formal roles, Salgado has a range of personal interests. He enjoys pizza, tacos, and ceviche, plays chess and basketball, and listens to a variety of music genres. When not focused on governance or community service, he spends time at local places like Hidden Creek parks and the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex with family and friends.
