Hillsboro City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026: Rules, Group Agreements, and Affordable Housing Tax Exemption
Hillsboro City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026
The City Council held a brief evening meeting on April 7, 2026, adjusting the schedule to allow attendance at the Hillsboro Hops ballpark grand opening. The agenda included approval of the consent calendar, adoption of updated council rules and group agreements, and a resolution for the nonprofit affordable housing property tax exemption program. Councilors debated the potential impact of the rules on dissent and public communication before voting.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously via roll call (Counselor Case, Ambry, St. Clair, Harris voting aye; no items removed for separate consideration).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comment period was scheduled; the next in-person public comment will occur at the April 21 meeting.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2913 (Revising Council Rules): Councilor Sinclair requested a continuance to May 5, arguing that new language (particularly in group agreements) could censor councilors and that some rules contradicted each other. Specifically, she cited concerns that rules requiring “assume positive intent” and “maintain decorum” could be weaponized, and that provisions on stating the city’s official position first might limit dissent. City Attorney Chad Jacobs and other councilors noted most language was pre-existing and not new; any unintended violations would be interpreted narrowly. Councilor Harris suggested a redline version for future review. After discussion, the motion to adopt passed with all present voting aye (Case, Ambry, St. Clair, Harris, Salgado).
- Resolution 2914 (Adopting Council Group Agreements): Continued discussion from the prior item. Councilor Salgado asked for clarification on the term “undermine” to ensure it does not stifle diverse perspectives. Council agreed to address this later. The resolution adopted unanimously via roll call.
- Resolution 2915 (Nonprofit Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption – 2627 Tax Year): The finance committee recommended approving qualifying properties. Councilor Salgado abstained, stating the decision lacked sufficient information and needed more discussion, citing concerns about uniformity and empty units in Portland’s affordable housing. The resolution passed 4 in favor (Case, Ambry, Sinclair, Harris) and 1 abstention (Salgado).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 2913 (Council Rules): Adopted 5–0 (all present). Councilor Sinclair’s request for continuance was denied; staff will provide a redline of changes and council may revisit specific language later.
- Resolution 2914 (Group Agreements): Adopted 5–0. Clarification on “undermine” will be provided at a future meeting.
- Resolution 2915 (Property Tax Exemption): Approved 4–0–1 (Salgado abstaining). No further action scheduled.
- Proclamations: Arab American Heritage Month, Fair Housing Month, Volunteer Week, and Arbor Day were acknowledged.
Meeting Transcript
April 7th, 2026 City Council meeting. Thank you. That's okay. Hello, everyone. Welcome to the April 7th, 2026 City Council meeting. Thank you for joining us and adjusting schedule so we can attend the grand opening celebration of the new Hillsborough Hops ballpark this evening. To begin this meeting, I invite you to join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark will display the flag on the screen. I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under liberty and justice roll. Thank you. Amber, can we please have a roll call? Yes. Mayor Pace? Here. Councilor Alfair. She's absent the teaching. She's absent this evening, yes. Excuse. Counselor St. Clair? Here. Counselor Case? Here. Counselor Harris? Here. Counselor Amory. Here. Counselor Salgado, we expect him to join, and um I will let you know when he has arrived. Thank you very much. Okay, so uh we have a limited agenda this evening on our next person or next in-person public comment time will take place during the April 21st City Council meeting, and we will jump straight to the consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are normally considered in a single motion, and any item may be removed for separate consideration upon request by any member of the council. Is there a request to remove any items for separate consideration? I'm so sorry. Okay, you good? No, can you say that again, Mayor? Is there a request to remove any items for separate consideration? Uh pertaining to consent to the consent agenda. No. Okay, great. Um all right. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved case. Thank you. Do I have a second? Uh second hares. Is there any discussion? Please have a roll call. Counselor Case. Hi. Counselor Ambry.
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