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.