Hillsboro greenlights proposal for affordable housing development on TriMet property

Published 3:14 pm Thursday, August 21, 2025

The city of Hillsboro has approved the selection of a proposal to build new affordable housing on TriMet-owned property just north of the Willow Creek Park & Ride, officials announced Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Led by Mercy Housing Northwest and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, the project is designed to connect residents with transit and community resources — outlining 117 affordable apartments, an on-site manager’s unit and 18 Permanent Supportive Housing units for individuals and families exiting homelessness. About three-quarters of the apartments will have two or more bedrooms, and six units will provide the highest level of accessibility.

Plans also feature an on-site early learning center with two preschool classrooms serving up to 40 children, along with amenities such as outdoor playgrounds, a community garden, public art and walking paths. Residents will have access to culturally specific programs, after-school activities, workforce development and parenting education.

Hillsboro has allocated $15.5 million from its remaining Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds for the project, while TriMet is making the property available at a discounted price of $1.25 million.

“This project represents the best of what transit-oriented development can be — and helps to address our community’s need for affordable housing,” Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace said in a release. “Being next to the Willow Creek Transit Center and Portland Community College’s Willow Creek campus means residents will have affordable access to education, regional opportunities and vital community services.”

TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. called the partnership a “win for our community,” saying that converting the plot will provide affordable housing during a critical time and ensure residents “have easy access to jobs, education and opportunities across our region.”

The proposal was selected from eight submissions during a process led by the city and TriMet, with a community-based panel recommending it as the highest scoring.

“Mercy Housing Northwest prides itself on building strong partnerships with each new affordable housing community we develop,” Mercy Housing Northwest President Joe Thompson said. “Housing, transportation and childcare are the three largest expenses for a family, and with this project we take meaningful steps toward making each more affordable. We are excited about this next chapter and cannot wait to welcome more of our neighbors home.”

The project concept is subject to necessary approvals, including land use and endorsement from Metro, the city noted.

Final design details will be refined during the permitting process, with construction expected to begin in late 2026.