Hillsboro, Oregon: Strategic Planning
In January 2022, the City of Hillsboro set out to update their strategic plan for the first time in 14 years.
Recognized as one of America's best places to live, the city had experienced significant population growth, demographic shifts, increased development, technological advances, and pandemic-driven disruptions that created an opportunity to reconsider how they serve their diverse community. Together, we developed a cohesive "One City, One Team" strategic framework with a refreshed mission, vision, and values that aligns all citywide initiatives, priorities, and budgets for the next decade.
SERVICES: Strategic Planning, Engagement, Graphic Facilitation, Implementation Support, Council Retreat Facilitation
TIMELINE: January 2022 – June 2024
Inclusive Engagement
Hillsboro’s strategic planning team was committed to making sure every voice was welcomed and included. Over the two-year process, we conducted extensive organizational engagement—one-on-one interviews, an online survey, 22 in-person events, and 12 focus groups—gathering input from more than 660 employees.
Equity-Centered Planning
Hillsboro's Equity Statement guided every aspect of our work together. We applied an equity lens to the development of their mission, vision, and values, required equity toolkits for multiple strategic initiatives, and prioritized engagement with underrepresented communities. All planning activities integrated accessibility considerations, ensuring that equity wasn't an add-on but the foundation of how Hillsboro would operate and serve their community for the next decade.
One City, One Team
Hillsboro’s approach went beyond traditional planning to create a truly collaborative culture between elected officials, city staff, and community members. We analyzed and aligned more than 300 strategic initiatives across all departments while leveraging community input from existing plans like Hillsboro’s 2035 Community Plan. The result was more than a planning document: we established an ongoing strategic management culture with clear priorities, resource allocation, and accountability frameworks.
“As ‘One City, One Team’, we developed this strategic plan that embodies our collective vision for the growth, prosperity, and well-being of our community.”
– Robby Hammond, Hillsboro City Manager
Results + Implementation
Hillsboro's Strategic Plan is already transforming how the city operates and serves its community. Each initiative now has dedicated project leads and is directly connected to the biennial budget process, creating true alignment between strategic vision and resource allocation. SSW continues to partner with Hillsboro on implementation, helping ensure their ambitious "One City, One Team" vision becomes lasting organizational change that benefits their diverse and growing community.
Hillboro’s hand-drawn strategic plan graphic by SSW.