[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1138-E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ON HILLSBORO, OREGON'S RECEIPT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR 
      PUBLIC PARTICIPATION'S CORE VALUES PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2002

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to honor Hillsboro, 
Oregon for its receipt of the International Association for Public 
Participation's Core Values Project of the Year Award for its Hillsboro 
2020 Vision Project.
  During the past 20 years, Hillsboro has experienced significant 
residential and economic growth. The community has become economically 
self-sufficient with a strong and diverse industrial base, and vital 
retail areas. It has grown geographically to more than double its

[[Page E1139]]

physical size and has started to take in unincorporated neighborhoods 
and commercial areas to the east. A consequence of this growth and 
change in community character has been an emerging need to redefine the 
City's identity and help set a course for the future that reflects the 
values of its citizens. Recognizing this challenge, the City of 
Hillsboro conducted an extensive public discussion to develop a vision 
and action plan for the next 20 years.
  This community-wide effort, the Hillsboro 2020 Vision Project, was 
conducted over three years (1997-2000) and involved hundreds of 
citizens and dozens of community interests including business, 
environment, neighborhoods, social services, healthcare, education, 
government, and many others. The product of this endeavor was a Vision 
Statement, describing Hillsboro in 2020, and an Action Plan identifying 
the programs and projects necessary to achieve that vision.
  The project involved an extensive public participation program 
including a citizen task force that advised the City on the project and 
developed the recommended Vision and Action Plan. In addition, the 
general public and various interest groups were engaged through a broad 
range of outreach activities such as public workshops and forums, 
newsletters, presentations to community groups, and focus groups. Over 
1500 citizens participated in the Vision planning process.
  The Action Plan lists 114 actions and 46 strategies to bring the 
Vision to life. The plan outlines opportunities to enhance community 
identity, connections, and livability--ranging from such projects as a 
historic downtown district with a public square to an expanded system 
of pedestrian and bike paths and many others. During the plan's 
development, 18 community partners agreed to take the lead on one or 
more of the actions. Many of these actions will require the formation 
of public-private partnerships. Implementation of the Hillsboro 2020 
Vision implementation will be a community-wide effort.
  A 21-member citizen-led committee, appointed by the City Council, 
will monitor and facilitate the Vision's implementation, assuring that 
the Vision will transition from a plan, to a reality.
  I commend the City of Hillsboro for its vision and hard work to 
ensure that Hillsboro remains a wonderful place to live and work. 
Congratulations on your receipt of this prestigious award!

                          ____________________