A new affordable housing community has officially opened in Hillsboro, Oregon, bringing 67 new homes to families and individuals seeking stable and affordable places to live. The development, called Dolores, was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by state and local leaders, community organizations, and housing partners.
Located in the Tanasbourne area of Hillsboro, the three-story development features a bold architectural design inspired by the work of Mexican architects Luis Barragán and Ricardo Legorreta. The colorful exterior reflects the project’s goal of creating a welcoming and culturally responsive community.
The housing development is named after Dolores Huerta, the Latina labor and civil rights leader known for her work supporting workers’ rights and social justice. The project aims to expand affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals who have historically faced barriers to finding stable housing while also serving the wider Hillsboro community.
Developed by Hacienda Community Development Corporation, Dolores offers homes for households earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income. Most of the apartments include two or more bedrooms, helping address the growing demand for affordable family-sized housing in Hillsboro and across Washington County.
Governor Tina Kotek said affordable housing provides the foundation for opportunity, stability, and stronger communities. She noted that projects like Dolores help families remain connected to schools, jobs, and neighborhood resources while supporting long-term economic growth.
The project received significant public investment through the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond. The City of Hillsboro awarded $10.5 million from the bond to support construction. Metro also invested $2.8 million through its site acquisition program to purchase the property before development began.
Metro Council President Juan Carlos González said the project demonstrates how regional investment can help address rising housing costs. He added that developments like Dolores allow working families, immigrant communities, and Latino residents to continue living in the neighborhoods they helped build.
Residents will have access to a variety of community-focused amenities designed to improve quality of life. These include a community room, a central courtyard with covered seating, a community garden, a children’s playground, bicycle storage, parking areas, on-site property management offices, and supportive service offices.
The development also places a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Earlier this year, Dolores earned Gold certification under the National Green Building Standard. Sustainable features include rooftop solar panels, heat pump water heaters, and energy-efficient mini-split heating and cooling systems designed to reduce energy use and lower operating costs.
City leaders said the project reflects successful cooperation between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners. Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace said the new development will help families remain close to schools, workplaces, public services, and the neighborhoods they already call home.
Washington County has also contributed additional support through the voter-approved Metro Supportive Housing Services program. Funding from the initiative will provide rent assistance for 20 apartments within the development, helping residents transition into stable housing.
The project was selected through the City of Hillsboro’s Walker Road Affordable Housing Request for Proposals. Hacienda Community Development Corporation serves as both the developer and owner of the property, while Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp. will manage the community. The development also includes supportive housing services provided in partnership with New Narrative, assisting individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.
Hacienda Community Development Corporation said Dolores represents more than a new housing project. The organization described it as a long-term investment in affordable housing, community stability, and equal opportunity. As Hacienda’s first affordable housing development serving Washington County, the project reflects its commitment to creating inclusive neighborhoods where families can build secure and successful futures.
