Editors Note: In August, the Herald was the first to announce that a massive land deal for an NSTC location was coming to Hillsboro. While not for sure, everyone else is now jumping on board. Here is more on that story and the massive land deal about to go down.
A week ago, the Herald wrote an in-depth piece on Governor Kotek’s announcement that she would be coming to Hillsboro on October 10th. 2024, to hold a public hearing. The purpose of that hearing is to let local people testify about her announcement to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by 373 acres for a massive new computer facility. You can read that story here –
Massive Land Expansion Plans Revealed By Governor For North Hillsboro Semiconductor Growth
In July, the Chips For America and NATCAST groups released information about their plans to locate and fund three specific facilities. One of those will focus on creating an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Center. Such a center would fit perfectly into the Hillsboro tech cluster, primarily because of Intel. Here is why.
Intel took possession of the most advanced lithography machine on the planet. The $380 Million dollar machine, made by ASML, is the first of its kind in the world and was delivered by truck to Intel’s Ronler Acre Campus a few months ago. This machine will use ultraviolet light to make computer chips that are more sophisticated than anyone or anywhere else in the world. That is a competitive advantage for now. ASML is making more machines, and other companies will have them in the next few years, taking away any short-term competitive advantage. But that machine and the R&D staff at Intel, paired with the ability to produce chips with such a machine, give Hillsboro almost a certain chance to land one of these coveted facilities and the Billions of dollars that come with it.
Earlier this year, Governor Tina Kotek made it clear that Oregon had the talent, the University backing, and the other vital elements to land one of these Centers. But one thing rang hollow in her statements. She and others in power need these jobs and revenues to bolster State coffers so desperately that they have little interest in the people, environment, energy, and water rates or impact on the people who live where it will be built.
Using her superpower, issued to her last Fall via Senate Bill 4, Kotek can come to Hillsboro, hold a brief hearing, and, with the stroke of a pen, include hundreds of acres of land into Hillsboro’s Urban Growth Boundary. She will then leave and hide behind a one-of-a-kind rule designed to ensure no citizen has a say in the final outcome. Several local leaders, including Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway and Hillsboro State Senator Jane Sollman, pushed through this condition.
Courtesy of Governor Tina Kotek’s office- signing of SB-4. Kotek is seen here flanked by Senator Sollman (left) and North Plains Mayor Teri Lenahan.
Here is a section from Callaway’s letter to State officials during the SB 4 hearings. No appeals are allowed in the final version of SB 4, so Steve got what he wanted. For the 1st time in Oregon history, a major land use decision will now be made without allowing Oregon citizens to be heard at the higher levels, like the Land Use Board of Appeals or the Oregon Supreme Court.
You need to watch this well-done news piece done by Channel 8 for the entire story. This version of the story gets the land being considered sort of right, but what it really does is pin down the players, the massive amount of money involved, and why, no matter what else happens, this is a done deal.
In this section of the story, Hillsboro Economic Development Director Dan Dias discusses why the sites the Governor is looking at make sense. https://youtu.be/R50mo-zDGQo?t=353
The story goes on to say that Hillsboro has talked with the landowners and that they are willing to sell. The Herald has spoken with three landowners in the designated area who have not heard from the City or State at all. Hillsboro has been focused on 1,400 acres to the West of this property and not so much on these parcels. But, at this point, any land the Governor wants to bring in will be welcome. City leaders have been on a non-stop spending spree to buy more land and add more land to our already large Industrial land base.
What does all of this mean for Hillsboro and even the State economy? Mayor Callaway was interviewed this week by KOIN and had a few things to say.
https://www.koin.com/community/mayor-monday-updates-from-hillsboro-oregon/
“The Federal Government is making historic investments, you know, for Semiconductors because we know we need to maintain the American leadership in global design and manufacturing for any number of reasons, not the least of which is National Security!”
“With this designation, it’s a good first start, and it means we are in the running for the National Technology Center. We are standing very well within that competition, and with that comes Billions of dollars in Investment, which means good jobs, and its important for the State economy, the regional economy, and its good for Hillsboro as well.”
“Hopefully this will lead to more campuses, more logistics, and supply chain, so we are positioning ourselves well.”
“We all know we are the best, we punch above our weight class, and Hillsboro is here to help with that.”
I, as a citizen, have some concerns about this. Mayor Steve’s first point is National Security. Intel and the Department of Defense agreed on a $3 billion deal. Some of that could easily be part of this relationship. Several readers have pointed out the risks of being on the map as a community building military-grade chips for missiles and defense systems.
In the second passage, he mentions the benefits to the State and the Region, and finally, in 3rd place, Hillsboro. Many of us who watch Steve and follow his leadership see his focus is very often on benefits to the State and Region first. The concerns around this entire land process have come from the fact that Sollman, Callaway, North Plains Mayor Lenahan, and others have sought to usurp local input, and transparency has been non-existent and lost in this process. So far, has there been any local input? No.
The City of Hillsboro has actively put options and Exclusive Negotiating Agreements in place for properties in the proposed expansion areas. But our city has had no planning or visioning around this with the people of our community. There has been no public input. No hearing has been held to discuss this growth and conversion of farmland. Or the risks to the sensitive Waibel Creek basin that ribbons its way through Oregon’s most historic area. Callaway and his staff have not even mentioned what they are up to on this front but have played a shadow game working towards this big future of more tech and all that it brings, not all of which is good. And the questions abound: why not? What is it about this massive growth in our City that we can not openly talk about? One has to believe that they realize many of us have had enough and want to end the disruption to our once peaceful lives. Growth for the sake of growth is not a winning formula. As a real estate broker, I can testify that the adrenaline from chasing a big deal is quite potent. I think a lot of that is happening here- getting the deal at all costs is all that matters.
Several executive sessions have been held, and no one but council members and select staff is allowed to attend. Hundreds of millions in Hillsboro taxpayers’ money have been spent on land stipulated to be bought in these meetings on Meek and Sewell Roads—all for more industry.
I speak to dozens of people from all walks of life every week. No one says they love the idea of more cement buildings on our farmlands. The authority to act in this manner on lands so far from our current city limits is not vested in the mayor’s or council’s hands. But it is happening. And with each decision, I have come to understand them very clearly. These decisions are not ultimately about Hillsboro nor what is best for the people of Hillsboro. These decisions are best for the State of Oregon and regional/county finances. This is all about the money. The jobs we have created so far are disappearing as fast as we make them with massive layoffs, the threat of AI, and Robotics. Despite leadership seeing it, data centers have been allowed to use hundreds of acres of our industrial land. Anyone awake can see that.
Mayor Callaway is a good person, but his leadership these past few years seems more focused on pleasing Salem. His letter to firmly deny the people of Hillsboro from appealing the upcoming decision by Kotek tells us all that we need to know. He does not want to hear from us at all on this matter.
Later in his Mayor Monday interview, Steve expressed his pride in the city’s communication efforts.
“Making sure everybody has access to share their voice and opinion,” he said, stating how important that has been to him and the City Council throughout his eight years as Mayor.
As a Community Leader, a local business owner, and the editor of this news source, I must sit here and wonder what is going through his mind. Hillsboro has virtually no communication with its people that isn’t one way. What we have is a YouTube channel we can watch predetermined videos on, 3 minutes of one-way communication with no response (ever) at Council meetings, and newsletters sent out to households. All of that is one-way communication. We have an email system for the council via the city website. Those of us sending messages rarely ever get a response. That might be one form of communication, but it sure isn’t talking.
What we don’t have are:
- Neighborhood Organizations exist in cities like Tigard, Portland, Beaverton, etc. However, City Hall has not supported previous attempts to create them in Hillsboro.
- Townhalls where citizens can participate in some Q and A
- CPO- Citizens Planning Organizations
- There is little transparency on these more significant issues
- Difficulty obtaining public information and records- and we often are asked to pay for them.
I’m afraid I have to disagree. There has not been good communication in HIllsboro, and again, I hear from people here at the Herald so many times about issues they are having and have been unable to get a response to.
As we face this next Chapter in Hillsboro, with more massive growth led by a very decidedly outward-looking leadership, let me propose that we all look inward and look after our people, our Hillsboro residents, more. Our State leaders have a lot of cities that want this money and these investments. Hillsboro has become a jobs and spending vortex. And you know what? That process, played out for 30-plus years now with hundreds of millions of dollars in tax giveaways, is not delivering on the many promises made. I don’t think this one will either.
I will say, this land was the rigth land for Kotek select, if something has to come in. We do have a lot of available land, and adding this should set us up for decades to come. Now we just hope for some honesty, transparency, and some good listening.
Absolutely right on all points. Their answer: you are not allowed in City executive meetings; they hide behind the pretext that you are not a real journalist. Well, they have all the power but that doesn’t make it right. You said it all “Growth for the sake of growth is not a winning formula.”
And a governor who is destroying the legacy left to us by Tom McCall. What a shame.
So agree Oscar–and Dirk. I hold off reading some of these articles because it is too much :-( But do appreciate all the time and effort you put into this Dirk to give us the inside details.
So let’s see–MORE Water needed–already building a secondary water system–residents are shouldering disproportionately the cost–MAIN driver=Intel gets a pass after every water rate study–back to at least 2013! Hillsboro Water Clearly won’t even acknowledged as the main driver –fresh from water rate hearing here :-( Hmmm–7.75MGD–next largest category over 25,000 residents only at 4.62 MGD!
Also remembered–in this same pattern as all of these “decisions” made for us–two years ago the water rate increase hearing (used to be yearly–but went to every two years to “align with city’s” 2 year budgeting process) included a Q&A session! Now we ask questions–they have a LONG meeting–talked for almost an hour–but did NOT given reasons/answers. Now even they can’t be bothered with Q&A for their customers.
DEQ won’t protect us–but easily gives Intel a pass to double their emissions–already many pollutants, expressed in the TONS! Seems there is no limit.
and we already can’t keep up with housing–but let’s build our city even larger. Same for roads.
AND we all know the tax breaks they get–so yes, build a much larger city–but don’t give our schools enough money to even build more buildings that will be required.
Sure–the residents can just KEEP paying more–and giving up our beautiful, peaceful, productive farmland. A concrete city is so appealing.
Excellent reporting as usual.
Economic expansion is good, but only if done right. This is not done right. All at the expense of Hillsboro residents.and the loss of our farmland.
Tom McCall IS rolling over in his grave!
we will have to pay their water bill and they will not pay taxes for 5 or more years. They will be like Intel taking billions of dollars in Federal money and then laying off 15000 workers
Commuter distance should never be treated as unimportant. It’s absurd to think that a large company’s workforce will come from the local community, especially if it’s further away.
ASML has abasically a monopoly on this technology, so who is this center really for?
I agree with that point to. So the Center would be to teach companies how to best use the technology? It doesn’t really transalte to the need for an entire center.
This land is the right land for Kotek to select??? Is over 300 acres necessary for an EUV center? Forty is probably adequate. Does the 300 acres have to be undeveloped prime farm land when urban land is available in Hillsboro and thousands of acres are available in the region and rest of the state.
Both the Mayor and the Governor are the worst! Taking away more farm land isn’t the best choices. Don’t they realize or even care what the people really want? Don’t they know that Intel is also looking to lay off more people in October if they didn’t have enough staff “retire?” Even after the 15,000 laid off? Of course not.
We’re land owners on Meek Road, but no one has talked to us. Just like with SB4, they seem to only be talking (and listening) to the people who support their land grab. It used to be when legislature affected one’s property, timely notices would go out to the property owners. Neither we nor our neighbors received notice on SB4 because the politicians didn’t want to chance opposition. Haven’t received anything for the upcoming meeting, but plan to be there.
Ellen,
I will be in contact with you. Just had conversation with another neighbor. It would be great to speak 1 on 1 so call me if you can at 503-799-8383.
Thank you!
Dirk
From the first time I encountered Callaway at HSD1J @ 1996, I suspected him of what he might be capable of in the future.
In this respect he has not disappointed me in the least. I do not consider him a “good person”! A good person is one who you can at talk with, perhaps disagree, but not a person who slithers like a snake.
He does, however, belong with the group pictured above with Tina. Just look at all those smiles! Lenihan, Sollman, & Callaway with that sinaster beard.
You see in the mid 90’s, freshly moved here from California, Callaway was one of three who were, by a citizens group I was with and the State of Oregon, CAUGHT, CHARGED, AND FINED FOR ILLEGAL “ELECTIONEERING”. Today this is commonly know today as “Election Interference”, or “Russia, Russia, Russia” or January 6th”.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/electioneering
Perhaps you could even ask former City Councilor, Aron Carlson, if she views Callaway as trustworthy and as a “good person”. Callaway pulled a real “Dirty” in the 2016 Mayoral election.
As for….. “Several readers have pointed out the risks of being on the map as a community building military-grade chips for missiles and defense systems.”….I will say, Thanks Callaway and your Comrads for putting a big target X on the Hillsboro Community. I’m sure the adversaries of the US appreciate and consider you a “good person”!
The governor and the mayor are the worst! This would only take 40 acres not 300! Don’t build anything near my land! I like Oregon’s higher poverty rate, never mind Washington’s is 2% lower and they have many more better jobs than we do! Don’t build anything around me, I know I’m a classist but this is my little piece of heaven and I don’t want anyone coming in near it and creating any kind of pressures on me I don’t want one car more of traffic. Do you people realize how you sound? This is why Oregon is still in the dark ages in many respects. But you like it that way. North Plains, Stayton, Dallas, and Springfield would love to have you!
So all the talk about the need for more housing because of the homeless crises. The emergency executive order to expand the UGB, and loosen regulation on building, all in the name of getting people off the street was a bald face blatant lie. Which explains why nothing has been done about the homeless. Hard to focus on an ongoing crises when its just cover for a massive bait and switch. Whats the plan for these supposed jobs are displaced migrant farmworkers gonna have to “learn to code”. Or are we importing more “asylum seekers” on top of the 120,000 for Amazon. If you are intending to vote I implore you. PLEASE close your ears and ignore everything you hear and simply look at actions. at what they do. or don’t do.
I take it you saw the news about Salesforce eliminating Hillsboro, right?
Another example of how Hillsboro’s current tech-focused incentive program doesn’t incentivize employment, but development. It’s how Salesforce only received about $7,000 in annual incentives for keeping 300+ employees here while LinkedIn gets $1.2 million for operating a data center that employs eight (8).
The question, as with any land-rights issue or large-scale construction project that’s simply hustled through the legislative process, is who benefits? If not the tax base or local labor beyond Omega Morgan, then who?
I did. And Salesforce is basically on the record that they are an AI driven company going forward. I am trying to get clarity on the fact that Intel and other tech firms are in fact the leading edge of creating the AI world. So the jobs that this new land expansion will create are in fact jobs designed to eliminate jobs. And we are all paying for it.
Dirk, thank you for presenting this information in a concise and clear manner. I don’t live in Hillsboro anymore, but my family does. I’ve read your articles, as well as others specifically concerning the UGB. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process is appalling. I absolutely disagree with the Govenor being given such sweeping power to make major changes without input or oversight. I’m also incredibly disappointed to find out people I knew in high school may be part of these back door dealings.
I loved growing up in Hillsboro. I hope to be able to move home in the near future. I just hope there is enough of Hillsboro left for me to come home to.