Building Stronger Communities Together
At Greater Than, we know that community engagement and advocacy are key to creating lasting, positive change. We’re excited to share updates on two vital projects in the Hillsboro and Reynolds school districts that demonstrate our commitment to fostering a racially just future for learning. These initiatives go beyond the classroom by actively involving families, local institutions, and community members in enhancing safety, comfort, and placemaking in alignment with the community's goals.
In Hillsboro, our involvement in the Calle Diez community engagement and equitable development strategy is enhancing the livability and cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood. In Reynolds, our partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation on the 174th Street Improvements Project is ensuring safer routes for students and families.
Both projects sought out Greater Than for participation because of our reputation for centering equity, our strong relationships with community, and our thoughtful and engaged staff members.
Community-Led Transformation in Hillsboro’s Calle Diez
The City of Hillsboro is working to build a framework for permanent community engagement and support for the Calle Diez area, aimed at fostering inclusive development and vibrant public spaces aligned with the community’s goals. Calle Diez, known for its indie shops, restaurants, and cultural significance, is a vibrant neighborhood with deep community roots. Greater Than is proud to be part of the Calle Diez community engagement and equitable development strategy in downtown Hillsboro, which includes creating safer streets, enhancing public spaces, and supporting local businesses to ensure a thriving, culturally rich neighborhood.
As part of the project management team, which includes EcoNorthwest, Bienestar, and the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, Greater Than is actively involved in the planning and implementation phases. We have allocated roughly $18,000 for our participation in Phase 1 of this project.
We have successfully recruited six families from Lincoln Street Elementary, including two Parent Advisory Committee parents, to join the Community Advisory Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of local families are heard and that the development strategy reflects their needs and aspirations.
Calle Diez Work Area.
Safety, Comfort, and Community
Conversations with community members have led to the creation of new programs and projects to enhance the safety and comfort of the area, promote community placemaking, and support the local economy. Some key initiatives include:
10th Avenue Visioning: Engaging the community to create a shared vision for the future of Calle Diez by gathering input, transforming feedback into actionable items, and developing projects that have a direct positive impact.
Engagement Results: Feedback from surveys, focus groups, and workshops has highlighted the need for hardscape improvements, better lighting and crosswalks, intersection improvements, and enhancements to Shute Park.
Community Priorities: Residents have expressed a strong desire for better pedestrian comfort and safety, more celebration and recognition of Latino culture, and improvements that connect them with nature, such as walking trails, garden beds, and parks.
Advocacy for Safer Routes in Reynolds
In the Reynolds School District, Greater Than and the Rockwood Advocacy Group are partnering with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to improve safety on SE 174th Avenue, a crucial corridor for students and families attending Alder Elementary School.
This segment of SE 174th Avenue is an essential connection for the Alder community, but currently, there are no sidewalks, and cars often speed down the street. With no stop signs or yield signs, only a single crosswalk serves Alder students and families crossing this busy and dangerous road. The need for these safety improvements has been long advocated for by Alder families, highlighting the urgency of addressing these hazardous conditions.
Proposed improvements for 174th Avenue.
174th Avenue Improvements Project
This project aims to address the challenges highlighted by Alder parents during a 2017 Safe Routes to School outreach process. Proposed improvements include:
Sidewalk and Curb Enhancements: A 10-foot concrete sidewalk and 6-inch curb on the west side of SE 174th Avenue will connect to existing sidewalks, enhancing safety for pedestrians.
Planting Strip and Street Trees: A 3-foot planting strip with new street trees will be added.
ADA-Compliant Curb Ramps and Crosswalks: New ADA-compliant curb ramps and marked crosswalks will be installed to improve accessibility and safety.
School Zone Beacons: Relocating school zone beacons to notify drivers of the crossing sooner, enhancing safety for students.
Rending of proposed 174th Avenue improvements.
Community Advocacy
Greater Than's Advocacy & Leadership Facilitator, Laura Bolaños, has been instrumental in uniting families from Reynolds School District to advocate for these crucial improvements. Through her leadership, families have actively engaged with PBOT, ensuring that their voices are heard. The persistent efforts and dedication of these families have been key in advancing this project and bringing attention to the safety needs of their community.
Pictured here PBOT Director Millicent Williams, RSD Superintendent Frank Carapelo, Alder Principal Danelle Heikkila, and GT Advocacy & Leadership Facilitator Laura Bolanos, and 10 Rockwood Advocacy parents.
Greater Than’s Commitment to Community and Collaboration
Greater Than’s approach is a combination of direct service and deep collaboration. By working closely with parents and primary caregivers, we prioritize responsiveness and adaptability to meet the changing needs of families and students. Our efforts in both Downtown Hillsboro and Reynolds districts are prime examples of how partnerships and direct service can leverage the expertise and resources of various organizations to benefit our communities.
Your support is crucial in driving these initiatives forward. Together, we can ensure that every student and family we serve experiences the benefits of a safe, connected, and vibrant community.