The Hillsboro City Council convened on November 5, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of the 2024 Civic Leadership Academy, a program designed to engage community members in local governance and leadership. This year, the academy focused on a pressing issue: addressing the feelings of isolation and loneliness among aging residents in Hillsboro.

Mikayla Hennetti, the city management program coordinator, introduced the academy's participants, who spent six weeks attending workshops led by experts from Portland State University’s National Policy Consensus Center. The workshops aimed to equip participants with the skills to research and connect with community members, ultimately leading to actionable recommendations for the city.

Hennetti expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Portland State University and acknowledged the contributions of Washington County's Disability Aging and Veterans Services, highlighting their role in addressing the needs of older adults. The Civic Leadership Academy, now in its eighth year, has become a vital platform for community engagement, fostering leadership skills while tackling significant social issues.

The participants presented their findings on how the city can better support its aging population, emphasizing the importance of community connection to combat loneliness. Their work reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by older adults, particularly in fostering inclusivity and visibility within the community.

Following the presentations, a graduation ceremony was held to honor the academy members, who received personalized street signs as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and hard work. This event not only celebrated the participants' achievements but also underscored the city's commitment to addressing the complex issues of isolation and loneliness among its residents.

As Hillsboro continues to grow, the insights from the Civic Leadership Academy will play a crucial role in shaping policies that enhance the quality of life for its aging population, ensuring that they remain an integral part of the community. The council's support for such initiatives signals a proactive approach to fostering a more inclusive environment for all residents.