Board member
Edward B. Hill has more than two decades of experience at the intersection of land use, food systems infrastructure, and equity-based community development. A systems thinker and strategic designer, he specializes in placemaking, environmental justice, and sustainable urban planning, working to co-create inclusive and innovative food systems that uplift BIPOC communities.
After moving to Oregon in 2013, Edward expanded on his early career efforts in the Puget Sound region, where he worked on environmental justice and community-development initiatives. Growing up in Chicago in a family of civil servants and supply-chain entrepreneurs shaped his approach to integrating social impact, sustainability, and business. His background spans municipal, nonprofit, private sector, and NGO roles, offering expertise in pre-development planning, stakeholder engagement, long-range planning, and farm-to-market food systems. He has established community farms, led equitable development projects, and facilitated sustainable neighborhood planning and actively works with local and regional farmers, growers, and producers to secure land access, develop sustainable business models, and create pathways to ownership for historically underrepresented communities. Through technical assistance, infrastructure planning, and strategic investment guidance, he helps food entrepreneurs build a more resilient and equitable agricultural economy. Edward serves on the Oregon Community Food Systems Network board and advises food systems projects with Ecotrust, Prosper Portland, and AfroVillage PDX.
1000 Friends of Oregon is a priority in his life because of its commitment to sustainable land use policies that strengthen communities and promote equity. He believes that thoughtful planning and policy can enhance quality of life for all Oregonians, fostering resilient local economies and food systems that serve everyone.