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1 week ago

City lobbyist briefs Issaquah council on 2026 session: budgets, SR-18 funding preserved, housing mandates adopted Issaquah's contract lobbyist reviewed the 2026 short legislative session, noting supplemental operating ($2.4B), transportation ($1.2B) and capital ($889M) budgets; highlighted that SR-18 first-phase funding was retained, flagged SB 6346's possible local revenue impacts, and summarized housing- and public-safety-related bills of interest to the city.

Issaquah's contract lobbyist reveals crucial budget wins and challenges from the 2026 legislative session, including major funding for transportation and new housing mandates that could reshape the city.

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1 month ago

Issaquah council authorizes design supplement for Newport Way improvements and accepts developer fee‑in‑lieu for roundabout Council authorized a design‑agreement supplement (about $304,641) to bring the Newport Way Maple to Sunset Improvements to 60% design (approved 6–1) and approved a $199,090 fee‑in‑lieu agreement with Bluefern Group to defer certain frontage improvements and accept right‑of‑way for a future roundabout.

Issaquah is stepping up its game with a $304,641 design boost for the Newport Way improvements, aimed at enhancing safety and preserving salmon habitats!

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1 month ago

Issaquah committee backs hazard‑mitigation annex, urges swift action on earthquake and wildfire planning The Issaquah Services, Safety & Parks Committee reviewed a draft annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and recommended it go to full City Council for adoption, while urging expedited scoping and funding steps for earthquake and wildfire mitigation.

Issaquah's committee is pushing for swift action on a crucial hazard-mitigation plan to tackle rising risks from earthquakes and wildfires—could this be the lifeline the city needs?

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2 months ago

Issaquah reviews MetroFlex performance and weighs circulator or private microtransit options Administration presented MetroFlex performance metrics (Issaquah's share plus King County yields a total cost per ride over $40, average wait ~23 minutes, 55% shared trips) and proposed exploring alternatives — a city-run circulator, Circuit, or renegotiated MetroFlex service — with council asking for route-level cost comparisons and Burlington/Bellevue experience.

Issaquah is reevaluating its public transit options, facing rising costs and mixed council opinions on whether to stick with MetroFlex or explore a new city-run circulator.

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2 months ago

Issaquah vows to finish South Lake Sammamish trail, pushes Sound Transit on light-rail timeline Mayor told council the city will prioritize finishing the South Lake Sammamish trail (target start 2028) and use TBD bonding, traffic-impact fees and grants to pay for capital projects while mounting a regional campaign to keep Issaquah on Sound Transit maps as board decisions accelerate this spring.

Issaquah's Mayor Mullet has pledged to prioritize the completion of the South Lake Sammamish trail by 2028, securing $30 million in funding while advocating for impactful regional transit solutions.

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2 months ago

Issaquah presents 2024 greenhouse gas inventory; staff proposes light 2026 ICAP update and timeline City staff reported a 2% decline in community greenhouse-gas emissions since 2022 and a 4% drop in government-operations emissions, but warned the city remains short of its ICAP targets. Staff proposed a largely programmatic 2026 update focused on tying actions to targets, accelerating building electrification and transportation measures, and recommended initial review in PDE followed by a Committee-of-the-Whole review.

Issaquah's sustainability team reveals promising strides with a 2% drop in community emissions, but challenges remain as they prepare for a crucial 2026 update to the Climate Action Plan.

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2 months ago

Issaquah council approves ARCH housing recommendations, revises down‑payment program and delegates legacy administration to Bellevue The council unanimously approved ARCH funding recommendations, adopted revisions to the ARCH down‑payment assistance program (higher subsidy caps and streamlined administration), and authorized delegation of pre‑2010 ARCH contract administration to Bellevue.

Issaquah City Council just made a groundbreaking decision to boost affordable housing with a massive $3.5 million funding round and new down-payment assistance benefits!

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2 months ago

Issaquah committee backs $1.5M loan to KCHA Trailhead project, $383K grant to LEO condos The committee recommended sending to City Council a $1.5 million deferred loan to King County Housing Authority for 156 affordable units at the Trailhead and a $383,000 secured grant to Life Enrichment Opportunities for seven condominium bedrooms serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Issaquah's committee just greenlit a groundbreaking $1.5M loan for affordable housing and a $383K grant for condos supporting those with disabilities—transforming lives and communities!

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2 months ago

Residents urge Issaquah leaders to pause High School 4 project over tree clearing, salmon habitat concerns Speakers at the Feb. 2 Issaquah City Council meeting pressed the council to use permitting and regional influence to delay or redesign the Issaquah School District’s planned High School 4, citing removal of roughly 2,100–2,200 trees, traffic and threats to kokanee salmon habitat.

Residents are rallying to save over 2,100 trees and protect vital salmon habitats from the controversial High School 4 project in Issaquah!

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2 months ago

Issaquah City Council unanimously backs renewal of three school levies for Feb. 10 special election The Issaquah City Council voted unanimously Jan. 20 to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑04 endorsing three renewal levies on the Feb. 10 special election ballot that the district says total $3.09 per $1,000 of assessed value and fund operations, critical repairs and a one‑year transportation levy.

The Issaquah City Council has made a bold move by unanimously endorsing three crucial school levies that could shape the future of education in the district!

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2 months ago

WSDOT outlines multi‑year Fish Passage project; major local closures and utility relocations planned through 2028 WSDOT and city staff told the Issaquah City Council that the multi‑year Fish Passage project will include four new bridges, a roundabout and stream realignment, with staged lane shifts in 2026 and full local closures (including a 120‑day closure and a Dec.2027–June 2028 closure) timed to support bridge construction and utility relocations.

Big changes are coming to Issaquah with the multi-year Fish Passage project, featuring new bridges, a roundabout, and significant road closures until 2028!

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2 months ago

Issaquah council advances four finalists for Jan. 20 interviews to fill vacant seat After hearing presentations from 12 applicants on Jan. 12, the Issaquah City Council moved a four-person slate — Catherine Hurt, Landon Halverson, Paul Adair and Jeff Newell — forward to the Jan. 20 final interview round following an executive session under RCW 42.30.110.

Issaquah's City Council has narrowed down a competitive field of 12 applicants to four finalists, setting the stage for a pivotal decision on January 20th!

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3 months ago

City staff seeks feedback on draft Central Issaquah light-rail siting criteria; commissions press for clearer equity measures City staff presented draft feasibility and suitability criteria to guide potential light-rail station siting in Central Issaquah, and commissioners urged stronger, explicit equity/look‑fors and protections against displacement. Staff said an environmental-justice screening will be added and plans to return with refined criteria and alternatives this summer.

City staff in Issaquah are drafting criteria for a future light-rail station, emphasizing the importance of equity and community impact in the decision-making process.

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3 months ago

Issaquah council approves one-year contract with Valley Defenders as public defense costs rise The council authorized a one-year professional services agreement with Valley Defenders for public defender services after city attorney said rates roughly doubled to comply with Washington Supreme Court standards requiring major caseload reductions over the coming decade.

Issaquah City Council has approved a significant contract with Valley Defenders to address rising public defense costs while aiming to drastically reduce attorney caseloads over the next decade.

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4 months ago

Issaquah council authorizes MOU releasing two affordable-housing covenants for Acres of Diamonds Council voted 6-0 to authorize the mayor to execute an MOU allowing Acres of Diamonds to release two affordable-housing covenants on duplex properties in exchange for reimbursing waived fees, repaying heat-pump incentives, and holding estimated sale proceeds (~$2M) in escrow until $6.75M is raised for a new 24-unit Family Renewal Home.

Issaquah's City Council just took a bold step toward enhancing affordable housing by approving a deal that could pave the way for a new Family Renewal Home, aiming to double the capacity for women and children in need.

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4 months ago

Issaquah adopts local rules for e-bikes and e-motorcycles; council removes parks director's specific ban authority for Class 1/2 e-bikes The council adopted two ordinances regulating e-bikes and e-motorcycles (definitions, permitted locations, impound rules and penalties) and, by amendment, deleted two sections that would have explicitly allowed the parks director to prohibit Class 1 and 2 e-bikes; ordinances passed unanimously, 6-0.

Issaquah just took a major step in regulating e-bikes and e-motorcycles, balancing safety with accessibility while removing unnecessary restrictions!

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4 months ago

Issaquah committee advances local e‑bike and e‑motorcycle code changes, directs edits before full council review The Issaquah Services, Safety and Parks Committee reviewed COM0182 on Nov. 18, 2025, a paired ordinance package to define e‑motorcycles and e‑bikes, establish where each class may operate, and create tiered penalties and impoundment options; staff will amend parks language and return the item to the full council for consideration on Dec. 1, 2025.

Issaquah is taking steps to define e-motorcycles and e-bikes, aiming for clearer rules and enhanced safety on the roads—are you ready for the changes?

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4 months ago

Issaquah receives multimodal I‑90 crossing study; council asks staff to attach memorandum of concerns The council voted unanimously Nov. 17 to receive the Central Issaquah multimodal I‑90 Crossing Study and direct staff to attach a memorandum outlining council concerns. The study’s preferred alignment runs 11th Ave NW to 11th Ave NW and carries a planning‑level cost estimate of roughly $110 million.

Issaquah's council has just taken a significant step towards a multimodal I-90 crossing, but concerns about costs and community engagement linger.

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4 months ago

Issaquah updates fire‑permit fees, agrees to pass collected fees to Eastside Fire & Rescue Council adopted an ordinance aligning fire‑permit fees with Eastside Fire & Rescue's cost‑recovery analysis and authorized collected permit fees to be remitted to Eastside Fire & Rescue; council asked staff to monitor whether higher fees become a barrier to development.

Issaquah's City Council just approved a significant update to fire-permit fees to enhance public safety and support regional service—find out how this decision could impact local development!

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4 months ago

Issaquah adopts 2026 legislative agenda and adds immigrant‑protections priority Council approved the city's 2026 legislative agenda and policy manual, keeping priorities on SR‑18 safety improvements, permitting modernization and fiscal sustainability, and added a new priority calling for strengthened immigrant protections (data‑sharing limits, protections for sensitive locations, visible law‑enforcement identification).

Issaquah's City Council takes a bold step by adopting a 2026 legislative agenda that not only prioritizes vital infrastructure and financial sustainability but also introduces crucial immigrant protections!

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4 months ago

Issaquah council adopts statement on federal immigration enforcement, clarifies wording to include all residents Council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑20 making a local statement about federal immigration enforcement; members amended language to use 'regardless of citizenship or immigration status' and passed the resolution by voice vote (recorded as unanimous at the time).

Issaquah's City Council just made a bold statement on immigration enforcement, ensuring protections for all residents, regardless of their status.

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4 months ago

Issaquah council approves two‑year extension for Bellevue College parcel after adding outreach and council‑approval safeguards After extensive public comment and council debate, Issaquah approved a two‑year extension to Bellevue College’s 2011 development agreement for the Highlands’ 19‑acre Parcel 4. The revised terms require community outreach and preserve council review before any standalone housing applications proceed; vote passed 4–3.

Issaquah's City Council has approved a controversial two-year extension for Bellevue College's 19-acre parcel, emphasizing community outreach and council review for future proposals.

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5 months ago

Issaquah reviews mid‑biennium budget fixes; director proposes moving Metroflex funding to TBD and using public‑safety sales tax for recurring costs Director Garcia presented a multi‑year decline in unrestricted fund balance and proposed adjustments to reach a 15% reserve target, including removing select new spending, reallocating Metroflex funding to the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) for 2026, using the public‑safety sales tax for some public‑safety costs, and closing out ARPA realloc

Issaquah's unrestricted fund balance has plummeted dramatically, prompting urgent budget fixes and tough decisions on public safety and essential services.

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5 months ago

Issaquah officials, residents press for protections after ICE arrest near preschool; mayor proposes $50,000 for immigrant services Issaquah Police Chief Schwan told residents the department does not enforce federal immigration law and urged people to call 911 to report suspected ICE activity. Mayor Polly proposed a budget amendment to allocate up to $50,000 for local immigration services; residents and faith leaders urged rapid response funding, improved public communication,及

Issaquah's police chief reassures the community: "We serve you regardless of immigration status," sparking a call for increased support and funding for immigrant services after a recent ICE incident near a preschool.

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5 months ago

Issaquah advances ITS work: feasibility study for adaptive signals, video analytics expansion and signal upgrades slated City staff updated the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee on progress implementing the 2023 Intelligent Transportation System plan, outlining a phased feasibility study for adaptive signal control (phase 1 in 2026; phase 2 in 2027), a 2026 grant-funded expansion of video analytics to 14 intersections, leading pedestrian interval rollout on tier

Issaquah is gearing up to revolutionize its traffic management with an ambitious Intelligent Transportation System plan that promises to enhance safety and efficiency through cutting-edge technology!

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5 months ago

Issaquah committee favors phased sustainable building policy; staff recommends Envision pilots and staff training City sustainability staff proposed updates to the 2004 Sustainable Building and Infrastructure Policy, recommending a phased approach that pilots the Envision infrastructure toolkit in 2026–27, aligns medium building guidance to LEED Platinum without requiring certification, requires electrification feasibility assessments for fossil-fuel equipment

Issaquah is gearing up for a sustainable revolution, proposing a phased approach to update its building policies with innovative pilot programs and electrification strategies!

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8 months ago

KCHA Plans Opportunity Center Opening with Transit Development for May 2028 KCHA prepares for opportunity center timeline aligned with transit-oriented development by May 2028.

Issaquah is on track to unveil the Opportunity Center alongside a new transit hub by May 2028, but crucial decisions loom that could reshape the project entirely.

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8 months ago

City Council Reviews TOD Opportunity Center and Pedestrian Safety Improvements Council discusses future options for the Opportunity Center and safety improvements.

The Issaquah City Council is making pivotal decisions about the future of the Opportunity Center and enhancing pedestrian safety, but will the community engage in the conversation?

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8 months ago

City Officials Update Community on 3 Trails Pedestrian Area Safety Improvements Officials provide an update on safety enhancements at the Gilman Boulevard intersection.

Issaquah is taking a giant leap towards safer streets and vibrant community connections with exciting enhancements to the 3 Trails pedestrian area!

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8 months ago

City Council Discusses Future Plans for Human Services Opportunity Center Council explores options for rotating human services providers amid funding and community concerns.

The Issaquah City Council is at a crossroads, debating the future of the Opportunity Center and exploring innovative human services models that could reshape community support.

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