PRIORITIES
Transportation
Getting around town by car, bus, bike, or foot should be quick, safe, and easy. While we continue to invest in the kinds of safety improvements and traffic solutions you'd expect, Issaquah needs a new commitment to more sustainable alternatives, like reliable transit, neighborhood shuttle access, and bike and pedestrian paths.
What we've accomplished
Adopted a new mobility master plan and started a new transit study
Record investments in street and sidewalk maintenance
Improved neighborhood traffic calming
Made ourselves seen and heard by Sound Transit decision makers, emphasizing our commitment to light rail in Issaquah
Successfully advocated for improvements to I-90 and SR 18
Public safety
What we've accomplished
Invested in police officer recruitment and retention
Fully funded our police department and dispatch center
Prioritized crime analysis by expanding our public safety team
Approved a new body camera program
Partnered with our retailers to prevent theft in their stores
Stood up a community court program to promote rehabilitation and diversion
Maintained the exceptional service and value we receive from our firefighters and first responders
Invested in emerging fire and rescue needs, like wildfire prevention and substance use disorder response
Growth
The foundation of any successful city is balanced and sustainable development. Growth should come with real community benefit, like affordable housing, infrastructure, parks, and jobs.
What we've accomplished
Secured the development of more than 150 units of transit-oriented affordable rental housing
Took action to preserve the character of our neighborhoods and created opportunities for new affordable housing
Overhauled our land use code with an eye on consistency and ease of use
Made critical investments in our aging infrastructure
Invested in the experience of our treasured parks and trails
Provided relief to struggling businesses and nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis
Environment
Surrounded by Lake Sammamish and the Issaquah Alps, we've long been a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability.
What we've accomplished
Created a new environmental board
Adopted a new climate action plan, the blueprint for a more sustainable Issaquah, outling strategies to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance community resiliency
Acquired new lands for environmental protection
Invested in urban forest management
Passed new requirements for electric vehicle charging stations
Launched incentive programs to promote residential heat pumps and energy-efficient buildings
Human services
What we've accomplished
Responded to the COVID-19 crisis by partnering with the region to stand up a vaccine clinic
Adopted a new human services strategic plan
Leveraged federal funds for rental assistance
Prioritized behavioral health response and homelessness outreach by expanding our human services team
Funded an emergency temporary housing pilot program to connect our unhoused residents with the supportive services they need to thrive
