Kevin Nichols: A Leader Who Gets Things Done with Smart, Practical Ideas for Traffic, Housing, and Growth.
See the IssuesIssaquah is growing quickly. But new homes are being built on our hillsides instead of in Central Issaquah where they make more sense. This means more traffic and more sprawl. Now is the time to try new ideas and guide growth in the right direction, making our city better for everyone while protecting nature.
Growth is coming to Issaquah. Let's make sure it happens the right way.
I'm Kevin Nichols. My family chose Issaquah for its charm, good schools, connection to the environment, and sense of community. I'm personally invested in its future; I want my children to be able to afford a home here, just as my parents found their place within our community. I'm committed to creating diverse, attainable housing choices, ensuring Issaquah welcomes all generations.
As a PhD scientist and a proven problem solver, what I will bring to Issaquah is a focus on sparking complex projects from idea to impactful reality, as I have consistently in my professional career.
An example from my professional career:.
"When the pandemic hit, my research team and I were faced with an urgent challenge: adapting our medical diagnostic technology for desperately needed tests. There was no playbook for this. In that high-pressure environment, forging vital relationships with multiple government agencies and diverse partners became essential. Ultimately, we overcame significant hurdles and launched one of the first FDA-approved tests."
"This experience solidified my belief: bold ideas are crucial, but real impact demands tenacious execution, building strong coalitions, and working effectively beyond traditional boundaries to make good things happen."
This is the proactive, results-driven leadership I aim to offer Issaquah. To truly tackle our biggest challenges like traffic and housing, we need tenacious execution and the broad collaborations — including outside our city — to bring them to life.
I'm running to contribute my unique skills and a proactive approach to help us achieve our shared goals for Issaquah.
Here are some examples of the practical solutions I'll pursue:
With 80% of morning traffic passing through Issaquah, we need real solutions now.
Smart fixes we can implement: Better intersections with roundabouts on SR 900 and Issaquah-Hobart Road. Traffic signals that actually communicate with each other. Like you, I'm tired of sitting at lights that feel timed against us. We urgently need to work with regional partners to create north-south transit options, so someone from Maple Valley working in Redmond doesn't have to drive through our city. These transit improvements will help our first responders reach emergencies faster while preparing us for future light rail. This is solvable. We just need to invest in smart solutions.
In six years, Issaquah built just 54 affordable homes. Our teachers, firefighters, and seniors are being priced out.
Real solutions: We need more housing choices: single-family homes, townhomes, and condos so everyone can find what works for them. Focus new development in Central Issaquah where infrastructure already exists, not on our hillsides. Remove unnecessary red tape that makes all types of housing more expensive to build. Create paths for our essential workers to afford homes here, for seniors to downsize while staying in their community, and for our kids to return after college. That's why diverse groups from the WA Housing Alliance to the Master Builders support my approach. We need practical solutions, not ideology.
As a parent with two kids in Issaquah schools, I'm a strong advocate for education. But finding the right locations for new schools requires compromise and the city being a better partner.
Smart planning: Put future schools in Central Issaquah where new families will live, so kids can walk or bike to school. Preserve sites like the vacant Bellevue College property that was sold for educational use. Combine schools with parks and community spaces everyone can use. When we work together and build schools where families actually live, we reduce traffic, create walkable neighborhoods, and protect our hillsides. We can meet our education needs while respecting all neighborhoods.
As Issaquah grows, we must ensure our essential services keep pace. I will fight to fully support Eastside Fire & Rescue and seek out state grants to hire the police officers we need.
We will also fund innovative co-responder programs that pair law enforcement with mental health professionals, ensuring the right expertise is available for every situation.
Smart growth means a safe and thriving community for everyone in Issaquah.
When we build smart in Central Issaquah, we protect our hillsides and forests.
Good planning keeps nature safe.
"Kevin's analytical nature and policy mindset is what Issaquah needs to tackle our complex growth challenges. His evidence-based approach to housing, transit, and development will help us build a more sustainable and affordable community for all residents. I am excited to endorse Kevin Nichols for Issaquah City Council."
Lindsey Walsh
Issaquah City Council President
"I'm excited to endorse Kevin for Issaquah city council! As a scientist, he will ask tough questions, look at the data, and find creative solutions to help solve our toughest challenges, including housing affordability and traffic."
Kelly Jiang
Issaquah City Council Member
"Kevin brings a scientist's eye to the complicated challenges we have ahead of us as a city. He's also a devoted father who is driven by the need to provide a better future for his kids and his community. Putting both those things together will make for an amazing addition to the Council."
Tola Marts
Issaquah City Council Member
Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Gun Sense Candidate distinction, not endorsement
"Elect Scientists"
Issaquah City Council President
Issaquah City Council Member
Issaquah City Council Member
State Representative, 5th Legislative District
State Representative, 5th Legislative District
King County Councilmember
Issaquah School District Board Director
Issaquah School District Board Director
Mayor of Bothell
Newcastle City Council Member
Sammamish City Council Member
Issaquah Alps Trails Club, former Issaquah City Council
Former Issaquah Councilmember
Executive Director, The Garage
Economic Vitality Commissioner
Executive Director, Pride Across the Bridge
Founder of Issaquah People for Climate Action
Precinct Committee Officer (D), Providence Point
We can build a better Issaquah. Whether you want to contribute financially, volunteer your time, or simply share your ideas for Issaquah's future, every contribution matters.
Have ideas for Issaquah's future?
Let's talk.