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:
Traffic is a mess. Current fixes aren't working. We need better transit options today.
One example: Create compact bus and emergency services lanes using minimal road space to bypass traffic jams. When people from nearby cities have a faster transit option, they'll choose it over driving through Issaquah. Our first responders will also reach emergencies more quickly. It's a win for everyone, and it sets us up perfectly for when light rail arrives.
In the past six years, Issaquah built just 54 affordable homes. That's way too few.
An innovative solution: Accelerate the creation of affordable and workforce housing in Central Issaquah by establishing a new model: a community-driven development entity that blends private sector dynamism with a steadfast focus on affordability and local benefit. This way, we ensure affordable housing is built profitably and quickly, profits are reinvested in Issaquah, and our community has a powerful voice in developing the housing we need, precisely where it's wanted.
Schools and parks bring communities together. When our city and schools work as partners, we can guide growth to Central Issaquah, not our hillsides, while giving our schools the resources they need.
For example: Work with schools to build the new elementary, middle, and high schools we'll need in the coming decades in Central Issaquah, paired with parks and community spaces everyone can use. This creates neighborhood centers that make Central Issaquah living more attractive, encouraging the kind of growth we want where we want it.
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
"Elect Scientists"
Issaquah City Council President
Issaquah City Council Member
Issaquah City Council Member
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
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.