Councilmember Paul Adair

08/27/2026

🐶 Happy National Dog Day!

We have a new addition to our family! We’re so happy to have him as part of the family. Welcome home, Kirby! 🐾

Now we just need to work on teaching him that shoes are not for eating. 😂

08/07/2026

🏛️ City Council Recap

Monday's meeting focused on our parks, infrastructure, water, and transportation.

🌳 Park Bond Public Hearing

We held the public hearing for the Park Bond renewal that will appear on the November ballot. Residents shared thoughtful comments both in support of and in opposition to the bond, including feedback on individual projects.

The Council has voted 6-1 to place the measure on the ballot, and now the decision belongs to the voters.

I personally strongly support this bond because I believe it is an important investment in our parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Just as importantly, it renews the existing levy rather than increasing the tax rate, allowing us to continue investing in our community while being mindful of today's financial challenges.

💧 Regional Water Supply

We received an update from Cascade Water Alliance regarding the region's long-term water supply. Because our current agreement with Seattle ends in 2041, our region is preparing for a new connection to Tacoma Water.

The scale and cost of this infrastructure project are significant, and many of us on Council were surprised by the projected impacts. While this is a regional issue rather than a City project, we'll continue working with our regional and state partners to explore ways to reduce costs while ensuring a reliable long-term water supply.

🚧 Holding Contractors Accountable

Council approved emergency funding related to the recent Ridgewood Circle water main break caused during fiber internet installation.

The emergency repairs have already been completed, and those costs are being billed back to the responsible fiber company. The company will not be allowed to resume work until those costs are paid. We also discussed the expectations we have for utility contractors and the importance of protecting our infrastructure as fiber expansion continues.

🚲 Newport Way Improvements

We approved the next step for the Newport Way improvement project between SR 900 and SE 54th Street.

This project will add safer sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, and a new shared-use trail as part of the Creeks to Peaks regional trail system while improving traffic flow.

One exciting piece of news is that we secured additional grant funding that allows both construction phases to be combined into a single project in 2027. By building everything at once, the City estimates we'll save roughly 25% compared to constructing the phases separately. That's a great example of finding efficiencies while delivering better infrastructure for our community.

🚗 Parking Regulations

Discussion on proposed parking regulation updates, including parking near mailboxes, was postponed until September's Services, Safety & Parks Committee meeting. I support taking additional time to gather community input before making changes.

August won't include any additional regular Council meetings as staff focuses on preparing the 2027-2028 budget, but committee meetings and regional work will continue throughout the month.

As always, thank you to everyone who follows along and stays engaged with the work we're doing to serve Issaquah.

08/03/2026

I was there! I promise!

https://www.theurbanist.org/issaquah-breaks-ground-on-affordable-housing-project-ten-years-in-the-making/

08/02/2026

“They should have it like this all the time!” - Overheard at Al Fresca On Front

07/31/2026

🎉 Breaking Ground on Issaquah's Trailhead Development!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Trailhead Development Project, a milestone that has been nearly 10 years in the making.

This project represents the kind of thoughtful, long-term investment that will benefit our community for decades to come. Located next to the Issaquah Transit Center and Tibbetts Valley Park, it brings together housing, transportation, healthcare, and public space in one connected, walkable neighborhood.

When complete, the project will include:
🏠 Affordable apartments serving households earning 40-60% of Area Median Income.
🏘️ Additional market-rate homes, creating a true mixed-income community.
🏥 Dedicated to medical and behavioral health services for low-income residents.

It was inspiring to celebrate this achievement alongside fellow elected officials, King County leaders, community partners, and everyone whose vision and persistence helped make this day possible.

Projects like this don't happen overnight. They take years of planning, partnership, and commitment. Seeing construction finally begin is an exciting reminder that big ideas can become reality when a community works together.

Congratulations to everyone who helped move this incredible project from vision to groundbreaking. I can't wait to see it take shape!

07/23/2026

🏛️ Council Meeting Recap

Monday's meeting included several important policy discussions, with the biggest focused on Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology.

👮 ALPR Policy

Over the past several months, we've heard from many residents about concerns surrounding ALPR cameras. The Administration presented three possible paths forward: adopt the state policy, develop a more restrictive local policy with additional safeguards, or pursue a complete ban.

After considerable discussion, Council determined that none of the proposed ordinance options met the community's expectations. In particular, many residents have expressed a desire for a fully local, closed-loop system that the administration isn't currently feasible.

Because of that, we voted to table development of an ALPR ordinance indefinitely. Our existing resolution remains in place, meaning ALPR technology is not authorized for use in Issaquah and will remain that way unless a future policy is brought back to Council.

I also raised the idea of exploring a broader surveillance technology policy rather than addressing only ALPR. I believe that conversation may provide a more comprehensive framework for evaluating emerging technologies in the future. I will continue discussions on that idea and if there is support for by council and the public on something more broad.

🏗️ Smarter Infrastructure

Council approved targeted updates to our street standards that reduce unnecessary costs for certain public utility projects while maintaining safety and allowing us to invest resources where they'll have the greatest benefit.

🏠 More Housing Options

We aCouncil approved a new self-certification program for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), making it easier, faster, and less expensive for homeowners to build ADUs while meeting new state requirements.

I'm excited about this change because ADUs are one important way we can expand housing options in Issaquah. By reducing unnecessary barriers while maintaining safety and quality standards, we can help create more attainable housing throughout our community.

📋 Rental Fee Transparency

Finally, we discussed a proposal to explore an ordinance requiring landlords to clearly disclose all rental fees so tenants understand the true cost of renting.

I supported first holding a public town hall to better understand local experiences before developing policy. While that amendment did not pass, Council approved moving the proposal forward for future work. Since this work is not expected until 2027, there will still be many opportunities for residents, landlords, and housing providers to share their perspectives. I also continue to believe this issue is best addressed at the state or regional level whenever possible, and I hope we'll see progress there as well.

Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in these discussions and share your perspectives. Your input truly helps shape the decisions we make.

07/07/2026

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 May the Fourth… of July be with you!

My family and I had a fantastic time at the Issaquah Down Home Fourth of July Parade today! We suited up as Star Wars characters and even built our own homemade Millennium Falcon wagon, which was a huge hit along the parade route.

It was amazing seeing so many neighbors, families, and local organizations come together to celebrate our community. From the parade to the market and all the festivities afterward, it was a wonderful reminder of what makes Issaquah such a special place to call home.

I hope everyone had a fun, safe, and happy Fourth of July!

07/03/2026

🏛️ Council Meeting Recap

Monday's meeting was one of the busiest and most significant since I've joined Council. We made decisions that will shape Issaquah for years to come, from confirming our next Police Chief to advancing parks, housing, and development projects throughout the city.

👮 Our first and most important vote was confirming Stephen Mylett as Issaquah's next Police Chief.

This is probably the most important vote I've cast as a councilmember so far. I spent time researching Chief Mylett's background, speaking with him directly, and listening to how he engaged with community members. I was especially impressed by his willingness to meet with groups who had difficult questions and concerns, and by his commitment to transparency, communication, and community-centered policing.

I look forward to working alongside him as we continue building a police department that earns trust, supports its officers, and serves our community well.

🌳 We also officially voted to place the Park Bond renewal on the November ballot. This proposal has gone through months of discussion and community outreach, and now the decision moves to the voters. I look forward to continuing that conversation and hearing what our community decides.

🏫 Another important action was approving an updated Joint Use Agreement with the Issaquah School District. While the City and School District are separate organizations, we share many facilities and serve the same families. This agreement strengthens that partnership and creates a framework for future collaborative projects, including potential community athletic field improvements that are part of the park bond.

🏥 Council also approved moving forward with the purchase of the Opportunity Center as part of the Transit-Oriented Development project near the Transit Center. This space is planned to provide much-needed behavioral health and other community services while supporting affordable housing and the long-term vision for Central Issaquah. After many years of planning, it's exciting to see this project moving toward construction.

🏗️ Finally, we considered updates to development regulations in Central Issaquah designed to encourage more housing by reducing certain construction barriers.

I spent considerable time evaluating these proposals because I believe we need more housing and investment in Issaquah, but we also need to preserve the qualities that make our community special. I supported these changes because they maintain requirements for quality building design and outdoor spaces while providing additional flexibility that may help projects move forward. As we continue reviewing our development codes, I'll remain thoughtful about making changes that encourage growth without sacrificing the character, accessibility, and livability of our city.

It was a full evening with several important decisions, all centered on preparing Issaquah for the future while continuing to protect the values that make our community such a great place to live.

Thank you to everyone who continues to stay informed, attend meetings, and share your thoughts. Your input truly helps shape these decisions.

06/18/2026

🏛️ Council Meeting Recap

Monday's meeting included several special recognitions, an important transportation planning vote, and a look ahead to our work with state legislators.

🏆 We began by recognizing Fred Nystrom as a City Hall of Fame recipient for his many contributions to Issaquah. We also honored Deputy City Administrator Andrea Lehner, who is leaving the City to become the City Administrator for Snoqualmie.

Andrea has played a tremendous role in shaping Issaquah over many years, helping lead major initiatives and guiding countless projects behind the scenes. Most recently, she was instrumental in advancing the Transit-Oriented Trailhead Development and advocating for Issaquah's future light rail connection. While we'll miss her leadership, I know she'll do an outstanding job in her new role and wish her all the best.

📜 Council also adopted a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, honoring the importance of freedom, history, and reflection in our community.

If you're looking for a way to celebrate locally, the Issaquah Highlands Council is hosting a free Juneteenth Celebration on June 18 from 7–9 p.m. at Blakely Hall. The event will feature a gallery exhibition by local artists along with refreshments and live music.

🚦Our primary business item was final approval of the 2027–2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, a state-required plan that outlines future transportation investments and priorities.

One project in particular generated significant discussion: potential future changes to the intersection of Front Street and Sunset Way. The current concept being studied would reconfigure part of the intersection to improve traffic flow and possibly removing and/or relocating a pedestrian bump-out. I heard concerns from residents and shared many of those questions with our Public Works team.

I've been assured that pedestrian safety remains the highest priority, and any future changes will undergo substantial engineering analysis, public engagement, and additional Council review before construction. At this stage, the project remains part of a long-range planning document rather than a finalized design.

🥞Finally, this Thursday we'll be meeting with our state legislators over breakfast to begin discussing Issaquah's priorities for the next legislative session and how we can continue working together on issues that matter to our community.

Thank you, as always, to everyone who stays engaged and helps shape the future of Issaquah.