City of Issaquah Live Stream

The City of Issaquah held a council meeting on July 7, 2026, where several key procurement and policy matters were discussed. The council confirmed the appointment of a new police chief following a nationwide search and community-involved interview process. They approved an updated joint use agreement between the city and Issaquah School District to enhance scheduling and access coordination for shared facilities, including provisions for future joint capital projects such as community sports fields. The council also authorized the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement for the Opportunity Center condominium, a key component of a long-term affordable housing and behavioral health services project, with a purchase price of approximately $7.5 million and additional contingencies. Funding for this acquisition and tenant improvements will come primarily from the city's affordable housing fund and state grants. Additionally, the council adopted ordinances amending the land use code to provide more flexibility on upper-level building stepbacks and to reduce required outdoor amenity space in multifamily residential developments, aiming to improve development feasibility. A park bond renewal measure for $18 million was approved to be placed on the November 2026 ballot, funding various park improvements including new trails, playgrounds, and pickleball courts. The meeting included extensive public and council discussion on these items, reflecting community priorities on public safety, housing, and parks.