Thoughtful Leadership.
Practical Solutions.
Stronger Issaquah.
Endorsed by your FIREFIGHTERS
Planning Policy Commissioner • Small-Business Owner • Community Advocate.
I’m Katia Zakharoff, and I’m running for Issaquah City Council – Position 6.
As your Planning Policy Commissioner, I’ve spent past several years shaping key policies on housing, zoning, mobility, and environmental sustainability - working collaboratively with residents, city staff, and regional partners to align growth with community values. From updates to Title 18 and the Central Issaquah Plan to contributions toward the Mobility Action Plan and Climate Action Plan, I’ve worked to make Issaquah more livable, affordable, and forward-thinking.
Meet Katia Zakharoff
This year, I’ve personally visited over 6,000 homes across our city - hearing from neighbors about housing costs, traffic safety, and preserving the natural beauty that makes Issaquah unique. Those conversations reinforce what I already practice as a commissioner: listen first, then craft practical policy that delivers results.
On the Council, I’ll continue that same evidence-based, collaborative approach. I’ll support inclusionary zoning, MFTE housing programs, and streamlined permitting to create more options for teachers, first responders, and working families. I’ll champion safe walking and biking connections, expanded public transportation service, and real-time traffic management to ease congestion and reduce emissions. And I’ll strengthen tree-canopy protections, promote green-building incentives, and advance our Climate Action goals.
As an MBA and small-business owner, I understand fiscal balance and efficient city management. We can fund infrastructure responsibly, encourage innovation, and support local businesses without overburdening residents.
I’m honored to be endorsed by the King County and 5th LD Democrats, the Eastside Business Alliance, Eastside Fire & Rescue heroes, our former and current Mayors, and many community leaders. But my strongest endorsement comes from you - the thousands of neighbors I’ve met at your doors.
Together, we can keep Issaquah affordable, sustainable, and thriving - a city that plans wisely, spends responsibly, and acts with heart.
I ask for your vote this November so we can continue building that future together!
As a candidate for the Issaquah City Council, my motivation stems from a deep understanding that our city belongs to the residents who call it home. I am committed to representing our community's interests and ensuring that every voice is heard. The issues I will address have emerged from countless conversations with community members over the years, as well as my dedicated service on various Issaquah committees. Together, we can work towards a vibrant and inclusive future for Issaquah, where everyone feels valued and represented.
Housing & Growth: Balanced, Sustainable, and Smart
Traffic & Transportation: Planning Smart, Moving Better
Environment & Safety: Protecting People and Place
Focus Areas
Permitting & Small Business: Streamlined, Fair, and Predictable
Transportation is the backbone of a sustainable Issaquah. We can’t add housing or jobs without improving how people move through our city.
My priorities:
Invest strategically to close the funding gap and focus on the most congested corridors like SR-900, Front Street, and Newport Way.
Plan a new I-90 crossing to improve east-west mobility and reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic.
Prepare for light rail by shaping the future station around local needs and multimodal access.
Build smarter - add density in Central Issaquah, near transit and services, not more parking garages.
Expand long promised safe walking and biking routes so families and seniors can move safely through the city.
Let’s keep Issaquah connected, accessible, and ready for the future.
Issaquah is planned for growth - but we need to deliver it wisely. By focusing new housing where services already exist, we can expand options for families.
My priorities:
Build smart - add homes near transit and jobs to keep neighborhoods walkable.
Partner broadly with nonprofits and developers to expand attainable housing.
Use incentives like MFTE and fee waivers to make existing zones work.
Balance growth and livability to keep Issaquah vibrant and sustainable.
Thoughtful planning today keeps Issaquah affordable, green, and welcoming tomorrow.
As a longtime small-business owner, I know how delays and red tape hold Issaquah back. Our city should empower entrepreneurs, not slow them down.
My priorities:
Streamline permitting so projects and improvements move forward quickly.
Ensure clear, consistent processes that give residents and small businesses predictability.
Strengthen local vitality by supporting family-owned businesses, local employers, and community investment.
Efficient, fair systems make it easier to build, hire, and grow right here in Issaquah.
A healthy environment means a healthy community. When we protect nature and invest in people, Issaquah becomes safer, stronger, and more resilient.
My priorities:
Preserve natural areas now before they’re lost to development.
Promote sustainable growth with greener buildings, better mobility, and lower emissions.
Expand human and mental health services so help is available when it’s needed most.
Support effective public safety that combines respect for law enforcement, strong Fire and Rescue funding, with community care.
Protecting Issaquah’s people and environment ensures a safe, sustainable city for generations to come.
Endorsed by Leaders. Powered by Neighbors
Organizations
Distinction Badges
Elected Officials
Community and Business Leaders
Fred Butler - Former Mayor of Issaquah
Sarah Hoey - Issaquah Highlands Community Association Manager
Nelli Tkach - "The Lucky Pen" Education Company Owner
John Traeger - Former Issaquah City Council Member
Marylin Batura - Former Issaquah City Council Member
Paul Dzedzic - Director of Leadership Institute - CCER UW
Margaret Soderstrom - Ashford at Vista Park HOA President
Menka Soni - City of Redmond Arts Commissioner, President of AmPowering
Please note: Endorsers' offices, positions, or organizations are provided for identification purposes only and do not denote an endorsement of the candidate by that organization.
Sergey Nekrasov - Nekrasov Dance, owner
Viktorya Dadyan - Viktorya Wellness, owner
Michael Levenkov - ML Dance, owner
But the most meaningful endorsement is yours. Every neighbor who opens their door, shares their story, volunteers, or places a sign in their yard - you are the heart of this campaign. I count on your vote this November to carry our mission of care and community forward.
Mary Lou Pauly - Mayor of Issaquah
Experience
Issaquah Highlands Covenant Committee
Issaquah Commercial Property Standing Committee
Issaquah Climate Action Plan update - Transportation and Land Use Committee
Small business owner - NIKA International DanceSport Academy
Education
BA in Economics - Regional Finance and Economics Institute - Kursk, Russia (2004)
MBA in Corporate Management - Regional Finance and Economics Institute - Kursk, Russia (2006)
Volunteering
Latest Planning Policy Commission Meeting
Meetings are posted regularly on the City of Issaquah Youtube Channel
Get in Touch
It deeply concerns me when I see the voices of our residents and local business owners being overlooked by those who have the power and duty to help. I genuinely care about your stories and experiences in Issaquah. If you have something on your heart, I invite you to reach out - whether it’s a quick message or a phone call. I would be honored to listen and share in your journey. I am building a “library” of our community’s stories because I believe that my role on the council is to be a true representative of our shared hopes, dreams, and challenges.
I am also thrilled to invite you to join my campaign as a volunteer! Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our community, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable experience in the political process. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and skill sets, so whether you're interested in canvassing, distributing yard signs, managing social media, or planning events, there’s a place for you on our team. Let’s work together to make a difference in Issaquah - sign up to volunteer today!
Donate
Send your payment to katia@katia4issaquah.com
Thank you!
If you would like to make a donation, you have a choice of two payment providers to donate online. You can either donate free of charge and momentarily through Zelle, or you can use PayPal, but be aware, that a transaction fee would be charged by them. Also you can send or give me a check.
Thank you so much for your support of my campaign. All contributions and expenses are open to the public at my Washington Public Disclosure Commission campaign page.
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Local elections are just as important as national elections. They are a chance to directly impact the community you live in and shape the future of your city or town. By casting your vote in Issaquah’s local elections, you can help elect officials who align with your values and priorities. You can also have a say in important issues such as education, public safety, and infrastructure.
This year’s election is on Tuesday, November 4th. In Washington State, voter registration is required at least 8 days prior to Election Day. You can register or update your information here: Register to Vote - Washington State.
Your vote matters, so don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community. Remember, every vote counts!
Make Sure to Vote!
