Hi! I'm Katia Zakharoff, and I proudly made Issaquah my home in 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection to this amazing community and a desire to contribute. I serve as a board member of my HOA, Ashford at Vista Park, and had the privilege of completing a full two-year term on the Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board of Directors.

In 2023, I engaged in conversations with many of you during my campaign for a seat on the City Council, which allowed me to hear your voices and understand your concerns. These experiences have given me valuable insights into the challenges we face and how we can work together to address them. Currently, I am serving our city as a Planning Policy Commissioner and as a member of the Commercial Space Standing Committee. I look forward to continuing our dialogue and serving our community in meaningful ways!

Meet Katia Zakharoff

Small Business Owner:

As a first-generation immigrant who arrived in this country over 20 years ago with a dream and unwavering determination, I have built a successful small business from the ground up. Each day, I work closely with local children and their families, gaining a deep understanding of their concerns, hopes, and dreams. With my background in economics and nearly two decades of experience as a small business owner in the Pacific Northwest, I have learned to look beyond immediate challenges and focus on the bigger picture—an essential skill for making informed decisions. My journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship has made me acutely aware of the difficulties businesses face in finding suitable spaces. This insight motivated me to join the Commercial Property Standing Committee, where I advocate for plans in Central Issaquah that prioritize not only high-end retail but also affordable mixed-use developments that benefit our entire community.

A Champion for Children and Youth:

Having spent decades working with children and youth, I truly understand how important it is to invest in their futures. I believe that giving them access to quality education, arts, and sports is crucial for helping them grow into well-rounded individuals who can become future leaders in Issaquah.

As a volunteer with Kiwanis of Issaquah and other charities focused on supporting young people, I’ve seen just how powerful these programs can be. My passion for encouraging creativity, personal growth, and community involvement has helped me build strong relationships with parents, educators, and the young people I work with. Together, we’re making a difference in our community!

Global Perspective and Fresh Ideas:

As a first-generation immigrant, I bring a unique perspective to the challenges facing Issaquah, particularly in addressing the housing crisis and transportation issues. Representing about 30 percent of our community, I understand the struggles many residents face in finding affordable housing. With recent house bills promoting middle housing and co-housing, I am eager to advocate for solutions that ensure our workforce has access to affordable living spaces. My diverse experiences equip me to contribute fresh ideas and approaches, fostering a vibrant, inclusive Issaquah where everyone can thrive.

My website is currently being updated to showcase my progress and goals. In the meantime, I welcome any dialogue and discussion! I enjoy having coffee meetings with our residents, so if you’d like to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Latest Planning Policy Commission Meeting

Meetings are posted regularly on the City of Issaquah Youtube Channel

Experience

• Issaquah Highlands Community Association Board of Directors

• Issaquah Highlands Covenant Committee

• Issaquah Planning Policy Commission

• Issaquah Commercial Property Standing 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

• NIKA Dancesport Foundation

• Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the month (January 2022)

• Kiwanis of Issaquah

Donate

katia@katia4issaquah.com