In our Mayoral Minute column, we connect with a local mayor to discuss business in the city over which they preside. In our November-December 2023 issue, we reached out to Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly.

What makes your city a great place to do business?

I recently hosted a business leadership forum, which brought together representatives from our Fortune 500 businesses, smaller family-owned businesses, and our economic development partners. The energy in the room really emphasized to me the passion and support for each other to be successful in Issaquah. My role is not to create new products or services in these businesses, but to foster a responsive government that supports our business community. We seek to partner with entrepreneurs and corporate executives who want to benefit and contribute to Issaquah’s amazing quality of life.

What is the most exciting thing on the horizon for your city in regards to the business community?

The city is focused on planning for future transportation infrastructure growth. From a new crossing of I-90 and a light rail station to expanded transportation options, we are responding to business needs and will be involving them in important decisions that will shape the way our community looks and operates. In the shorter term, the growth of Costco’s headquarters will continue to drive other business growth. H Mart and a new residential development are exploring locations adjacent to the Costco campus. A mixed-income redevelopment next to the Issaquah Transit Center will increase residential housing options and add services in our regional growth center. The innovation of our health care, creative industries and outdoor recreation sectors will continue to provide new and exciting opportunities for our community to be associated with those fields to a greater degree.

What is something about Issaquah businesses that fills you with pride?

I was recently in Morocco for a preplanned Sister Cities trip, arriving just days after the life-changing earthquake in the country. Our community, including many businesses, reached out to our delegation to find out how they can help. It was moving to see how quickly so many groups looked for ways to help people halfway around the world. We see this every day in our city, too — our business community wants to play an active role in the wellbeing of our residents — from their efforts to support our new transitional shelter program, our seniors, our nonprofit partners, and even their business neighbors. Our businesses are truly part of our community.