ISSAQUAH'S SHARED FUTURE

INTRODUCING MY CAMPAIGN FOR CITY COUNCIL POSITION 5 TO OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS

 

June 26, 2025

Dear Community Leader,

I'm writing to introduce myself as a candidate for Issaquah City Council Position 5 and to share why I believe our community needs leadership that prioritizes collaboration, sustainability, and long-term thinking.

1.     My Leadership Philosophy

My approach to governance is rooted in three core principles that I believe are essential for Issaquah's future:

Inclusive and Community-Driven Decision Making: I believe that the best solutions emerge when we listen to diverse voices and empower people at the grassroots level. Local communities are the most invested stakeholders in their own success, and effective governance happens when we create systems that respond to what communities actually need rather than dictating from above.

Sustainable and Ethical Development: As Issaquah faces increasing development pressures and affordable housing needs, I am committed to balancing growth with community well-being through ethical and sustainable practices while reinforcing the ties that make us a warm and welcoming city. Our community surveys consistently reflect how much our residents value the quality of life brought about by our environmental stewardship of our beautiful city. Parks and recreation programs and facilities not only provide a better quality of life—they represent much-needed third places that weave the bonds bringing us all closer together. When we think about the challenges and tensions we face, we must prioritize deliberate, inclusive growth that considers intergenerational justice alongside return on investment.

Practical, Results-Oriented Governance: I focus on the nuts and bolts of good government—moving beyond political posturing to deliver real results on public safety, housing, transportation, and community wellbeing. Our region needs non-partisan, collaborative approaches that can address complex challenges with nuanced solutions.

2.     Key Issues and Vision

Affordable Housing and Economic Opportunity: Affordable housing challenges require a comprehensive approach that prioritizes increasing wages and strengthening purchasing power alongside traditional supply-side solutions. While supply and demand imbalances persist and sustainable development must take precedence over market speculation, the answer isn't to compromise on housing quality or size.  

Instead of building smaller, lower-quality homes as a cost-cutting measure, we should focus on elevating families' economic capacity to expand their housing choices. This means advocating for living wages, supporting local job creation, and implementing policies that enhance purchasing power rather than simply reducing housing standards.

Sustainable growth and responsible housing development must remain our guiding principles, ensuring that market forces serve community needs rather than exploit them. By strengthening the economic foundation of families and workers, we create genuine affordability through empowerment rather than through diminished expectations.

I firmly believe that we must safeguard our public lands as we address housing development and the urgent need for affordable housing. I encourage you to read a recent statement I released on this matter.

Transportation and Development: I see tremendous opportunity in improving and maximizing our underutilized transit center while championing flexible work policies that reduce congestion and improve quality of life. This dual approach positions Issaquah as a forward-thinking community that balances connectivity with livability.

Public Safety and Community Response: I support a comprehensive approach that invests in enhanced police training while building complementary response systems—including mental health professionals and community mediators—to address the full spectrum of community challenges.

Climate and Long-term Thinking: Effective governance requires the courage to balance immediate preferences against long-term sustainability. I'm committed to making decisions that protect future generations, even when they require present-day adjustments.

3.     Why Local Government Matters

I believe deeply that local government represents our best hope for collegial politics and inclusive governance. As neighbors equally invested in our community's success, we can move beyond partisan divisions to focus on what matters most: our families, our homes, and our shared future.

I am eager to learn more about your priorities and explore how my candidacy might support your organization's goals for our community. Would you be available for a brief conversation in the coming weeks? I'm also happy to attend any upcoming meetings or events where I could share more about my platform and listen to your perspectives.

Thank you for your continued dedication to making Issaquah a thriving, inclusive community. I look forward to the possibility of partnering with you in this important work.

Warm regards,

Diogo Magalhaes

Candidate for Issaquah City Council, Position 5

We only rise by lifting others. Government leadership is about service – it should listen, include, and empower rather than dictate.