Chris Reichley
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Chris Reichley is running for election to the Issaquah City Council Position 1 in Washington. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Reichley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Chris Reichley provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on September 29, 2025:
- High school: Ontario and Loyalton High Schools
- Associate: Truckee Meadows Community College
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Banking Professional
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign website
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
Election results
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Chris Reichley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reichley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’ve proudly called Issaquah home for 11 years, living here with my wife of 23 years, Amy, and our two daughters—Megan, 21, and Madison, 17. I grew up in a small business family, which gave me a strong work ethic and firsthand understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face.
Professionally, I’m a Community Branch Manager in Issaquah, helping individuals, families, and small businesses achieve financial stability and growth. This experience provides insight into the everyday issues residents face.
I currently serve as Chair of the City’s Economic Vitality Commission, where I helped develop and implement Issaquah’s new economic development plan aimed at fostering responsible growth and a resilient local economy. I also serve on the Issaquah Highlands Council Board of Trustees, ensuring neighborhood voices are heard, and I was Vice Chair of the City’s Strategic Plan Update Taskforce, contributing to Issaquah’s long-term vision.
Through these roles, I’ve gained valuable experience in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. I’m running for City Council to build a thriving, inclusive Issaquah where families prosper, businesses grow, and our unique character is preserved for generations to come. - I am dedicated to protecting and enhancing Issaquah’s quality of life by balancing thoughtful growth with preservation of our natural beauty, parks, and community character.
- I will prioritize traffic and mobility improvements to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible transportation options for all residents.
- I am committed to keeping Issaquah safe and prepared by supporting public safety services and emergency preparedness initiatives.
I am deeply committed to enhancing public safety to ensure all residents feel secure and protected. I strongly support advancing Issaquah’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to invest strategically in the infrastructure necessary for our city’s growth. Additionally, improving traffic and mobility is a priority, as I aim to promote effective transportation solutions that reduce congestion and increase accessibility for all.
The City Council plays a unique and vital role within the state government and legal system by serving as the direct voice and advocate for our community. We communicate the needs and priorities of Issaquah to state and regional partners to secure critical support and resources. For example, we work with state legislators to advocate for transportation funding that improves local roads and public transit. We collaborate with regional agencies on environmental regulations that protect our natural areas. Additionally, we partner with public safety organizations to ensure our city receives necessary resources for emergency services and crime prevention. This advocacy ensures that our community’s interests are represented and that Issaquah can effectively address challenges and seize opportunities at every level of government.
I look up to Kobe Bryant for his unwavering dedication to hard work and his “Mamba Mentality”—a mindset built on relentless focus, resilience, and a drive to constantly improve. One of the qualities that inspires me most is his “Job’s not finished” mentality—the belief that no matter how much progress has been made, there’s always more to achieve. That mindset reminds me to stay humble, focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
Whether in my professional career or through public service, I strive to bring that same level of discipline, preparation, and accountability to everything I do. In my roles on city commissions and as a community leader, I’ve learned that real, lasting change takes persistence and a refusal to settle for “good enough.” I carry that attitude forward in my candidacy and in my commitment to serve Issaquah with integrity, purpose, and a belief that the work is never truly done—because the community always deserves our best.
With over 20 years of leadership experience, I believe the most important qualities for an elected official are being proactive, collaborative, transparent, and accountable. Proactive leadership ensures issues are addressed before they become problems. Collaboration fosters partnerships and community trust, while transparency builds confidence in government decisions. Accountability means standing by commitments and being responsible to the people served.
The core responsibility of an elected official is to serve with integrity and prioritize the community’s needs above personal or political agendas. Effective leadership requires a commitment to a community-led approach that genuinely listens to and represents all residents. An official must work collaboratively and transparently to address challenges and improve the quality of life for everyone. Being accountable, responsive, and attentive to constituents is essential to building trust and ensuring decisions reflect the community’s best interests—not individual or special interests.
A little-known but important responsibility of this position is the duty to make decisions that benefit the entire community through collaboration, communication, research, and listening. Throughout my career and community involvement, including my roles as Chair of the Economic Vitality Commission and member of the Issaquah Highlands Council Board, I have consistently applied these principles. I understand the importance of balancing diverse viewpoints, building consensus, and ensuring that policies reflect the needs of all residents, not just select groups.
I believe that prior experience in government or public policy is highly beneficial for this office, as it provides essential knowledge of governmental processes and how to effectively advocate for community needs. Equally important is the ability to build strong connections within the community and across various stakeholders. Throughout my career—including my work as a bank manager helping members achieve their financial goals—and my service on commissions and boards, I have built meaningful relationships that have helped drive collaborative solutions and real progress. Listening to diverse voices and fostering collaboration are key to developing thoughtful, inclusive solutions. A successful councilmember makes decisions grounded in the community’s collective priorities—not personal agendas or political party lines. Combining experience with a commitment to building relationships and leading with integrity has allowed me to make a positive impact, earn trust, and drive meaningful change.
I believe exceptional listening skills are fundamental for this position, enabling an elected official to genuinely understand and represent the diverse voices within the community. Equally important is the ability to navigate crucial conversations with empathy and respect, fostering open dialogue even on challenging topics. Furthermore, providing credible, well-informed feedback—and having the confidence to thoughtfully challenge ideas and policies—are critical to promoting transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making. These skills collectively ensure that the council can address complex issues thoughtfully and deliver meaningful outcomes that reflect the community’s best interests.
This office is unique and important because it serves as a direct link between the community and local government. Drawing on my years of leadership and service—including roles on the Economic Vitality Commission and Issaquah Highlands Council Board—I understand that a councilmember does not represent personal interests but the diverse voices, needs, and priorities of the entire community. This responsibility requires actively listening, advocating effectively, and making decisions that reflect the collective good. The role is vital in shaping policies that impact daily life and ensuring that government remains responsive and accountable to its residents.
Local IAFF 1762 Eastside Firefighters, Former Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler, Issaquah School Board Member AJ Taylor, The Garage a Teen Cafe Director KayLee Jaech, FairVote Washington, and several small business owners throughout Issaquah.
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Other survey responses
Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Reichley completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.
See also
External links
