Charting Issaquah’s Next Chapter

The Mullet family from left to right: Caroline, Isabel, Riley, Mark, Kelley, Davis, Eloise and Penelope.

I still remember my first visit to Issaquah Highlands in 2005. I knew we had found our future home when I discovered a community that combined access to the outdoors, walkable retail and a great elementary school.

Issaquah Highlands might be the largest homeowner association in the State of Washington, but it still feels like a small village to our family. I love taking the dogs for a walk in the woods and seeing friends and neighbors who are also enjoying our amazing access to the forests of the Issaquah Alps.

I was proud to be the first Issaquah Highlands resident elected to Issaquah City Council in 2009, followed by the Washington State Legislature in 2012. I ran for City Council with a vision of breaking down the silos where Issaquah Valley residents tend to think of Issaquah Highlands as a separate community.

As the new mayor of Issaquah, I promise to continue this work of making all residents citywide appreciate our common bonds. Highlands Council hosts an amazing Juneteenth event along with the best Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Eastside. As mayor, I look forward to making sure all Issaquah residents know about these fun community gatherings.

Mark Mullet with Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s when the Issaquah Highlands location opened in 2010.

It’s not often that you find small business owners getting elected to public office. I owned Zeeks Pizza on Park Drive from 2009-2019, and I still own Ben & Jerry’s in Grand Ridge Plaza. I’m committed to ensuring the City of Issaquah supports Issaquah residents who want to start a small business. I know firsthand the difference it makes when you find a city that collaborates with future small business owners. Starting a business is difficult enough without local government getting in the way.

My priorities as mayor include making smart investments to reduce traffic congestion, investing in our local parks, supporting our police and fire departments, and making sure that all city staff have a customer service mentality as they interact with Issaquah residents.

I believe that Issaquah is the best place to live in Washington, but I also feel that listening to new ideas from residents is the best way to make a great community even better. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas on how to make Issaquah a better place to live. Please contact me at mark.mullet@issaquahwa.gov. I can also be reached on my personal cell phone at 425-681-7785.

Mark is the mayor of Issaquah and a Harrison Drive resident.
As published in the winter 2026 issue of Community Connect magazine >>