Feb 3rd 2026: Today Council Vice President Tola Marts released the following statement:

At the Issaquah City Council meeting last night, City Council President Barbara de Michele stepped down from the Council for personal health reasons. We will determine a new Council leadership team at the Monday March 9th Council meeting. I am Acting City Council President until that time.

At that same 3/9 meeting we will also discuss the process to appoint someone to fill her vacated position until the fall 2027 municipal election, where someone will be elected to fill the remaining two years of her term. Please contact the council at citycouncil@issaquahwa.gov if you are interested in being considered for the appointment. There will be more details from the City soon, but I suspect it will be similar to the process that led to the Council in January appointing Councilmember Paul Adair to the seat vacated by State Representative Zach Hall.

As to Council President de Michele… I will not try to articulate what I feel at losing her leadership and friendship up on the dais, except to say that I know she will continue to be a warm and steadfast ally to all those in the community who need a helping hand from local government and non-profits. I look forward to seeing her very soon before the Council on some vital new project.