Issaquah City Council reviews community bonds initiative and combatting loneliness strategies

During the Issaquah City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, a significant focus was placed on addressing the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation within the community. Mayor Polly highlighted the urgent need for initiatives that strengthen community bonds, emphasizing that many residents feel disconnected despite living in a city of 42,000 people.

The discussion was sparked by a recent advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, which revealed that nearly half of adults in the U.S. report experiencing loneliness regularly. This issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to declines in civic engagement and increased reliance on technology over in-person interactions. The city’s behavioral health team has noted a rise in individuals struggling with feelings of isolation, particularly among youth and seniors.

Dale Marquis Crimp, assistant to the city administrator, presented an action plan aimed at nurturing connections and building strong community ties. The plan includes a vision where all community members feel they belong through social connection, with specific goals such as empowering community leaders and enhancing behavioral health support. The council was asked to review and provide feedback on the proposed vision, mission, and strategies outlined in the plan.

The meeting also touched on the importance of engaging volunteers to combat loneliness. Council Member Joe suggested leveraging existing volunteer organizations, like CERT, to foster neighborly connections and support systems. This approach aims to ensure that volunteers remain active and engaged, ultimately contributing to a more connected community.

The council's support for the administration's plan is crucial as Issaquah moves forward with initiatives designed to combat loneliness and enhance community engagement. The city plans to reconvene the community connection action group in the coming weeks to finalize its objectives and continue developing strategies to address these pressing issues.