Hello friends,
It’s an honor to introduce myself as your newest state representative for the 5th Legislative District. While I’m new to this role, I’ve spent years serving our community—on the Issaquah City Council, as a legislative assistant, and as a neighbor deeply invested in the Eastside’s future.
My public service has always been guided by one goal: to build safe, affordable, green communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In my time on the Issaquah City Council, I helped secure new funding for affordable housing, crisis response services, homelessness outreach, and critical transportation infrastructure. I also serve as Chair of the Eastside Fire & Rescue board, working to ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep us safe.
Before holding local office, I worked for four years as a legislative assistant right here in this district—supporting the work of our office, helping shape legislation, and connecting with thousands of families, renters, small business owners, and community members. I also hold a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School, where I focused on housing, youth justice, and social safety net policy. And I’ve stayed active as a volunteer, from leading an annual civic engagement workshop for teens to serving on the board of Issaquah’s beloved salmon hatchery.
I live in Issaquah with my partner, Tyler, and our dog Valentine, and I’m grateful every day to call this district home.
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Honoring Bill
This opportunity comes with deep gratitude and a heavy heart, following the passing of my friend and mentor, Sen. Bill Ramos.
Bill was a true champion—for working families, for public safety, for environmental stewardship, and for thoughtful transportation solutions. He led with humility and relentless dedication, and he never let politics get in the way of doing the right thing.
If you ever came to him with a problem, you’d hear those three simple words: “I got you.” It’s a phrase I find myself coming back to often. And it’s a promise I intend to carry forward in his honor—to our neighbors, our communities, and to you. I’ll never forget his advice, his stories, or his faith in me. I’m committed to honoring his legacy in every way I can.
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What I’ve Been Up To
It’s been a busy few weeks since I was sworn in!
✅ I’ve been setting up our office and hiring staff—pleased to share that Hunter Dale Cooper has joined as my legislative assistant. You can reach him at Hunter.Cooper@leg.wa.gov to get in touch with my office.
✅ I’ve met with leaders in public safety, transportation, and climate policy to begin laying the groundwork for the session ahead.
✅ I’ve been traveling across the district to meet with constituents, city leaders, and local organizations.
✅ I’m working closely with WSDOT to keep community feedback front and center on the SR 18/I-90 project—and to keep up the pressure on finishing the full widening.
Although I won’t receive official committee assignments until later this year, I’m using this interim to hit the ground running—and to listen closely.
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An Update On the Highway 18 Project
On July 25, WSDOT opened the new I-90/SR 18 diverging diamond interchange, a major milestone for improving traffic flow and safety. But that’s just part of the work. The next step—widening SR 18 to two lanes in each direction from I-90 to Deep Creek—is on track to finish this fall. Once complete, the new interchange and wider highway will work together to reduce congestion.
In the meantime, please plan ahead and use the correct lanes to reach your destination, especially along the eastbound I-90 off-ramp to westbound SR 18. And heads up: SR 18 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18 for annual maintenance and widening work. During that closure, no traffic will be allowed over Tiger Mountain summit in either direction—please use alternate routes.
While I’m very excited for these projects, no one is a fan of road closures and construction. I know it may feel like a nuisance now, but in a couple of months our community will benefit from the traffic relief. And it won’t stop with this project—I am committed to funding and building out the rest of the corridor for our 5th District community!
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Let’s Connect
Your voice will guide everything I do in Olympia.
If you have a policy idea, a concern, or just want to introduce yourself—I’d love to hear from you. I’m setting aside time to meet with constituents over coffee this interim, and I hope we’ll get the chance to talk soon.
You can always email me or give me a call at 360-786-7852.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve – I’m excited to work with you!
Warmly,
Rep. Zach Hall
5th Legislative District