| Nigel Herbig |
| Nigel Herbig - Kenmore City Council, Position #4 |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Christina Schiefer Kenmore City Council Seat 4 |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I am proud of the work we have done recently to implement House Bill 1110, which will allow more middle housing choices throughout Kenmore, as well as our ADU regulation updates, while protecting some of our more environmentally sensitive areas. I will be asking for a check-in on middle housing and ADU development in a couple of years to ensure that they are working, and tweak them if needed to ensure that people are able to build the houses we need here in Kenmore, rather than at the edges of the Urban Growth Area. I wish that Kenmore had the capacity to do more projects like the one we are doing currently with Imagine Housing and Habitat for Humanity - but we do not have the financial resources to purchase more property like that. We may have an opportunity to do something similar with the Shell property once our public works yard is moved. All of that said, we need additional resources if we want to truly make a dent in the affordable housing that we need - and I am hopeful that King County will come forward with a Sound Transit 3 sized ballot measure to make the investments we must make across the county. Allowing more people to live in Kenmore is both the right move for addressing both our housing and climate crises, but will also result in a more vibrant city, and will bring more stores, restaurants and services to Kenmore, which will improve the quality of life for all of our residents. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| I believe Kenmore needs a more balanced and realistic approach to housing — one that supports both affordability and quality of life for current and future residents. Our region is growing, and while we can't stop change, we can shape it thoughtfully. To better meet the housing needs of our community, I would support creating opportunities for workforce housing, so people like teachers, first responders, and essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve. I would also support responsible development that fits our community’s character, while working with developers and residents to ensure projects are well-integrated and respectful of existing neighborhoods. My goal is to ensure that Kenmore remains a welcoming and livable city for people at all stages of life — whether they’re just starting out, raising a family, or looking to downsize. We need smart growth that reflects our values and keeps our community strong. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I'm proud of the partnership we have with Lake City Partners, which has ensured that we have outreach workers connecting our neighbors experiencing homelessness with services and shelter, and I hope we continue that investment. I believe that we must reevaluate some of our shelter regulations, which have stopped Kenmore from hosting a severe weather shelter for the past few years - which is a bad look when the funds we are giving to KCRHA are helping fund a North King County severe weather shelter. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Homelessness and housing insecurity are complex regional issues, and Kenmore has an important role to play in being part of the solution. While we are a small city with limited resources, that doesn’t mean we are without responsibility or impact. I believe the city should focus on: Stronger regional collaboration with neighboring cities and King County to support proven strategies like wraparound services, mental health and addiction support, and transitional housing options. Better coordination with outreach organizations already doing this work, ensuring they are welcomed and supported when they serve people in our community. Ultimately, we need to treat housing as a foundation for health, safety, and dignity. Everyone deserves to feel safe and have a roof over their head — and while Kenmore can’t solve this crisis alone, we can and should be a compassionate and constructive part of the regional response. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I'm proud of the work Kenmore has done to ensure that our public safety and criminal justice system is more fair and equitable. We partnered with neighboring cities to start up and fund the Regional Crisis Response agency, which is providing co-response with our police when someone is in distress, and we also partnered with neighboring cities to site and stand-up a regional crisis center so that people in crisis would have a place to go and get the help they need. These moves have helped ensure that people in crisis get the help they need, rather than simply a police officer. I am also proud of Kenmore for joining the Shoreline Community Court, which we have seen deliver more equitable justice while helping offenders get connected to services they need to be productive members of society. I believe Kenmore has done overall a very good jot addressing public safety. We were recently ranked 9th safest city in Washington by Safewise, |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Public safety is essential to a thriving, healthy community—but it must be both effective and just. In Kenmore, we contract with the King County Sheriff's Office, which makes regional partnerships especially important. But there are still things we can do locally to strengthen trust and outcomes. I believe we should expand community engagement efforts between law enforcement and residents to build trust and mutual understanding—especially with youth, marginalized communities, and those who’ve historically felt underserved. My daughter’s 7th grade class at KMS just hosted the KPD and it was such a positive experience for all involved. More of those interactions goes a long way. Invest in alternatives to traditional policing when appropriate, such as co-response models that include mental health professionals for behavioral health calls. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I think we've done as good of a job as a small city like Kenmore can, investing in outreach workers for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, a thorough human services needs assessment which will help us target our efforts going forward, along with standing up and funding our Regional Crisis Response agency, and the regional crisis center in Kirkland. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| I believe the city can take a more active role by improving awareness and access to existing resources through better communication, community partnerships, and outreach—especially for youth, seniors, and low-income households. Supporting local nonprofits and community-based organizations that already do great work by making it easier for them to connect with residents and apply for funding. Advocating for better service integration—so housing, mental health, addiction recovery, and basic needs are treated holistically, not separately. I believe human services are part of a healthy city infrastructure. We can’t just rely on county systems—we must be strong advocates and active partners to make sure our neighbors get the support they need when they need it most. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| We must continue our investments in sidewalks and bike lanes, to ensure that everyone in Kenmore can get to transit and services without needing to jump in their cars. We must continue to work with Metro to ensure that our neighborhoods further away from SR 522 continue to have transit options like Metro Flex to get to 522, future bus rapid transit, and our core area with services. I am also in favor of us exploring allowing more "corner store" type development along some of our arterials, to give the opportunity for these basic needs to be met closer to people's homes. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Access to reliable public transit, core retail like grocery stores and pharmacies, and key services is essential to a strong and resilient community. As Kenmore continues to grow, we need to ensure our city’s planning keeps pace with the needs of all residents. That means encouraging thoughtful development in areas where residents can walk, bike, or use public transit to meet their daily needs. We can do this by supporting a well-designed downtown core and mixed-use development that includes housing and commercial spaces. Collaborating with small businesses and service providers to ensure that essential amenities like grocery stores and pharmacies are located where residents can access them easily and without long commutes. As a city, we have an opportunity to plan in a way that supports both convenience and quality of life, without compromising on fiscal responsibility or long-term sustainability. Our goal should be a community where everyone—regardless of income or mobility—can thrive. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| Unfortunately our hands are largely tied by the State when it comes to what tools are available to cities. I am not a fan of our major funding sources - sales tax, property tax, and taxes on utilities that everyone needs and uses. We know that these taxes are regressive in nature, but our options are extremely limited. That is why I championed a low-income rebate to help blunt the impact of these increases for our low-income residents. We need to get this program in place, and then fine-tune how it works to ensure that we are not saving our city's budget on the backs of those that can least afford it. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Affordability is one of the most pressing concerns for many Kenmore residents, and it’s important that our local tax structure supports essential services without placing an undue burden on families, seniors, or those living on fixed incomes. I believe the city should regularly evaluate the fairness and effectiveness of its tax and fee structure, making sure revenue strategies are transparent, well-communicated, and aligned with community priorities. Seek alternative funding sources such as grants, partnerships, and state/federal resources before turning to new local taxes. Encourage community input on budget decisions, so the process reflects a balance of values: fiscal responsibility, equity, and long-term planning. Smart budgeting and a thoughtful approach to taxation are key to maintaining trust between residents and their local government. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I'd like us to move our town halls to different parts of the city - to the various elementary schools across the city, which I hope will entice more and different people to participate and learn about what the city is up to and give their feedback. We must continue to make our meetings as accessible as possible - providing translation services when necessary, and continuing to allow virtual participation from the public. When we know a project is going to have an outsized impact on a specific neighborhood or population, we should doorbell the neighborhood or do intentional outreach to the affected populations, with materials in appropriate languages. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Every resident deserves to feel heard, respected, and represented in local government—especially those who historically haven’t had a strong voice at the table or who are more directly impacted by policy decisions. I believe Kenmore can do more to engage underrepresented communities by. Improving communication and outreach, especially by using clear, accessible language and engaging through multiple platforms—not just emails or city websites, but social media, community events, and trusted local groups. We should also be mindful of our community members and the languages spoken and provide translated material to make sure our community members feel seen. Hosting listening sessions in neighborhoods or gathering spaces where people already feel comfortable, rather than expecting everyone to come to City Hall. Meeting people where they are—both literally and culturally—makes a big difference. Broadening participation opportunities, such as advisory committees that include renters, young adults, working families, and others who don’t always feel represented on city boards and commissions. At the end of the day, local government works best when it reflects the full diversity of the community it serves. Strengthening representation is not just the right thing to do—it leads to better, more responsive policy for everyone. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| Kenmore should fold environmental justice explicitly into our Climate Action Plan, which is driving much of our environmental work. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| In Kenmore, I believe we can take a more intentional approach by prioritizing equity when making infrastructure and land-use decisions, ensuring that all communities—especially lower-income or historically underserved areas—benefit from investments in green infrastructure, climate adaptation, and clean energy. Partnering with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to promote environmental education, sustainable practices, and community-led initiatives—so solutions come from within the community, not just from the top down. By tying our sustainability goals to community wellbeing, we can create policies that are not only good for the environment—but also fair, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of real people. |
| Nigel Herbig |
| I'm proud of the work that I have helped lead for Kenmore to be a more welcoming, humane, and progressive community. I am hoping to carry on that work for another term,, and would appreciate your support. |
| Christina Schiefer |
| Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my candidacy. I deeply respect the work that groups like the Northshore Social Justice Action Group are doing to elevate conversations around equity, inclusion, and community wellbeing. While I don’t come from a political background, I do come from a place of deep care for my neighbors and a strong belief in listening, learning, and leading with integrity. I’m running because I believe that local government should reflect the diversity of its community—not just in demographics, but in life experience, values, and voice. I may not have all the answers, but I’m committed to showing up with humility, working hard to understand the challenges we face, and making decisions that put people first. I welcome dialogue, disagreement, and accountability—because that’s how we build a stronger and more just city. Whether or not you support my campaign, I’m grateful for the advocacy you bring to our region and the way you encourage all of us to think more critically and compassionately about how we shape our future together. |