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International Special Review District Board announces candidates for annual election

The International Special Review District (ISRD) Board is hosting its annual election of board members. The election will be held by mail-in ballot only. Physical ballots must be received by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Community members who are registered for this election will receive a ballot and self-addressed stamped envelope by mail. Voters are encouraged to return their ballots early to make sure they are received by the Nov. 19 deadline. Staff will hold special office hours in Hing Hay Coworks, 409 Maynard Ave S., on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and can also accept completed ballots during that time. Vietnamese and Chinese interpretation will be provided.

Two board positions are up for election:

  • Position #3 for a Business Owner, Property Owner, or Employee
  • Position #5 for At-Large

Nominations closed on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and three candidates were nominated. Candidate information is provided below. Brief candidate biographies will also be mailed with the ballots.

One candidate is seeking Position #3 for a Business Owner, Property Owner, or Employee

Jade Yan is an employee of SCIDpda who works with Resident Services. She is a second generation Chinese-American whose family has lived in Seattle since 1998. She has a background in community social work and skills in facilitating conversations and moving groups through conflict for healing outcomes. She wants to be elected to the Board to uplift the perspective of the residents she works with.

Two candidates are seeking Position #5 for At-Large

CJ Brockway is a lighting designer with Sparklab. Her office is located just outside the special review district boundaries. She has taught classes in the UW College of Built Environments, served on the Board of Directors for a professional lighting design organization, and established a local chapter of the Lighting Industry Resource Council (LIRC). She has worked with community organizations in the CID to develop a neighborhood lighting study and presented her findings to the ISRD board. She appreciates the importance of the process and objectivity of Board members. She is interested in being elected to the ISRD Board to “give back” to this important and vital community.

Samantha Wong is a practicing architect, whose work has included multi-family and commercial projects. She has served as a board member for the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for programs run by SCIDpda. She values the multigenerational qualities of the neighborhood and the Board’s role in helping to maintain architectural character, cultural heritage and social diversity. In early 2024, she was appointed to the ISRD Board to serve out the remainder of a seat (Position #3) that became vacant.

The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by City Ordinance. In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the District. The Board is made up of seven members – five elected by the Chinatown International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board member terms are two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive terms. To learn more about the election and the International Special Review District, please visit our website.

The current Board members are: Eric Chan, Heather Hargesheimer (Vice Chair), Kyle Jacobson, Nella Kwan, Adrian Lam (Chair), Gary Lee, and Samantha Wong. Mss. Kwan and Wong’s terms will end on November 30, 2024.