The annual election for the International Special Review District (ISRD) Board was held by mail, with ballots tabulated on the evening of Tuesday, December 2. Seattle Department of Neighborhoods received a total of 89 ballots. Three positions were up for election. Barring any challenges, the election results are as follows:
- Hyan Ho won Position #1 for a Business owner, Property owner, or Employee
- Zhiyun Zhu won Position #2 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
- Kyle Jacobson won Position #4 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant.
Candidate terms will start January 1, 2026.
The special character of the Chinatown International District (CID) 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 CID community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board member terms are typically two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive terms.
The following board members served through November 2025: Eric Chan, Heather Hargesheimer (Chair), Kyle Jacobson, Adrian Lam, Gary Lee, Samantha Wong (Vice-Chair) and Jade Yan. Chan and Lee’s terms ended on November 30, 2025.
The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program which is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as eight historic districts located throughout the city.
Established in 1991, Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods (DON) strengthens Seattle by engaging all communities. It provides resources and opportunities for residents to build strong communities, receive equitable access to government, and improve their quality of life. This is accomplished by centering relationships and investing in community-driven solutions that build sustained capacity for Seattle’s communities. DON programs include Neighborhood Matching Fund, Small Sparks grants, P-Patch Gardening, Historic Preservation, Seattle Renters’ Commission, Indigenous Advisory Council, and more.
