Maple Valley council votes 5–2 to provide letter backing Issaquah light-rail station

On Feb. 17, 2026, the Maple Valley City Council voted 5–2 to provide a letter of support for the proposed Issaquah light-rail station, a motion moved by Mayor Sean P. Kelly and seconded by Councilor Victoria Schroff.

Councilor Victoria Schroff introduced the item during the study session. After brief consideration, the motion to provide a letter of support carried with five votes in favor and two opposed; Councilmember Syd Dawson and Deputy Mayor Didem Pierson voted against the motion. The minutes do not record debate text or the reasons for the dissenting votes.

Also during the same agenda item, Mayor Kelly moved to extend the meeting to 8:40 p.m.; Deputy Mayor Didem Pierson seconded the extension, which carried unanimously, 7–0.

The study session minutes list meeting attendees, including councilmembers, planning and economic development commissioners, and city staff. The minutes do not include the content of the proposed letter, the rationale discussed on the record for supporting the Issaquah station, or any written materials attached to the motion. The council announced its next regular business meeting for Feb. 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Wilderness Lodge; the study session adjourned at 8:31 p.m.