Special to the Reporter
Adam Ragheb has announced his candidacy for Mercer Island City Council, bringing with him a strong record of civic engagement, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to serving the community. A former planning commissioner, Ragheb aims to continue the city’s tradition of thoughtful, balanced governance while focusing on both immediate and long-term priorities for Mercer Island.
“Serving as a planning commissioner gave me a front-row seat to the issues that matter most to our community,” said Ragheb. “I’m eager to bring my knowledge, skills, and passion for learning and public service to the city council to help Mercer Island thrive today and into the future.”
Ragheb and his wife chose Mercer Island as their home after living in Everett, Renton, and Seattle’s Capitol Hill, drawn by the Island’s excellent schools, safe and spacious neighborhoods, and beautiful parks.
Raised in the Midwest by parents who are both educators, Ragheb credits his upbringing with instilling a strong work ethic, respect for environmental stewardship, and an appreciation for excellent public schools. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently works as a senior aerospace systems engineer. In his role, he regularly brings together diverse viewpoints to craft collaborative, data-driven solutions for complex systems-of-systems — an approach he believes will serve Mercer Island well.
During his two and a half years on the Mercer Island Planning Commission, Ragheb played an active role in shaping the comprehensive plan update, gaining valuable insight into land use, infrastructure, and neighborhood planning. His campaign will focus on key priorities, including:
• Public safety: Advocating for sufficient police and fire services to keep the Island safe, while seeking efficiencies before considering tax increases or outsourcing services.
• Protecting parks and open spaces: Continuing to champion the newly created Park Zone and efforts to maintain Mercer Island’s parks as beautiful, healthy, and accessible spaces for all.
• Supporting Youth and Family Services and schools: Promoting resources and funding for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services and advocating for well-supported public schools.
• Infrastructure investment: Addressing aging infrastructure through thoughtful, prioritized improvements to water, sewer, and transportation systems.
• Town Center and neighborhood planning: Leveraging his planning commission experience to guide the Town Center toward a successful, thriving future and implement neighborhood improvements aligned with the comprehensive plan.
Ragheb is committed to decisive and data-driven decision making. He emphasizes the importance of listening to all residents and pledges to represent constituent voices, even when perspectives differ from his own.
“As a councilmember, it’s not about personal views — it’s about listening and representing the people you serve,” Ragheb noted. “I am committed to hearing from all Islanders and welcome the opportunity to engage the community on city issues. It would be my honor to continue serving the Mercer Island community in the footsteps of councilmember Jacobson.”
