In just three and a half years, Councilmember Karen Howe has led Sammamish to new heights — balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, public safety, and community engagement in a way that strengthens both Sammamish’s quality of life and local business climate.

On transportation, Howe has laid the groundwork for a multimodal system by adopting Sammamish’s first Transportation Master Plan and Transit Plan, alongside work on the city’s inaugural bike and pedestrian plan — improving connectivity for residents and reducing climate impact.
She has also invested in Sammamish’s parks and recreation system, opening new turf fields with lighting, improving baseball facilities, and expanding trail networks, ensuring Sammamish remains a vibrant and healthy place to live and play.

Public safety remains a hallmark of her tenure, with Sammamish repeatedly ranked as the safest city in Washington and one of the safest small cities in the nation.

Howe is working to advance the Town Center project to create more diverse and affordable housing choices, including senior housing. She is working to ensure the project will house a real town square for community events and festivals, plus retail and restaurants so residents don't have to leave the Plateau for services. The project will also help diversify the city’s tax base with more businesses, and relieve pressure on homeowners, making the city finances more sustainable.

She is also a strong supporter of local businesses, the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, and Sammamish’s beloved Farmers Market, encouraging a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.