Seattle, WA — The International Special Review District (ISRD) has announced the official results of its annual board election, conducted by mail and finalized on the evening of Tuesday, December 2. A total of 89 ballots were received and tabulated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.
Three board positions were up for election. Pending any formal challenges, the winners are:
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Hyan Ho — Position #1 (Business Owner, Property Owner, or Employee)
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Zhiyun Zhu — Position #2 (Resident, Tenant, or Community Participant)
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Kyle Jacobson — Position #4 (Resident, Tenant, or Community Participant)
The newly elected members will begin their terms on January 1, 2026.
Protecting the Chinatown International District
The International Special Review District was established in 1973 by City ordinance to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical character of Seattle’s Chinatown International District (CID). The seven-member board includes five elected community members and two mayoral appointees. Board members typically serve two-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Board members who served through November 2025 include Eric Chan, Heather Hargesheimer (Chair), Kyle Jacobson, Adrian Lam, Gary Lee, Samantha Wong (Vice-Chair), and Jade Yan. The terms of Eric Chan and Gary Lee concluded on November 30, 2025.
Supported by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
The ISRD is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) Historic Preservation Program, which is responsible for protecting more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, along with eight historic districts across Seattle.
Established in 1991, the Department of Neighborhoods works to strengthen Seattle by engaging communities, promoting equitable access to government services, and supporting community-driven solutions. DON programs include the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Small Sparks Grants, P-Patch Gardening Program, Historic Preservation, Seattle Renters’ Commission, and the Indigenous Advisory Council, among others.
City officials say the ISRD continues to play a vital role in protecting the identity and heritage of the Chinatown International District as Seattle grows and evolves.