In the foothills of the Cascades, where moss-laced forests meet the fast-growing city of Issaquah, Kelly Jiang is charting a path that blends environmental stewardship with civic innovation. As president of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC), Jiang is not only safeguarding the region’s beloved trails but also reshaping how residents connect with nature, equity, and one another.
Jiang’s work reflects a broader vision: one where conservation is inseparable from community resilience. “The trails are more than recreation,” she said in a recent interview. “They’re a living classroom, a sanctuary, and a shared legacy. Protecting them means protecting the soul of Issaquah.”
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I spoke with Kelly Jiang while on assignment in Washington State, producing an episode of The 50, a four-year multimedia project in which the Fulcrum visits different communities across all 50 states to learn what motivated them to vote in the 2024 presidential election and see how the Donald Trump administration is meeting those concerns and hopes.
Green spaces, such as national parks and urban forests, are an integral part of the culture of Evergreen State residents. They offer substantial benefits for physical and mental health while also contributing to environmental well-being.
The Coal Creek sewer upgrade is an infrastructure project in Bellevue aimed at updating essential wastewater systems. It is designed to enhance habitats for fish and wildlife, while also increasing access to natural areas for people of all abilities.
Environmental organizations, such as the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, are crucial in raising awareness about environmental issues, empowering individuals and communities to take action, and driving systemic change by influencing policies and corporate practices.
Jiang said the organization's work involves both internal and external activities. "So, the inside game is talking with legislators, working with agency staff on what are some shared goals. The outside game is activism," she said. "Some of the most important achievements have been about working together to find denser solutions that pair denser development with open space."
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Her work with the Club builds on a deep civic portfolio. Jiang currently serves on the Issaquah City Council, where she’s championed affordable housing, multimodal transit, and climate-forward infrastructure. She also sits on the board of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust—an organization that echoes her commitment to regional connectivity and ecological health.
Professionally, Jiang is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Bright Power, an energy consulting firm focused on sustainable solutions for affordable housing. Her engineering background from UC Berkeley informs a data-driven approach to policy and advocacy. “I believe in applying a climate lens to every decision,” she said. “Whether it’s restoring salmon habitat or expanding EV infrastructure, we have to think long-term and act boldly”.
Under Jiang’s leadership, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club has expanded its role beyond trail maintenance. The organization now engages in land-use advocacy, youth education, and cross-jurisdictional partnerships. “We’re working with city, county, and state agencies to ensure public lands are protected and accessible,” she explained. “It’s complex, but collaboration is key.”
As Issaquah faces pressures from growth and climate change, Jiang’s leadership offers a steady compass. “We’re not just preserving trails,” she said. “We’re preserving stories, ecosystems, and opportunities for future generations to feel rooted in this place.”
Hugo Balta is the executive editor of the Fulcrum and publisher of the Latino News Network.
