ELECT FOR CARNATION CITY COUNCIL

JIM RIBAIL

About Me & My Record of Service

Thank you for visiting my website. I hope this gives you a clear picture of who I am, why I serve, and why I’m running for re-election to the Carnation City Council.

I grew up in the small town of Ahtanum, Washington, just outside Yakima. At eighteen, I joined the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, earning my Firefighter 1 card, Wildland Firefighting certification, EMT license, Defibrillator Technician endorsement, and Combi-tube Technician endorsement. I proudly served for eight years with two fire departments, gaining firsthand experience in public safety and community service.

For over 23 years, I owned a small business in Washington, and Iunderstand the challenges local businesses face. For the last nine years, I have been Vice President of TEGRIS Fire/WorX, working with fire departments and public works agencies statewide. Both careers have shaped my approach to city leadership—bringing a focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and practical problem-solving.

My wife and I have been married for 28 years and moved to Carnation in 2008, drawn by its small-town character. We raised our two children here, both graduates of the Riverview School District. Today, our son holds a master’s degree, and our daughter is pursuing a career in healthcare. Carnation has been a wonderful place to raise our family, and I want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.

Delivering Results for Carnation

As your Councilmember, I’ve worked every day to make Carnation safer, stronger, and more connected—while protecting the small-town charm we all cherish.

Major City Projects & Advocacy

• SR 203 Roundabout – Led city advocacy with federal, state, county, and tribal partners to advance this critical safety and traffic
project.

• Reduced Housing Targets – Successfully pushed to cut
Carnation’s state-mandated housing target from 799 to 350 units, including current housing starts, to ensure growth matches our
infrastructure and community values.

• CBD Downtown Renovation – Championed upgrades to improve the look, feel, and function of downtown.

• Frew Levy Project – Secured design changes to improve traffic flow when the project is completed.

• Tolt Dam Warning System – Leading ongoing efforts with Seattle Public Utilities to ensure a reliable early warning system.

Economic Vitality & Business Support

• Carnation Chamber Liaison – Partner with local businesses and the Chamber Board to promote economic growth.

• Small Business Relief – Directed federal COVID relief funds to small businesses first, helping them survive and thrive.

• Outdoor Concert Space – Helped bring together partners to open a new outdoor concert and gathering space at Miller.

• Downtown Access – Supported more free parking and flexible event space to boost downtown activity.

Financial Responsibility

• Clear, Resilient Budgets – Helped craft budgets that are easy to understand and can withstand economic slowdowns.

• Utility Affordability – Advocated to expand qualifications for
low-income utility discounts to help more households.

Public Safety & Housing

• KCSO Collaboration – Work closely with the King County Sheriff’s Office to improve safety.

• Housing Protection – Advocated for zoning changes to preserve our mobile home park.

• Balanced Growth – Support a thoughtful mix of housing and commercial development.

• Improved Services – Supported switching to a garbage/recycling provider that offers real recycling services

Parks, Recreation & Quality of Life

• New Parks– River’s Edge and The Triangle added to our
community.

• Valley Memorial Park Upgrades– Tennis and pickleball courts, dog park, covered gathering space, improved lighting, and a pump
track coming soon.

• Fred Hockert Park– New playground, safety fencing, and disability swing set.

• Nick Loutsis Park– Upgraded frisbee golf course and new signage.

• Tolt Commons Enhancements– Increased space and features for
community use.

• Free Summer Movie Nights– Helped launch family movie nights.

• Open Gym Program– Partnered with Riverview School District to create a safe, active space for youth.

• Tree City USA– Led the effort to earn Carnation’s Tree City USA designation.

Regional Representation

I ensure Carnation’s voice is heard regionally through service on key committees, including:

• King County Growth Management Planning Council

• Eastside Transportation Partnership

• King County Flood Control Advisory Committee

• Snoqualmie Watershed Forum

• Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee

Looking Ahead

I am running for re-election because I believe in a Carnation that is safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all. Together, we can continue making progress, protecting what makes our community special, and building a future we can all be proud of.

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