Ryan McIrvin is a proven leader, public servant, and advocate for smart growth and strong communities. Since being elected to the Renton City Council in 2015, he has championed policies that make neighborhoods safer, housing more affordable, and transit more accessible. Now, he’s ready to take that proven leadership and expand the good work he’s done to King County District 5 — bringing the same dedication, collaboration, and results-driven leadership to all the cities and communities in the district.
A South King County native, Ryan graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way before earning his bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, Economics and Communication from Western Washington University. A skilled debater, he competed locally, nationally, and internationally with the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA), honing the skills that continue to guide his leadership and policymaking. His early commitment to service was shaped by his time with Boy Scouts of America Troop 361 where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor that instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, leadership, and public service.
Ryan works professionally as the Director of Government and Community Relations at the University of Washington Bothell. In this role, he advocates for the university's interests at local, state, and national levels, fostering collaborative partnerships with businesses, municipalities, and community organizations.
Experience That Matters
Ryan isn’t just making promises — he’s doing the work. He understands that leadership is about showing up, listening, and finding real solutions that make life better for families, businesses, and communities.
His past and present leadership on regional boards and committees has helped shape policies that go beyond Renton and impact the entire county, including:
-
King County Affordable Housing Committee (Current)
- Advocating for solutions that keep housing within reach for working families.
-
King County Regional Transit Committee (Current)
- Ensuring reliable, equitable, and expanded public transportation.
-
King County Growth Management Planning Council (Current)
- Developing long-term strategies to balance growth and sustainability.
-
Eastrail Regional Advisory Council (Current)
- Expanding multi-use trail connections and promoting alternative transportation options.
-
Renton Regional Fire Authority Board (Current)
- Providing fiscal oversight and strategic direction to ensure exceptional fire and emergency services.
-
South King Housing & Homelessness Partnership (Past)
- Coordinating regional efforts to expand affordable housing and address homelessness.
-
King County Regional Affordable Housing Task Force (Past)
- Developing policies and funding strategies to increase affordable housing.
-
WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council (Past)
- Restoring salmon habitats and improving water quality for species recovery.
-
King Conservation District Advisory Committee (Past)
- Advancing conservation efforts and sustainable land management.
Ryan has the experience, relationships, and vision to make a difference at the county level, ensuring that King County works for everyone — families, workers, business owners, and community members alike.
A Leader Who Goes the Distance
Public service, like distance running, requires commitment, endurance, and teamwork — and Ryan has proven time and again that he’s in it for the long haul.
Ryan isn’t just a policymaker — he’s a hands-on leader who actively volunteers and works to improve the lives of those around him. Whether advocating for families, expanding transit, or pacing a first-time marathoner to the finish line, he believes that true leadership is about showing up and lifting others up along the way.
-
Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Board Member (Current)
- Advocating for trail preservation and outdoor recreation access.
-
Renton parkrun, Volunteer (Current)
- Supporting free, community-based running and walking events.
-
Girls on the Run Puget Sound, Coach (Past)
- Mentoring young girls through fitness and confidence-building programs.
-
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training, Coach, Captain, and Mentor (Past)
- Fundraising and training athletes for endurance events supporting cancer research.
-
Renton Human Services Advisory Committee, Member (Past)
- Advising on policies and funding for local human services programs.
-
Birthday Dreams, Volunteer (Past)
- Bringing joy to children experiencing homelessness through birthday celebrations.
Ryan has spent years giving back — not just in words, but in action. He knows this campaign isn’t a sprint or even a 5K. It’s a marathon, and he's in it for the long haul.
A Family Dedicated to Service
Public service is at the heart of the McIrvin family. Ryan and his wife, Dr. Stefanie McIrvin, have built their lives around giving back—through education, local government, and hands-on volunteer work. They are raising their daughters, Molly (11) and Lena (8), in Renton’s Cascade neighborhood of Benson Hill, where they experience firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing local families.
Like Ryan, Stefanie is an elected leader, currently serving as President of the Renton School Board, where she advocates for students, educators, and families to ensure all children have access to strong public schools. With their daughters attending Cascade Elementary, the McIrvin family has a direct connection to the community’s needs—from safe neighborhoods and reliable public transportation to strong schools and family-friendly policies.
For the McIrvin family, caring about their community doesn’t stop at Renton — it extends across King County. Whether through education, public service, or volunteer work, they believe that strong communities are built by people who listen, engage, and take action.
That’s why Ryan is running for King County Council — to continue his work of building a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community for all families.
