Jeanie Kuypers was appointed to Battle Ground’s city council earlier this year to fill a vacancy left by former councilor Adrian Cortes following his election as senator for Washington’s 18th Legislative District. Now, almost six months into the role, she’s seeking a full term in the November election, running against former mayor and council member Philip Johnson.
Kuypers was unanimously appointed to Position 4 during a Feb. 3 city council meeting, following interviews with three other candidates. Cortes had resigned in January after winning a seat in the state Senate. While Kuypers didn’t initially see herself pursuing a council role, her participation in the city’s civic education program, Battle Ground University, shifted her mindset.
“It gave me pause to think, OK, why wouldn’t I?” Kuypers said. “Maybe a new voice is just what’s needed on the council.”
A resident of Battle Ground since 2018, Kuypers has experience in project management and corporate real estate. She spent more than several years as a corporate real estate project manager and workplace strategist at Cambia Health Solutions before retiring in 2022. She has also been active on various boards and committees in Oregon, including serving as a member of the local executive team for the City of Lewiston and participating in the Valley Vision Economic Development Board.
After retiring, she sought volunteer opportunities and eventually enrolled in Battle Ground University, a six-week program that provides residents with an inside look at how the city operates.
That experience helped clarify her motivation to step into city government, eventually leading to her filling the vacancy left by Cortes. Kuypers said she didn’t come in with a specific agenda but said she saw value in adding her perspective.
“I think I bring a voice of balance and reason to conversation,” Kuypers said.
Kuypers’ priorities for Battle Ground
Reflecting on her first six months on council, Kuypers said she’s focused on understanding the city’s processes and working collaboratively. Among her top priorities is public safety, particularly staffing and supporting the Battle Ground Police Department.
“I think he’s doing a fabulous job,” she said of Police Chief Dennis Flynn. “We see them and him out and about and that’s what people need, to have a sense of security.”
Another major focus is the city’s recreation infrastructure. Kuypers pointed to a citywide survey reviewed by the council in April, which indicated community support for recreational facilities, including a pool and additional trail space. Notably, nearly two-thirds of 405 respondents said they would support a tax or fee increase if it funded priority projects. Kuypers said the response indicated her interest, calling amenities a key draw for families and future residents.
“Healthy communities need facilities like that … for health reasons, for relationship reasons, for people to gather,” she said.
On the economic side, Kuypers supports ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and the city’s broader goal to attract commercial development. She believes growing the tax base through business expansion is critical to avoid placing too much tax burden on residents.
“We need more companies and jobs to support that,” she said. “The strong economy depends on being able to provide jobs, goods and services locally.”
Kuypers is encouraged by recent efforts from downtown business owners to enhance their storefronts and by plans to upgrade downtown traffic and parking. She feels the city is making significant progress in aligning its growth with community needs.
Another concern of Kuypers’ is state Route 502 — West Main Street — due to recurring traffic accidents that pose a significant safety challenge. In a draft proposal by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), initial speed reductions on SR 502 would lower the limit from 40-miles-per-hour to 30-miles-per-hour between the SR 503 intersection and Southwest 27th Avenue. As the corridor gains infrastructure, such as the planned roundabout at Northeast 92nd Avenue, WSDOT may gradually extend the 30 mph limit westward toward the city limits. Any future traffic revisions require review and approval from WSDOT on state highways.
“WSDOT has been a good partner … having met with them, their desire is to do the right thing and I appreciate the open communication,” she said.
She also acknowledged that Battle Ground’s rapid growth is a reality that can’t be reversed, and said the focus should be on managing it intentionally. Many families are moving in to be closer to relatives, Kuypers said, adding that speaks volumes about the city’s appeal.
“You can’t stop it,” she said. “People love Battle Ground enough that they want their family to be here.”
Rather than resisting change, Kuypers believes the city should invest in services and infrastructure that support that growth while preserving Battle Ground’s character. “I don’t think ‘small town feel’ is about population, it’s about how you treat one another,” she said.
Looking ahead to the election
Kuypers said she always intended to run for a full term when she accepted the appointment, seeing it as a commitment she wanted to follow through on.
“If I’m going to invest this, I’m going to carry it through,” she said. “I want to see my priorities carried through to completion.”
Running against a former mayor presents a challenge, Kuypers acknowledged, but she hopes voters are open to a different voice.
“I think that there may be people that are looking for a new voice,” she said. “I appreciate what his work was previously, but I hope this is an opportunity for me, someone new, to jump in and be part of the changes going forward.”
Asked how she sets herself apart, Kuypers pointed to her leadership style and collaborative approach.
“I believe in collaboration versus confrontation,” she said. “Leadership is about listening and about looking at what the needs are for where you are today.”
With a growing city and shifting challenges ahead, Kuypers said she’s optimistic about the direction Battle Ground is heading and wants to keep building on that momentum.
“I love the collaborative spirit that we have in the current council,” she said. “I just feel real hopeful about good things to come.”
