MOSES LAKE – Joel Graves is a candidate for Position 5 on the Moses Lake City Council and has a background that encompasses both public service and private industry. Graves said he aims to address the most pressing issues facing Moses Lake, including public safety, affordable housing and economic development. 

“I am very hopeful about our city, and I love Moses Lake, and I think that we sell ourselves short so often as a city,” Graves said. “There's a lot of negative stigma about Moses, mostly on Facebook. We have problems, of course, but what city doesn't have issues? We have great resources here. We have plenty of land, and we have a relatively low cost of living. We have people, employers, who actually want to move here and we should celebrate that. So, I'm very hopeful about our city, and I plan to be here like I want my great-grandkids to be here.”  

Graves' journey into local politics began after his college education when he worked in county government. He said his early career fostered a deep understanding of how local governing bodies influence everyday lives.  

"I saw the ins and outs of local government ... the decisions made at the local level impact our daily lives the most," he said.  

His experience extends beyond local government; Graves served in Washington, D.C., under Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican Representative who served from 2005 to 2025. He said this role allowed him to witness the larger political landscape and shaped his perspective on effective public service.  

"I got to see the big stage... and understand both the good and the shortcomings of public service," he said, reflecting on his county and federal experiences. 

Currently employed at Microsoft, Graves discussed the importance of collaboration and a growth mindset within government.  

"In order to get anything done at a company that size, you have to collaborate and work well with people ... I believe in a growth mindset — intelligence and traits can be developed over time," he said.  

Graves believes these principles are essential for success in local governance, especially in Moses Lake, where he said the city continues to evolve from a small town into a small city. 

Graves resides in Moses Lake with his wife, Caitlin, and their four children. Much of his free time is spent coaching youth sports and participating in various community organizations, including the Moses Lake Rotary Club and Grace Harvest Church.  

"If I'm not working, I'm with the kids — coaching, playing and spending quality time together," he said. 

As the campaign progresses, Graves identifies public safety as a primary concern for residents.  

"Public safety is the number one issue I hear from voters," he said.  

He noted that Moses Lake ranks in the bottom 15 percent for overall safety in Washington State, attributing this partly to issues like gang violence and substance abuse. Graves advocates for increasing police funding, enhancing community policing initiatives and fostering youth engagement programs that can redirect at-risk behaviors among young people. 

Another key issue Graves aims to tackle is affordable housing. As Moses Lake experiences rapid growth — with Grant County ranked as the second-fastest growing county in Washington — Graves stresses the need for strategic housing development.  

"We are not building fast enough, which makes housing unaffordable for many families," he said.  

He proposes a more streamlined permitting process for developers to encourage investment and drive down housing costs. 

Graves also stresses the importance of innovative solutions to attract businesses to Moses Lake.  

"We've seen companies express interest in our community... we need to prepare our workforce to take advantage of these opportunities," he said, advocating for post-secondary training and vocational programs that will equip local youth with necessary skills.  

He said he sees the potential for Moses Lake to cultivate a diverse economy beyond its traditional agricultural roots. 

Additionally, Graves aims to improve infrastructure in Moses Lake, focusing on addressing water supply concerns, revitalizing areas like downtown and building another bridge.  

"The longer we wait to act on crucial infrastructure projects, the more expensive they become," he said.  

He said he believes a proactive approach will ensure the city's growth is sustainable and beneficial for its residents. 

To engage the community, Graves has initiated “The All In for Moses Lake” video series, showcasing the voices of community members involved in various local efforts.  

"I want people to see the good work being done in our community and feel more empowered to contribute," he said.  

To learn more about Graves’ campaign, visit VoteJoelGraves.com.