BELLEVUEWA

Downtown Bellevue will host various events this summer, including an interactive media experience featuring "Monsters University." The event begins on August 15, 2025, and will take place in Bellevue, Washington.

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Help shape the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan

Bellevue officials released a draft of the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan for public comment, accepting feedback until September 8. The plan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes strategies across five focus areas, emphasizing climate resilience and sustainable city operations.

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Council Roundup 20-year transportation plan advances

The Bellevue City Council approved a preliminary 20-year transportation plan that includes various projects aimed at addressing emerging needs. The plan will replace the existing 2022-2033 Transportation Facilities Plan and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Additionally, the council launched neighborhood planning efforts in Eastgate and Factoria as part of the "Great Neighborhoods" initiative.

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Bellevue launches AI-powered collaboration to streamline permitting

Bellevue partners with Govstream.ai to pilot AI tools aimed at streamlining its permitting process. The initiative seeks to enhance efficiency and support housing and economic development goals while ensuring user-friendly service for residents. City Manager Diane Carlson highlighted the project’s potential to reduce permit application turnaround time.

NEWSJul 31

Bellevue to evaluate installing new speed safety cameras

Bellevue plans to expand its speed safety camera program to enhance traffic safety, targeting high-risk areas by late 2025. This initiative aims to align with the city's Vision Zero goal of eliminating severe crashes by 2030. The City Council will review proposed camera locations based on crash data and community feedback.

NEWSJul 31

Registration Now Open Join the 2025 BDA Study Tour to Denver!

Registration is now open for the 2025 BDA Study Tour in Denver, scheduled for July 31. The event aims to explore urban development and attractions in the Denver metropolitan area. Participants can expect insights from local experts and opportunities to network.

NEWSJul 25

Council Roundup Grand Connection approaches new milestones

Bellevue City Council updates include the Grand Connection program's progress, a proposed code amendment for e-scooters, and advancements in the Sustainable Bellevue Plan. The council aims to improve pedestrian experiences and align e-scooter regulations with state laws, while exceeding emissions reduction targets ahead of schedule.

NEWSJul 24

Artist Spotlight Meet the Creators Behind the Art

An event titled "Artist Spotlight: Meet the Creators Behind the Art" will take place in Bellevue, Washington, from July 24 to July 27, 2025. The event aims to celebrate innovation and creativity, featuring notable artists including Brittnie Eakle. It will encompass concerts, music events, and gallery exhibitions.

NEWSJul 21

Apply to become community facilitator for Bellevues Affordable Housing Strategy Update

Bellevue seeks community facilitators to lead discussions on affordable housing as part of its 2025 Affordable Housing Strategy. The city aims to engage diverse voices, particularly those affected by housing challenges, with applications open until July 30. Facilitators will receive training to help amplify community input during conversations scheduled for August and September.

NEWSJul 21

Bellevue joins lawsuit to protect access to federal grant funds

Bellevue and 26 other jurisdictions have joined a lawsuit against HUD and DOT to protect access to $65 million in federal grants. The lawsuit claims new conditions imposed by the federal government are unconstitutional and unrelated to the grants' intended purposes. City officials argue these conditions conflict with local laws and community values.

NEWSJul 18

FAQ keeps residents up-to-date on Republic Services work stoppage

Republic Services has scheduled an additional waste drop-off date for Bellevue residents on July 19 at Odle Middle School amid a work stoppage. The city advises residents to expect long wait times and traffic impacts. More drop-off dates may be added if the situation persists.

NEWSJul 18

Council Roundup Financial forecast update

Bellevue City Council reported stable tax revenues amid national economic uncertainty affecting local growth projections. The council approved permit deadline extensions to support developers facing market challenges and received updates on a work stoppage impacting garbage collection services.

NEWSJul 16

City manager names Dave Tait Bellevue fire chief

Bellevue City Manager Diane Carlson appointed Dave Tait as the new fire chief on July 16, 2025. Tait, a 28-year veteran of the department, has served as interim chief since April after the retirement of former chief Jay Hagen. His extensive experience includes roles as firefighter, paramedic, and deputy chief.

NEWSJul 16

Turn Up the Volume on Your Lunch Break with Live at Lunch

Bellevue Library will host the “Live at Lunch” concert on July 16, 2025, in downtown Bellevue. The event features local artist Brittnie Eakle and aims to engage the community during lunch hours. Attendees can enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere.

NEWSJul 15

Movies under the stars at Downtown and Crossroads parks

Movies in the Park returns to Bellevue with free screenings set for Downtown Park on Tuesdays from July 15 to August 19 and Crossroads Park on Thursdays from July 31 to August 21. Each event will feature local musicians and interactive entertainment before the films, beginning pre-movie activities at 7 p.m. and screenings at dusk.

NEWSJul 15

Bellevue residents can access waste drop-off location during Republic Services work stoppage

Bellevue residents can drop off waste at a free location provided by Republic Services during an ongoing labor dispute. The drop-off will be available at Bannerwood Park on July 15 and 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. respectively.

NEWSJul 11

City offering 30 million in Affordable Housing Fund and Housing Stability Program funding

Bellevue's Office of Housing invites affordable housing developers to submit proposals for up to $30 million in funding from its Housing Stability Program and Affordable Housing Fund. Proposals are due by September 9, 2025, and aim to support projects for households earning below 60% of the area median income.

NEWSJul 10

Bellevue International Festival celebrates culture and community

Bellevue invites the public to the International Festival on July 10, 2025, at Crossroads Park, featuring family-friendly activities and performances. The festival will showcase diverse cultures with food trucks, vendors, and community information, including kindergarten registration and a school supplies giveaway.

NEWSJul 7

Lower speed limits coming to four Bellevue streets

Bellevue will reduce speed limits on four streets to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The changes, part of the Safe Speeds Bellevue initiative, aim to support the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030. The new limits will be implemented later this month following City Council approval.

NEWSJul 3

Palestinian-American author calls out WA school for cancelling book event

Bellevue School District canceled Palestinian-American author Safa Suleiman's book-reading event due to a blog post detailing her family's death in Israeli airstrikes. Suleiman argues the cancellation reflects a double standard and has continued her readings elsewhere, including a recent event hosted by CAIR-WA.

NEWSJul 3

Neighborhood Walks at BelRed Arts District, Eastgate and Cougar MountainLakemont

Bellevue's summer Neighborhood Walks series returns for its ninth season this July, offering residents a chance to engage with city staff. The walks will take place in three neighborhoods, allowing participants to discuss their community's unique character and needs.

NEWSJul 2

Bellevue School District cancels Palestinian author event

Bellevue School District canceled an event featuring Palestinian-American author who was scheduled to read her new children's book at an elementary school. The author criticized the district for the abrupt cancellation, raising concerns about censorship and its implications for diversity in educational settings.

NEWSJun 27

Council Roundup Council approves middle housing regulations

Bellevue City Council approved new housing regulations to comply with state laws mandating diverse housing options. The updates include provisions for middle housing, such as reduced building heights and a fee-in-lieu option for developers. Additionally, the council announced plans to launch a Community Court aimed at addressing low-level misdemeanors.

NEWSJun 27

Mercer Slough farm stand is back for blueberries

U-pick blueberries return to Mercer Slough this weekend after a hiatus due to light rail construction. Starting July 8, picking hours will expand to Tuesday through Sunday, with the first 200 customers receiving free ice cream sandwiches. The farm stands at both locations will also operate with extended hours throughout the summer.