Meetings for the week of February 9th

Nicole Myers

— 15 min read

Tuesday, February 10th 

Oral Communications: There will be 30 minutes for public comment; speaker sign-up starts at noon (link)

City Manager report on the two-year calendar for the Land Use Planning Initiatives (LUPI) workplan. Upcoming code/policy work will cover:  Preapproved Plans Program, Parking Reform LUCA (SB 5184), Omnibus LUCA/BCCA, SB 5611: Permitting, Binding Site Plans, SB 5571: Building Cladding, HB 1757: Residential Conversions, HB 1576: Historic Preservation Reform, SB 5509: Childcare Zoning, SB 5559: Unit Lot Subdivision Procedures, HB 1096: Lot Splitting, HB 1183: Various Building & Development Regulations, BelRed Look Forward LUCA/Rezone, Housing Opportunities in Mixed Use Areas (HOMA), SB 5412: SEPA Exemptions BCCA, Sign Code Update, Bellevue College LUCA/Rezone, Downtown Livability Amendments 2.0, Annual CPA Amendments/Annexation (2026), Annual CPA Amendments/Annexation (2027), High Density Residential/PUD LUCA, Safe Parking LUCA, C-1 Program CPA and LUCA NAP Great Neighborhoods (Eastgate and Factoria), NAP Great Neighborhoods (W. Lake Samm, Lake Hills), NAP Great Neighborhoods (Woodridge, West Bellevue), and a P3 Development Agreement LUCA

There is also a docket for the post-2027 work, and some items on the LUPI workplan will extend into 2028. Previous code and policy changes completed in June 2025 have already generated strong development interest, with 1,282 residential units in the permitting pipeline in Wilburton across three projects and more in the pre-application phases of the process. These three projects are expected to deliver 40 affordable housing units at 80 percent of area median income and approximately $2.8 million in in-lieu affordable housing fees. 

Consent Calendar: 

- Ordinance allowing the City Manager to approve additional benefits for employees receiving partial benefits (part-time, seasonal, and variable positions). These make up between 17% and 23% of the city’s workforce.

- Resolution for a Public Hearing to release a utility easement on a First Congregational Church site that is being developed in the SE corner of Downtown (Maryhill) with 350 units 

- Resolution for a Public Hearing for partial release of a sidewalk/landscaping/ lighting/utilities easement at 108th and 110th, just north of the Bellevue Transit Center, where two office towers are being built - not sure which easements are being released. 

- Public Defense services from Stein, Lotzkar and Starr (SLS) for $8M over five years. SLS was the previous provider and responded to an RFP. 

Study Session on Development Services Activity and Continuous Improvement. This is a bi-annual update on projects in the pipeline; there have been a high number of applications and many process improvement accomplishments are listed 

Study Session on the  2026-2031 Economic Development Plan. There are Council-adopted six Strategic Target Areas. One of these is the Vibrant Economy STA, which has the following strategies: Attract emerging industries such as life sciences and climate tech through targeted recruitment and partnerships with regional organizations. Expand business retention programs to support existing employers and mitigate risks from sector-specific downturns.  Create and expand programs to address small business displacement and affordability challenges. Expand Startup 425 programming to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Implement changes to catalyze mixed-use redevelopment in Eastgate commercial area. Pursue public-private partnerships and advocate for new financing mechanisms.  Collaborate with partners to address disruptions and skills gaps in technology and healthcare. Support programs to reduce employment barriers.  Expand programs connecting historically marginalized communities to training and entrepreneurship resources. Track progress through metrics on median household income, educational attainment, and minority business ownership.  Develop affordable creative spaces for arts organizations and events. Collaborate with partners to increase overnight visitors from 2.2 million to 3 million by 2031 and grow admissions tax revenue.

    Over 400 people provided input that shaped this plan, and it includes background information about trends and statistics. The plan is 28 pages with large print and lots of pictures and examples from other cities. There is a 36 page Action Plan that's also a very fast read. It looks like the EY consultant report is the same as was presented in September. 

Adoption of the Human Services Commission's funding recommendations

Ordinance imposing an emergency Interim Official Control on Part 20.25A of the Land Use Code (LUC) to reinforce historical and cultural qualities in the Downtown-Old Bellevue (DT-OB) Land Use District, along Main Street between 100th Avenue and Bellevue Way, and require that new development is compatible with adjacent development, unique design features, and established small-scale and pedestrian-oriented street frontage in Old Bellevue

Written intergovernmental affairs report (link)

Wednesday, February 11th 

Public Hearing for the Evans Plaza Threshold Review to determine whether to include this location in the city's annual amendment. This is a 10 acre site north of 520, east of 136th Place NE, south of NE 24th Street, and west of 140th Avenue NE (does not include Dunn Lumber). By changing it from General Commercial to Lowrise 2 Mixed Use, the building heights would increase and there would be a possibility of no commercial on the site. The HOMA website has an informational presentation that shows this would equate to a 7 story height and FAR in the range of 1-3 (see slide 11). HOMA would require some commercial uses in addition to the residential ones, but there is currently a SB 6026 being considered in this legislative session that might allow it to be solely residential. Iirc, one area of contention is whether PineView is understood to be a Neighborhood Center where goals for higher density are appropriate.

     There is a legal framework for deciding whether it meets the decision criteria to be included (such as significantly changed conditions: i.e., the vision stated in the comprehensive plan is different from what is possible with the current zoning), and staff is recommending that it go ahead. After the public hearing at this meeting, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation, and then the Council will take action to "establish the Final Review work program," likely in April, and it will have final review by both the PC (with another public hearing) and Council.   

Informational presentation on VISION 2050 and the regional planning context for PSRC centers. Regional centers, including downtown Bellevue, are the hallmark of VISION 2050 and the Regional Growth Strategy. They guide regional growth allocations, advance local planning, inform transit service planning, and represent priority areas for PSRC's federal transportation funding. PSRC staff will provide an overview of the region’s system for regional, county, and local centers. 

Thursday, February 12th 

Transportation Commission Bylaws Amendments: Updating exclusion time period and limits on consecutive terms 

Informational presentation on Safe Speeds Bellevue - The program is comprehensively evaluating all existing speeds limits on streets currently posted at 30 mph or higher and considering lower speed limits to account for various changes in city land use and transportation patterns. There are results from four evaluation streets, and across all corridors, there was a 19-42% reduction in high-end speeding (number of people traveling 40 mph or higher). Staff will present recommendations, including a 25 mph speed limit for most of Downtown Bellevue due to the high activity and high or moderate number of conflicts. Staff additionally propose a small 20 mph speed zone centered around Old Bellevue and the Downtown Park. Bel Red would change to 25 mph. Of the streets that are currently 30mph+, there would be no change on 21 percent of streets, a 5 mph speed limit reduction on 59 percent of streets, and a 10 mph speed limit reduction on 20 percent of streets. Where the streets are the city boundary with Redmond, coordination will be required. A map is provided. 

Transportation Improvement Program Annual Update - There are 10 new projects recommended to be added to the TIP (there are CIP, MIP, and TFP projects), 30 are being removed, and others are being re-ranked. Due to the TIP update timing occurring at the beginning of a budget (CIP) adoption year, not all project description updates, and current cost information were available at the time of the packet publication. Staff anticipate having a complete project list and the latest financial information available prior to the planned public hearing in May.  The CIP items being added (for which full/partial funding has been secured) include 13 speed feedback signs, 59 rows of speed cushions, 60 crosswalk upgrades for visibility, 40 bike lane crossings, RTSSI at 10 intersections, bike lanes on NE 2nd from Bellevue Way to 108th, bike lanes on NE 4th between REI and Target, improving bike lanes along 120th, and constructing a trail linking Eastrail to the ped-bike path running along Spring Blvd. The new TFP project (unfunded) is RapidRide K, and "Other unfunded local projects" includes MIP Intersection, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Performance Gaps (intersections/locations are listed). 

Friday, February 13th 

Norcom Board Meeting at Bellevue City Hall, 9-11am (link)

Upcoming meetings:     

2/25 Planning Commission: Parking Reform LUCA, Process Improvements 

3/5 ESC: Solid Waste Contract Procurement and Utilities Bill Assistance Program 

3/11 Planning Commission: Canceled 

3/12 Transportation Commission: TIP Update, Approval of Bylaws amendments 

3/25 Planning Commission: Great Neighborhoods Update, BelRed LUCA update 

4/2 ESC: 2025 Financial Performance, review of CIP, and Solid Waste Contract Procurement

4/8 Planning Commission: Omnibus LUCA, High density residential LUCA, Affordable Housing Strategy post-adoption update

4/9 Transportation Commission will continue to discuss TIP if this time is needed

4/22 Planning Commission: BelRed LUCA, MFTE Study Session 

5/14 TC: Public Hearing on TIP, and Comp Plan Amendments 

Opportunities:

A Human Services Commission vacancy is open to Bellevue residents who apply by 5pm on Monday, February 23rd. This commission meets on the first and third Monday. There is not much info about their meetings in my past newsletters because the agenda materials are a bit sparse, but the meeting minutes are very informative. https://bellevuewa.gov/city-news/human-services-commission-2-26  

An update was added to the Change.org petition about ICE-free public facilities; this seems to be a proactive approach rather than a response to events occurring locally. 

The Online Services Survey is open now through February 20th. (link)

Budget survey looks like it is still open (link) 

The deadline to apply for Bellevue's Community Programming Fund is March 2nd - create events that enliven our outdoor public spaces with grants from $1000-$10,000.  

Recently posted on NewBellevue.com: 

I was wrong - and an IOC for Old Bellevue (link)

Fun and Educational Events  

See https://newbellevue.com/?page_id=82

2/10 Last day to drop off ballots for the school levy vote

2/10 Lichen Walk at BBG, 10am-noon, class full (link)

2/10 Sourdough class at Whisk, 10am

2/10-2/13 Conflict Resolution Coaching and Conciliator training will be held at the Bellevue Botanical Garden Feb. 10-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, with a final virtual training on Friday, Feb. 13 during the same hours. Space is limited, apply by Jan 30 at 5pm

2/10 Serger intro class at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 5:30pm, class full (link)

2/10 Quiet Reading Party at Bellevue Library for adults, 5:30-7:30pm - group introductions at 5:30pm and quiet reading from 6-7pm (link)

2/10 City Council meeting,  6pm (link)

2/10 Queer Climb Night at Edgeworks, 7-10pm (link)

2/11 Seahawks Victory Parade in Seattle, 11am

2/11 All Ages (6+) Board Game Afternoon, Newport Way Library, 3:30-5:30pm

2/11 Valentine cookie decorating with Batter's Bakery at Primo's, 6-7:30pm (link)

2/11 Planning Commission meeting, 6:30pm (link)

2/11 Lake Hills Book Group meets at Bellevue Library to discuss The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan, 6:30-8pm (link)

2/12 Free Tax Help at the Bellevue Library from 10:30am-5pm, arrive no later than 4pm - recurs Thursdays through April 9th

2/12 Launchpad Expo: Consumer and CPG, 1-8:30pm (link)

2/12 Preschool Art Cart at Newport Way Library, 4-5:30pm (link), recurs monthly

2/12 Intro to Autodesk Fusion for 3D design at the Makerspace, 4:30-5:30pm (link)

2/12 Thirsty Thursday Business Networking, 4:30-6:30pm (link)

2/12 Bellevue Downtown Association Annual Celebration, 5-8:30pm

2/12 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue, 6pm (link), recurs Thursdays

2/12 Transportation Commission meeting, 6:30pm

2/13 Board Game Bonanza at SBCC, 1-3pm, free, drop-in, recurs on Fridays until April 24th.

2/13 Pilates for Gardeners at BBG, 2-3pm (link)

2/13 Middles at the Museum, 4:30-7pm (link) - a KidsQuest day with Galentine's vibes for middle schoolers with pizza, printing a custom tote, and STEAM activities for ages 11+

2/13 Petals and Pours Galentine's Edition at Kitchen and Market in Yarrow Bay, 5:30-7:30, tickets here

2/13 Teen Art Studios by Gage Academy at HCC. Free drop-in class on Fridays with dinner and materials provided, and new mediums are taught each month. 6-9pm (link)

2/13 Galentine's Night at Sprig Beauty Co. in Snohomish, 6:30-8pm, beauty lessons, treats and bubbles, tickets required

2/13 Millennial Social Club Board Games and Boba at Lincoln Square South, 7-10pm (link), recurs Fridays

2/13-3/1 Cyrano de Bergerac commedia dell'arte at Theatre33, 7pm and 5pm performances, (link)

2/13 Improv For All with Jet City Improv is happening again in Bellevue, 7-9pm - free drop-in class for teens ages 12-19  (link) - recurs 2/27

2/13 Art ‘n Soul painting and music event at W Bellevue, 7-9:30pm (link)

2/13 Date Night on the Dance Floor at Arthur Murray Bellevue, 7:15-9pm (link) - salsa and bachata group class, social dancing, and champagne.

2/13 Bollywood ISHQ After Dark at Mirra, 10pm (link)

2/14 Alexander's Hope Valentine's Day Dash (5K) at Downtown Park, kids dash at 8:45am, run/walk starts at 9am

2/14-2/15 Fly Fishing Show (link)

2/14 Cupid's Clash at Bellevue Pickleball- morning and evening mixed doubles tournament with refreshments

2/14 Galentine's Walk - BelRed Run Club, with Jo Malone and OMO Thai Tea, 10am-noon (link) - wear red, pink, white, and glitter!

2/14 Great Backyard Bird Count at Newport Way Library, 11:30-1pm (link) - there will be a craft for kids to do and binoculars for kids and adults to use

2/14 Kids' Day Away for K-5th at Samena with a visit to Monster Mini Golf, pizza and a movie, 2:30-8:30pm (link)

2/14 Forum Does Funny Comedy Show, 5-8:30pm, $20 (link)

2/14 International Fly Fishing Film showing at Meydenbauer Center, 5:30pm (link) - ticket does not include entrance to convention

2/14 American Muslim Advancement Council Annual Banquet, 5:30pm (link)

2/14 XAMA Open Mic Night at Story Coffee & Tea, 7-9pm

2/14 Velvets and Beats at W Living Room Bar, 8:30pm (link)

2/14 Love Night at Mirra, 10pm

2/15 Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Bellevue Uwajimaya, noon (link)

2/15 Story Time at BBG for K-2nd Grade, 1pm

2/15 Intro to Soldering at the Makerspace, 1-2pm (link)

2/15 Bottomless Mimosa Brunch at Earl's with the Eastside Dining Club, 2pm (link)

2/15 Archive After Dark fashion event at Primo's, 6-9pm with dancing to follow

2/16 Secret Movie Night with the Eastside Social Club at Forum Social House, optional happy hour before the movie at Cinemark, 6:45pm (link)

2/17 Sublimation Printing and Heat Press Demo at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 6-7pm (link) - creating mugs, etc.

2/18 Bellevue Library Book Group, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 11am-1pm (link)

2/18 Jeff Bush: The Washington Update at El Gaucho, 11:30-1pm (link)

2/18 After School Story Hour for ages 5+ at Newport Way Library, 4:30-6 (link)

2/18-2/22 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival at the Seattle Convention Center

2/19 Eastside Audubon Bird Walk at BBG, 9-10:30am, class full (link)

2/19 Lunar New Year Styling with Kim Vu of Vintage Nouveau at Reprise, 4-7pm (link)

2/19 Electronics Mending Circle at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 4:30-5:30pm (link)

2/19 Lights out For Birds - documentary and panel discussion at Redmond Senior & Community Center, 5:30-7:30pm (link), an additional screening will be held on 2/28

2/19  Big Data Bellevue Meetup, 6:30pm (link) - recurs on third Thursdays

2/19 Bellevue Book Club: Thursday Thriller at Mercury Coffee, Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito 6:30pm-8:30pm (link)

2/19-2/22 Wintergrass Music Festival at the Hyatt Regency and Westin (link)

2/20 Woven Willow Plant Support at BBG, 10am-2pm, also 2/21, classes full

2/20 Mastering Italian Breads class at Whisk, 10am

2/20-2/22 BYT PlayLab Good Boss performances

2/20 Cocoa, Coffee and Crafts at Crossroads Community Center, 6-8pm

2/21 Keep Bellevue Beautiful - Cougar Mountain/Lakemont cleanup, 9-11am (link)

2/21 Master Gardener class Vegetables A-Z, 9:30-10:30am, online, $9 (link)

2/21 Galentine's Brunch at Bis on Main, 10-2pm

2/21 Lunar New Year Celebration at Bellevue Square, 11am-6pm (link)

2/21 Lunar New Year Family Festival at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Seattle's Volunteer Park, 11am-2pm (link)

2/21 3D Printing intro class at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 11:30am (link)

2/21 Tang Yuan Workshop (sweet rice ball desserts) at Bellevue Library, 11:30-1pm (link)

2/21 Lunar New Year Story Time at the Newport Way Library, 11:30am (link)

2/21 Rainbow Elder Card Games and Connection at Crossroads Community Center, noon-2pm

2/21 How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard - a special evening with Doug Tallamy, refreshments at 6:15 and talk at 7pm, also online (link)

2/21 IBT 25th Anniversary performance and gala at Meydenbauer Center, 7pm (link)

2/22 Book Club at Bellevue Library, 11-1pm (link)

2/22 Ecoprint on Fabric workshop at BBG, 11am-1pm, class full (link)

2/22 Artvana Paint and Sip at Redd Dog, 1pm (link)

2/23 Startup425 Entrepreneur Networking and Panel at REI HQ in Issaquah, 8:30-10:30am

2/23 Visit Bellevue Annual Celebration, 11-1:30pm (link)

2/24 Women’s Leadership Conference, noon-5pm (link)

2/24 Lucky Knot Workshop at the Bellevue Library Makerspace, 5:30-7:30pm (link)

2/24 Corks and Canvas at Suite, 6-8pm (link)

2/25 Presentation about community solutions to stormwater challenges, 11am (link) - Hear from WSDOT, The Nature Conservancy, and Stewardship Partners; there is an optional site visit to see the Rain Boxes

2/26 Walking tour of the South Treatment Plant in Renton, 10am (link)

2/26 Memory Cafe at the Inn at Belle Harbour, lunch will be served 12:30-2pm - RSVP by the Monday prior by calling 425-515-0296

2/26 Eastside Business Network Happy Hour at STK, 6-8pm (link)

2/26 425 Business' 40 Under 40 at the Bellevue Arts Museum, 7-9pm

2/27 Pilates for Gardeners, 2-3pm (link)

2/27 Art-Tastic at KidsQuest, 4-7pm (link) - create with paint, fabric, and ceramics and meet artists

2/27 Laser Cutter intro class at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 4pm (link)

2/27 Uplift Movie Night for neurodiverse kids at Bellevue Children's Academy - parents and staff can converse while the kids watch the movie, 6-8pm (link)

2/27 Paint and Sip at NWAC: Hearts and Roses, 7-9pm (link)

2/28 Rebalance: Recharge HIIT Yoga with Kevin Ng at W Bellevue, 9:30am-noon (link) - Bites and Beats to follow

2/28 DIY Wire Cloches class at BBG, Level 1, 9:30-11am (link) -also 3/6 - these are used in the garden to protect plants from rabbits

2/28 CAM for CNC Gummy Bear class at the Makerspace, 11:30am (link)

2/28 DIY Wire Cloches class, Level 2, noon-2pm (link) - also 3/6

2/28 Holi Festival at Newport Way Library, 2pm - stories and rhymes about the traditions of Holi, making a colorful Rangoli, and a playful introduction to Gulaal colors on the patio. For ages 3 and over, space may be limited.

2/28 Queer Creative Connections at Bellevue Library, 2-4pm (link)

2/28 Guzheng performance at Hastens Bellevue to celebrate the Lunar New Year, 6-7pm (link)

2/28 Neon Holi Glow Party at Mirra, 10pm (link)

3/1 Reading and discussion with David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days, Bellevue Library, 1-2pm (link)

3/1 Bellevue Symphony Winter Concert at Meydenbauer Center, 3pm (link)

3/2 Deadline to apply for Bellevue's Community Programming Fund to create events that enliven our outdoor public spaces

3/2 Basics of Successful Composting at Newport Way Library, 1-3pm (link)

3/3 Dienstag Bier German Language Meetup at Applebees in BelRed, 7pm (link)

3/4 Art Cart at Newport Way Library for ages 6+ to teens, 3-5pm (link)

3/6 Family Chess Night at Crossroads Mall, 7-8:45pm (link)

3/7 Outdoors for All Spreefest fundraiser, 8:30-4pm - Tickets are $100, and there are also volunteer opportunities. Includes lift ticket, event shirt, racecourse access, lunch, raffle, demos, beer garden, music and afterparty

3/7 Eastgate Keep Bellevue Beautiful Cleanup, 9-11am (link)

3/7 Journaling the Garden at BBG, 9-11am (link)

3/7 Bug Bonanza at BBG, 1-2:30pm (link) - best for ages 4-9 with adult

3/7 Master Gardener class Go Native - Get to Know Native PNW Bulbs, 9:30-10:30am, online, $9 (link)

3/7 Shooting with Purpose: Travel Photography with Steve Collins at Bellevue Leica, 4:30pm (link)

3/7 Literary Lions Gala at Bellevue Library to support the KCLS Foundation, 5-9pm (link)

3/7 Fashion is ART at Bellevue Art Museum, 6-11pm (link)

3/8 Bellevue Classical Piano Meetup Group at Northwest Pianos in BelRed, 10am-noon (link) - listeners do not need to RSVP

3/9 Discover Parks free day

3/9 US Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors will present a free concert at the Bellevue College Ballroom, 7-8:30pm (link)

3/11 Lake Hills Book Group meets at Lake Hills Library to discuss Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan, 6:30-8pm

3/13 Lichen Walk at BBG, 10am-noon (link)

3/14 The Premier Event dinner and auction at W Bellevue to support Bellevue School Foundation, 5:30-10pm

3/15 Summer Camps Fair at Bellevue College, 10am-2pm (link)

3/18 Bellevue Library Book Group, Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham, 11am-1pm (link)

3/19 Eastside Audubon Bird Walk at BBG, 9-10:30am

3/19 Leadership Eastside Class of 2026 will present their adaptive campaigns at Bellevue College, 9-11am

3/20 & 3/21 Dahlia Tuber Sale at BBG

3/20 Seattle AI Startup Showcase at Coffee Dance Studio in Bellevue, 1-3:30pm (link)

3/21 Lake Hills Keep Bellevue Beautiful Cleanup, 9-11am (link)

3/21 Spring Flowers in Ink and Watercolor Class at BBG, 1-3pm

3/21 Bingo Night at Crossroads Community Center, 6-8pm

3/22 NPA March Mania Plant Sale at BBG (link)

3/24 Corks and Canvas napkin painting at Suite, 6-8pm (link)

3/26 A Garden of Useful Spaces talk with BBG, 7pm (link)

3/27 Pilates for Gardeners, 2-3pm (link)

3/27 Open Mic Night at Third Culture Coffee, 7pm

3/27 Paint and Sip at NWAC: Cherry Blossom Breeze, 7-9pm (link)

3/28 Seed Starting Tips and Techniques from BBG, 10-11:30am (link)

3/28 Youth Workshop at BBG: Fairy Gardens, 1:30-3pm (link)

3/30 Bellevue College Golf Scramble and Athletics Fundraiser, noon (link)

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