Meetings for the week of November 17
Monday, November 17th
Code and Policy Town Hall, 5:30-7:30pm (link)
Hear what’s next for current projects and upcoming changes that could shape development, housing and more.
Human Services Commission, 6pm (link)
Review draft of 2027-2028 Funding Contingency: In addition to the previously approved categories of 1) shelter and shelter-based programs 2) financial assistance 3) food & basic needs, the Commission will seek to align funding awards with the two priority category targets— 23% for culturally and linguistically specific services and 26% for youth programs.
Panelists Dietra Clayton from The Sophia Way, Paul Lwali from Friends of Youth, Jose Medrano from PorchLight, and Veronica Rojas-Valdez for New Bethlehem Programs will present on the work of their organizations and discuss current needs, service gaps, and emerging challenges in the region.
Draft minutes for the November 3rd meeting say that PorchLight lost 10% of its funding due to federal changes, and there was an increase in fentanyl overdoses there in the last 2 years. Operational modifications to reduce loitering around the facility, include shifting the time individuals sign up for shelter beds to later in the day, and the development of a notification system to reduce the need to wait onsite; they are hoping to increase staffing.
Hopelink reported that one in five households in North and East King County cannot meet basic needs, and more than 40 percent of renters are paying over 30 percent of their income for housing. Transit access is uneven and food insecurity has sharply increased. Although they must apply certain income guidelines to determine eligibility for federally supplied commodities, most food assistance is available to individuals up to 400 percent of FPL, and the markets are serving 12,000 individuals per month. 300% of FPL is approximately the threshold to meet basic needs. In the past fiscal year, Hopelink received approximately 7,000 requests for financial assistance and was able to serve only a small fraction of these. All housing units remain within the regional coordinated entry system. The most effective advocacy to King County Metro focuses on identifying precise gaps in service, such as last-mile connections, neighborhood access challenges, and specific route needs, and relaying those to Metro through local mobility coalitions such as those facilitated by Hopelink’s mobility program. They recently absorbed 32 units of housing from Attain Housing to prevent their loss, and Hopelink undertook the task of intentionally reducing the deficit of approximately $3.7 million. Hopelink is currently engaged in an AI bootcamp to look for efficiencies.
Tuesday, November 18th
City Council, 6pm (link)
There will be 30 minutes for public comment; speaker sign-up starts at noon (link)
City Manager report on Bellevue Essentials (our 13th cohort is graduating)
Consent Calendar:
Claims and payroll: $38M and 18.5M
Adopting the Sustainable Bellevue Plan (was presented on Oct 14th)Business license model ordinance code update, increasing the minimum threshold exemption for out-of-city businesses from $2,000 to $4,000 and increases for inflation
School impact fees will be reduced to $0 for Bellevue residents zoned to Issaquah and Renton school districts, since no school construction is planned.
Adopting the 2026 City of Bellevue pay plans - updated pay ranges and an updated listing of employment classifications, additional disclosures for overtime, severance, and leave cash out (it is not easy to see what has changed from last year)
Study Session on the new Eastgate neighborhood park. Recommended name is Eastgate Commons. The board recommends park design Option 2A, which includes open flexible lawn areas, community gathering space, play structures, picnic seating and a covered shelter/pavilion
Study Session on the Mobility Implementation Plan 2025 Update - adds new metrics and performance targets for the pedestrian and bicycle networks, incorporates the 2009 Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Plan, and refreshes the maps, tables and figures with current data and forecasts. East Bellevue Greenway is being added as an alternate to the “Spirit Ridge-Sammamish River Connection” Priority Bicycle Corridor on 164th Avenue
Ordinance 6878 adopting the Human Services Commission recommendations for the use of 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and dealing with HUD grants and subrecipients. Depending on federal funds, this may be $1M to support PorchLight Men's Shelter, the Bellevue Home Repair Program (with KCHA, which is contracting with Habitat for Humanity), 4 Tomorrow, Centro Cultural Mexicano, Indian American Community Services, Upwards (formerly WeeCare), as well as administrative costs. If funds are not available, admin will be cut first, then PorchLight, then the microenterprises, and last the home repair.
Ordinance 6879 regarding development services under the Bellevue City Code; fees for applications requiring construction, land use, fire, survey, sign, transportation, utility, and clearing & grading review and inspection services, which are going up by 7.1-9.6%; establishing the school impact fee schedule (Issaquah and Renton) of $0. Funds for Policy Development & Public Information will come from the General Fund and Utilities Fund, and Code Compliance from the General Fund.
Ordinance 6880 regarding various fees for wireless facilities in the public right of way (was discussed on October 28)
Ordinance 6881 establishing revised sewerage service charge increases for 2026 from 7.6% to 7.9-8.0%. This is based on increased King County wastewater treatment charges and does not include the more significant increases for 2027-2030. The last page of Attachment A includes some of the increases expected, but does not reflect the phase-in recently discussed by ESC.
Ordinance 6882 establishing the amount of property taxes to be levied for the year 2026, the second year of the City of Bellevue’s 2025-2026 biennium. Bellevue assessed Valuation is now $99B, which is an increase of 6%, so property tax levy rates can decrease by 2%. Revenue raised will increase by 2.7%, and we are not collecting $6.9M of what would be allowed.
Resolution 10555 providing for the banking of levy capacity of $6,916,915. Preserving the banked capacity allows the City Council the option to increase property tax at a later date.
Ordinance 6883 adopting the modification of the 2025-2026 Biennium Budget and 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan. See previous discussions on Oct 28th and Nov 12th. Lists of grants and donations received are attached.
Wednesday, November 19th
Parks and Community Services Board, 6pm (link)
The CIP Project Status report includes updates on the Coal Creek Ridgeline Trail, three Lower Coal Creek bridges, Forest Drive Trailhead, Red Cedar Trailhead, an interpretive boardwalk at Mercer Slough Farmstand, work to acquire the necessary easements to develop a greenbelt and trail network at 168th Ave NE Open Space, Bellevue Airfield Park, Ashwood Park, Eastgate neighborhood park, Aquatic Center design, Meydenbauer Bay Park Gateway Plaza, additional parking, and an interim shoreline promenade expansion. Clyde Beach Park Boathouse Demolition will not affect the swimming pier. Chism Beach Park waterfront renovation in planning, newly acquired properties along Lake Sammamish will have demolition in 2026, new locations for pop-up off-leash areas will continue to be tested and evaluated, new striping and pickleball nets have been provided for 32 shared sport courts, markings for a cricket pitch will be added with the new turf at Robinswood. Kelsey Creek Park Restroom Relocation to avoid seasonal flooding. Construction of the Parks Operations Facility is anticipated to begin in 2027. Design and permitting are underway to update the Robinswood Park playground. Staff will also give a presentation on how 2022 Levy funds are being spent, which includes these and maintenance and operations. The Bel-Red neighborhood park master plan will begin early 2026. Report on the 2025 Summer Park Ranger Program, which provided visible, proactive support that elevated park safety and the visitor experience.Well K.E.P.T. (Kids Environmental Project Training) program is a summer teen employment opportunity offered through the Bellevue Parks’ Natural Resource Division and was funded by a King Conservation District (KCD) Member Jurisdiction Grant. They built a train in Ardmore Park and cleared ivy and orange spotted jewelweed at Wilburton Hill Park and Kelsey Creek Park. Crossroads Community Center will present about its programs and services. Updated bylaws on public decorum and limitations on consecutive terms.
Bellevue Essentials Graduation event at City Hall, 7-9pm (link)
Thursday, November 20th
Diversity Advantage Plan open house - Dinner and activities for children will be provided. Please pre-register. 6-8pm
Upcoming meetings:
11/17 Code and Policy Town Hall, 5:30-7:30pm (link) Hear what’s next for current projects and upcoming changes that could shape development, housing and more.
11/19 Bellevue Essentials Graduation event at City Hall, 7-9pm (link)
11/20 Diversity Advantage Plan open house - Dinner and activities for children will be provided. Please pre-register. 6-8pm
12/3 BDA Urban Forum, 12-1:30pm (link)
12/4 BSD school board meeting
12/4 KG Wilburton MDP public hearing on Teams, 6pm (link)
12/4 ESC: roles and responsibilities
12/9 BDA event: Making Downtown Magnetic for Visitors, 8-10am (link)
12/9 City Council meeting to include Curb Pricing
12/10 Planning Commission: HOMA public hearing
1/14 Planning Commission: BelRed LUCA update and Comp Plan Amendment preview
Opportunities:
Change.org petition regarding Co-living housing that will not have adequate parking or transit access https://c.org/g8PCnPKKdJ
Bellevue Utilities is updating three essential plans that guide how the city manages its storm and surface water, drinking water, and wastewater systems. Residents are invited to share feedback through a short online survey and to apply for a focus group (link) Survey has been extended through January 1st.
You can host a Disaster Resilience Network workshop for your neighborhood by using the facilitator guide at bellevuewa.gov/hazard-preparation - in eight different languages. Help your community get to 2 Weeks Ready.
PSRC Regional Transportation Plan survey (link)What is the most important transportation problem facing the Puget Sound region today?
What is your biggest safety concern? What is your primary mode? Do you have access to a car and bike? What should our priorities be?
PSRC Regional Economic Strategy survey (link)For Workforce Development, Resources for entrepreneurs, Broadband infrastructure, Affordable childcare, School budget deficits, and Systemic Inequities, what organizations or programs are making progress, what data can be used to track progress, and what additional efforts do you recommend? Similar background information and questions are also posed for Business Climate, Global Competition, and Quality of Life.
Library patron engagement survey is open through November 14th (link) (still up as of 11/15)
Speed Safety Camera Program: See the interactive map and share your feedback here through Nov 30th (link)
Fun and Educational Events
11/16 Seattle Little Rangers Sports Carnival at Chinook Middle School, 10am-4:40pm, ages 3-8, $15 (link)
11/16 Storytime for K-2 at BBG, 1-1:30pm (link)
11/16 TedX Factoria Humanity on the Brink, 3-5:30pm (link)
11/16 Artist Talk & Walk with Kevin Cosley and Guest of Honor Patti Warashina at the Meydenbauer Convention Center
11/17 Code and Policy Town Hall, 5:30-7:30pm (link) Hear what’s next for current projects and upcoming changes that could shape development, housing and more.
11/19 Bellevue Library Book Group: Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, 11am-1pm (link)
11/19 Bellevue Essentials Graduation event at City Hall, 7-9pm (link)
11/20 Audubon Bird Walk at BBG, $5 per person, 9-10:30am (link)
11/20 Autumn Watercolors class at the Bellevue Library, 10:30am-noon, recurs on 12/4 and 12/11
11/20 Diversity Advantage Plan open house – Dinner and activities for children will be provided. Please pre-register. 6-8pm
11/20 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue, $40, 6pm (link) recurs Thursdays
11/21 Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink opens – group skating lessons will be taught from 5:30-7:30pm most days (free with admission) (link)
11/21-11/23 Opening weekend of Bellevue Youth Theatre’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
11/21-11/23 Uncle Vanya in Russian with subtitles, ages 14 (link)
11/21-11/23 Julefest in Ballard at National Nordic Museum, 5-9 and 10-5pm, reserve tickets in advance (link)
11/22 Bellevue Farmers Market Holiday Market, 10am-3pm (link)
11/22 Samena Holiday Market, 10-4pm (link)
11/22 The First Thanksgiving at Theatre 33, 11am (link)
11/22 Home Movie Day 2025 – get advice on digitization from MIPoPS at the Bellevue Library, 12-5pm
11/22 Queer Creative Connections at the Bellevue Library, 2:15-4pm (link)
11/22 Aerial Acrobatics performances at Suite, 8pm, 8:40pm, and 9:15pm (link) – recurs 11/29
11/23 Flint’s Treasure theatrical puzzle quest for ages 9-12 by Theatre33, 11am (link)
11/26 Wednesday night “O Christmas Tea” British Comedy on stage at the Meydenbauer Center, 7:30-9pm, tickets start at $49 (link)
11/27 Thanksgiving dinner options (link)
11/28 Sweatsgiving at Samena – check out the club when the price of admission is a non-perishable canned food item (which will go to Hopelink) 9:15am and 10:15am classes (link)
11/28 Winterfest Family Holiday Party at Forum Social House, 3-6pm (link)
11/28 Open Mic Night at Third Culture Coffee, 6-9pm (link)
11/28-11/29 KidsQuest Gingerbread workshops, multiple times, the 21+ event is on Friday at 5pm (link)
11/28 Start of Snowflake Lane performances nightly at 7pm (link)
11/28 Wintergarden tree-lighting with Santa and live music at Bellevue Place (after the Snowflake Lane parade)
11/29 Siren: Katherine Van Bebber at Volunteer Park Conservatory, noon-2pm(link)
12/2 Santa Paws at the Marketplace at Factoria (link) – Santa will be available most days starting on 11/28, but there are only 3 dates for pets.
12/2 Makerspace tour: Tools for Festive Fixing at the Bellevue Library, 6-7:30pm (link)
12/4 How to have zero waste holidays – virtual Greener Living class, 6-7pm (link)
12/5 Story and a Stroll (with a park ranger) at Mercer Slough Nature Park, now ages 2-5, 9:30-10:30am. Pre-register on Civicrec
12/5-12/7 Opening weekend of Bellevue Youth Theatre’s Elf: The Musical Jr.
12/5-12/7 Family Holiday sing along with Ms. Chrisi at Westin Bellevue, 4-5pm (link)
12/5 Holiday Home Tour to support the Assistance League (link)
12/5 FLEUR Studio holiday soiree in Kirkland, free, 6-9pm (link)
12/5-12/23 The Nutcracker at Meydenbauer Center Theatre (link)
12/5-12/20 The Truth by Florian Zeller at Theatre33, 7pm (link)
12/6 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue, 10:30am-noon, by donation (link)
12/6 Jingle Bellevue: Cookie Decorating and picture with Santa at Vanity Pham Salon on 102nd, 12-4pm, recurs 12/13 and 12/20, free (link)
12/6 Jingle Bellevue: Write a letter to Santa at House of Hebe, 12-4pm, recurs 12/13 and 12/20, free (link)
12/6 Jingle Bellevue: Photos with Santa at 520 Bar and Grill, 12-4pm, recurs 12/13 and 12/20, free (link)
12/6 Create a wreath at Town & Country Market on Lakemont Blvd, 1-3pm (link)
12/6 Cebiche and Pisco workshop at La Mar, 3pm
12/6 Holiday Barn Lighting at Kelsey Creek Farm, 5-6:30pm (link)
12/6-12/21 The Silver Key at Theatre33, performances at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm on various days (link)
12/7 Winter Craft Workshop with natural materials at BBG, Grades K and up with adult, 1-2:30pm (link)
12/13 Winter Wonderland Kids Day Away – an ice rink field trip and pizza and a movie at Samena, 2:30-8:30pm (link)
12/13 Bellevue Chamber Chorus, 7:30pm (link)
See updates to the Event Listing at https://newbellevue.com/?page_id=82
Recently posted on NewBellevue.com:
NE 12th sidewalk is open! (link) (but then it was closed again, not sure about current status)
Three big items for tonight’s City Council meeting (link)