Meetings for the week of November 24th

News 

Ayush Noori of Bellevue is a senior at Harvard University and has just been chosen as a Rhodes Scholar.

Tuesday, November 25th 

Coffee with a Cop at the Symetra Bldg, Cafe Hagen, 10am-noon (link)

City Council, 6pm (link)

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

Consent Calendar:

      Agreement with Hughes Fire Equipment, Inc. to purchase two replacement fire ladder trucks for the Bellevue Fire Department for $5M. Production lead time is 53 months. This is a planned expenditure from the Mechanical Equipment Rental Fund (MERF).
     Align the retail definitions for the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax with state definitions as amended by Senate Bill 5814. Categories which are changing from services to retail: advertising services  live presentations  information technology services  custom website development services  investigation, security, and armored car services  temporary staffing services  sales of custom software and customization of prewritten software. Bellevue's definition of digital automated services and digital goods did not need updating because it incorporates the state’s definition by reference to the RCW.
     Adopt the Mobility Implementation Plan 2025 Update, as discussed in the Nov 18th meeting.
     Adoption of the 2026-2045 Transportation Facilities Plan (TFP) project list and extension of the TFP timespan from 12 years to 20 years due to funding limitations. The Transportation Impact Fee Program Report has information about the fee, which in 2025 is $7,946 and in 2026 will be $8,185. The Maximum Allowable Transportation Impact Fee rate is $20,343.
   A three-year interlocal agreement (ILA) with South Correctional Entity (SCORE) for inmate housing. The Issaquah jail facility does not offer medical or psychiatric care, and the King County jail facility only accepts felony level and mandatory booking misdemeanant crimes (Domestic Violence and DUI) and currently does not offer video court. This ILA will provide certainty and continuity of service for inmate housing. 45 guaranteed beds at $155 ea, additional capacity at $223 per bed. Surcharges for mental health services, transport/booking, and video services. $4.5M for 2026, $5.3M in 2027, and $6.5M in 2028.
     Five-year general services contract with Vital Mechanical Service, inc., for HVAC maintenance and repairs at all Parks & Community Services Department facilities, up to $652k. This include inspections three times per year, annual filter changes, emergency service within two hours of request and normal maintenance and service within 24 hours of request. There were six other bidders.      Contract with McKinstry Essention LLC to manage a team of subcontractors (DKS, LMN Architects) to provide technical support services for commercial and multifamily buildings for building owners and operators in Bellevue, Issaquah, and Redmond. Services relate to Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard compliance, design and implementation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and support for new construction to meet green building requirements. For a 13 month contract, Bellevue will pay $470k of a total $630k (plus taxes) budget.  This contract builds on the original Clean Buildings Incentive Program (CBIP), adding (for Bellevue only) EV Supply Equipment Technical Assistance and Affordable Multifamily Incentives ($50,000 in Council contingency funds), Green Building Design, and General Technical Assistance. It provides an estimated benefit of $318 in financial savings to building owners per $1 spent by the City. During the design phase (9 weeks from start of contract), the Cities and partner firms will work collaboratively to identify gaps and needs. There will be a 2 hour workshop for each of the four work areas.
     Ordinance 6886 to change the plan horizon duration of the Transportation Facility Plan from 12 to 20 years.
     Authorizing acquisition of land for the Grand Connection: I-405 Crossing Project (CIP Plan No. PW-R-216); possibly including condemnation. The property located at 425 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA Assessor Parcel Number: 322505-9178 will be used for construction staging and may eventually be used for an elevator or stairway platform (could also be used for housing, offices, paths, or public space). Cost would be paid from the Capital Investment Program (CIP) Plan or from other General Fund resources, and negotiations are ongoing. The Hammer property is west of 116th, a little south of the light rail. 

Diversity Advantage Plan 2035: This is the first big update since 2014. In partnership with the Centering Communities of Color (CCC) Coordinating Team and the Bellevue Diversity Advisory Network, staff convened a dozen community conversations that asked communities to speak to current challenges and their ideas. Over 40 major themes and priorities were translated into a set of three guiding principles and 41 longterm equity objectives and categorized into the six Strategic Target Areas to ensure alignment with existing City strategy and also reference goals and strategies included in other enterprise plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan, the Affordable Housing Strategy and the Human Services Strategic Plan.  The report includes demographics. Recommendations include community centers and a year-round, indoor Night Market, mental health services, a data dashboard, and an AI assessment that covers uses, limits, and risks. Meetings provided meals, a child play area, and a stipend of $50 per meeting for CCC members (though there is a mention of shifting away from a transactional relationship). Recommendations are: Adopt mandatory inclusionary zoning requiring affordable units in new developments. ƒ Expand housing options: duplexes, multifamily, ADUs. ƒ Support seniors on fixed incomes and create homeownership pathways. ƒ Strengthen housing voucher protections and explore employer-assisted housing. Replicate the Crossroads model in other neighborhoods. ƒ Rebrand and expand youth-friendly centers and extend hours. ƒ Create more community gardens and safe spaces. ƒ Place community resource navigators at centers. ƒ Invest in emergency rental assistance and eviction prevention. ƒ Expand renter protections, mediation and legal support. ƒ Create a community justice navigator program. ƒ Increase homelessness assistance programs and shelter capacity.  Expand Community Navigator program for marginalized communities. ƒ Create equitable processes for board/ commission appointments. ƒ Expand access: afterhours services, trusted community locations, local government 101 trainings. ƒ Apply an Equity Framework to policy and budget decisions. ƒ Require diversity, equity and inclusion training for staff, boards, and council. ƒ Create small business navigator program. ƒ Establish affordable indoor marketplaces. ƒ Provide startup funding and grants to entrepreneurs of color. ƒ Increase city investment in BIPOC-serving nonprofits through grants/funding. ƒ Create affordable rent programs or spaces for nonprofits. ƒ Provide mentorship opportunities with non-profits. ƒ Pay nonprofit workers a living wage. ƒ Expand public transportation to underserved neighborhoods with more stops and routes. ƒ Ensure light rail and buses are coordinated. ƒ Ensure multimodal transportation options (walking, biking, driving, transit) in all neighborhoods. ƒ Create more culturally responsive neighborhood/public events. ƒ Host city-sponsored familyfriendly, low or no cost events. ƒ Expand youth services funding. ƒ Expand arts and culture programming across neighborhoods. ƒ Host multi-day international event. Recommendations feed into the Economic Development Plan and the Mobility Plan, etc. Phase 1 budget was $285k. Phase 2 will extend into 2026.  

The Sign Code BCCA will focus on setting form, location, and lighting standards for distinct sign types (e.g.: freestanding signs, wall signs, directional signs). This is an informational update that will present survey response data (130 responses), and no council action is expected. Outreach and engagement efforts will continue in phase 2, when drafting will begin, and Council should be able to take action on a draft in Q1 2026. Page 24 of the attached Engagement Summary pdf shows that there is strong support for decreased allowances for size/type/number of signs in residential areas. There are interesting comments in support of rooftop signs. 

Thursday, November 27th 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Upcoming meetings:     

11/25 Coffee with a Cop at the Symetra Bldg, Cafe Hagen, 10a.-noon (link)

12/1 Cougar Mountain Potential Annexation Area virtual meeting, 4-5pm 

12/3 BDA Urban Forum, 12-1:30pm (link)

12/3 Arts Commission, agenda available now 

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 Coffee with a Cop in Eastgate (link)12/10 Planning Commission: HOMA public hearing

1/14 Planning Commission: BelRed LUCA update and Comp Plan Amendment preview 

Opportunities: 

Upcoming trail maintenance volunteering scheduled for Licorice Fern trail on Cougar Mountain, on Tuesday, Dec 9 from 8:30-3:30pm. Signup in advance since these slots may fill up, though there will also be work parties on Dec 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17. Ages 10 and up are able to participate. https://www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB000003bU0b/ 

There are currently volunteer opportunities with the Bellevue Library in Downtown for Talk Time, which helps with conversational English practice (ages 18+), and Study Zone, which needs tutors and reading buddies (ages 15+).   

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. 

It is possible to volunteer to serve at the Friendsgiving Brunch; see info in the Event calendar. 

Change.org petition regarding Co-living housing that will not have adequate parking or transit access https://c.org/g8PCnPKKdJ  This is not asking that all of these 24 unit buildings on former single family lots within 1/4 walk of Downtown, Crossroads, Factoria, etc., get canceled, but that we copy previously successful models to mitigate the street parking impacts. Affordable Housing Strategy survey is open through Nov 25 or Dec 4. (link)

HOMA will next be heard by the Planning Commission on December 10th. Provide your comments in a letter to planningcommission@bellevuewa.gov by 11am on December 2nd if you would like it to be included in the packet that goes out with the meeting agenda. 

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 by Nov. 12 through a short online survey and to apply for a focus group (link) Survey has been extended through January 1st. 

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 24th (link) 

Speed Safety Camera Program: See the interactive map and share your feedback here through Nov 30th (link)

Fun and Educational Events

Holiday photos: Jingle Bellevue (free!), Nordstrom Bellevue Square, Marketplace at Factoria, Avenue

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 Newport Heights Elementary Holiday Market, 10am-2pm (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 Friends of the Library Book Sale at Newport Way Library, 11am-6pm

11/22 Thread Together mending event at Bellevue Library, $20, 11am-1pm

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 Math Club at the Bellevue Library 3rd floor, grades K-5, 2-4pm (link)

11/22 Swim lesson registration opens for December lessons at Bellevue Aquatic Center, ages 3 and up, at 3pm on Civicrec

11/22 Greg Hatton's Process exhibition opening at the Leica Store Bellevue, 4-5pm (link)

11/22 Seattle Integirls Fall Competition, Elementary through High School at the Redmond AoPS, 4:30-7:30pm (link)

11/22 Aerial Acrobatics performances at Suite, 8pm, 8:40pm, and 9:15pm (link) - recurs 11/29

 11/23 Friendsgiving Brunch at the Bellevue YMCA, free, 11am-1pm (link)

11/23 Flint's Treasure theatrical puzzle quest for ages 9-12 by Theatre33, 11am (link)

11/23 Thinking of Oskar Barnack Photo Review: Leica Store Bellevue, 11am-1pm (link)

11/23 EAC Teen Art Studio graduation exhibition, 12:30pm

11/23 Bellevue Book Club Janya Bharata: The War discussion and book signing with author Manu Nellutla at Viya Contemporary Art Gallery, 12:30-2:30pm

11/23 Women Empowered Self-defense Workshop, 1:20-3:10pm, pre-register (link)

11/25 Share Your Blessings Community Meal at The Together Center in Redmond, 12-2pm, free, but please preregister (link)

11/26 Wednesday night "O Christmas Tea" British Comedy on stage at the Meydenbauer Center, 7:30-9pm, tickets start at $49 (link)

11/26 Musical Bingo at Browne Family Vineyards, 6pm (link)

11/26 Lucky Strike Give Thanks party - free entry, 1/2 price arcade (link)

11/27 Sasquatch Trot, 9am

11/27 Thanksgiving dinner and brunch options (link)

11/27 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue, $40, 6pm (link) recurs Thursdays

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 Kokanee Clay Studio Holiday Sale, 10am-6pm (link)

11/29 Siren: Katherine Van Bebber at Volunteer Park Conservatory, in Seattle noon-2pm(link)

11/30 Wreath-making at Browne Family Vineyards on Main, 3-5pm (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 - registration full (link)

12/4 Mutts and Meows adoption event at Petsmart, 9am-7pm

12/4 Autumn Watercolors class at the Bellevue Library, 10:30am-noon, recurs on 12/11

12/4 How to have zero waste holidays - virtual Greener Living class, 6-7pm (link)

12/4-12/6 Radium Girls play at Bellevue High School

12/4 Founders Live Bellevue at Tapster, 6pm (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 Essentials First Holiday Fair - free hot meal and resource fair, 1-4pm (link)

12/5 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. (link)

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 Event with author Lori Kothe at the  Seward Park Audubon Center in Seattle - a fun morning of bird stories, trivia, and creating bird-themed suncatchers and outdoor birdseed ornaments, free, 10am-noon

12/6 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue, 10:30am-noon, by donation (link)

12/6 Intro to Sublimation Printing & Heat Presses, Bellevue Library Makerspace, 11:30am-12:30pm (link)

12/6 Studio33 grand opening, 11:30-12:30pm 

12/6-12/7 Theatre33 Craft Fair, free, 11:30-4pm and noon-4pm (link)

12/6 Jingle Bellevue: Cookie Decorating 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 Festival of the Nativity creches on display for 8 days, starting at 1pm (link)

12/6 Art Opening for Steve Hammond's Scratch the Surface of Reality at Barlow Gallery, 1pm, with artist talk at 3pm

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 Creator Accelerator Workshops in Factoria hosted by Google Pixel & T-Mobile, noon, free, the second module will be on 12/14 (link)

12/7 Winter Craft Workshop with natural materials at BBG, Grades K and up with adult, 1-2:30pm (link)

12/7 Noël sans Frontières 2025 in Kirkland - All French Choral Christmas Concert, 1pm or 4pm (unclear) sliding scale up to $29 (link)

12/11 Spring District Holiday Celebration and indoor Holiday Market with live reindeer and carolers, 3-7pm (link)

12/11 Intro to Autodesk Fusion at Bellevue Library Makerspace, 4:30-5:30pm (link)

12/13 Keep Bellevue Beautiful Crossroads cleanup starting at Stevenson Elementary, 9-10:30am (link)

12/13 Santa Brunch fundraiser at Moss Bay Hall for Kirkland Mainstreet, $35, 10am-1pm (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)

12/16 Glassybaby wreath-making at Suite, 6-8pm (link)

12/17 Bellevue Library Book Group: Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend, 11am-1pm (link)

12/17 Queer Climb Night at Edgeworks Bel-Red, 7-9pm (link), recurs monthly

12/19-12/21 Merry K-ristmas Market in Factoria shopping art beauty food and DIY fun with Asian-owned brands. Friday and Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm (link)

12/20 Christmas Bird Count - Eastside Audubon has 15 groups, and one begins at Phantom Lake in Bellevue and traverses the Greenbelt trail to Larsen Lake and Blueberry Farm. The team also drives to two other stops. 18+ (link)