Meetings for the week of October 20th
Monday, October 20th
Human Services Commission, 6pm (link)
Public hearing on housing and human services needs. Input will be used to inform future human services funding recommendations and is considered during the 2026 CDBG funding allocation process and will be included in the 2026 Annual Action Plan. The Public Hearing is followed by a 30-day public comment period to receive input from community members on the draft Annual Action Plan. If additional funding becomes available after the HSC has completed their recommendations, those dollars will be evenly split between the most critical needs reported in the 2025 Human Services Needs Update which are: 1) shelter and shelter-based programs 2) financial assistance 3) food & basic needs.
Tuesday, October 21st
Bellevue College Community Update on the campus and projects, 5-6pm, Room U208
City Council, 6pm (link)
Speaker sign-up starts at noon (link)
Parks & Community Services Board written report and City Manager report on reaccreditation. Recent highlights include improved ADA access to South Bellevue Community Center from Newport Way, roof replacement at the Enatai Beach Park boathouse, and replaced play equipment at several locations including Hidden Valley Park, Newport Hills Park, and Clyde Beach Park. Park design recommendation for Eastgate should be forwarded to the City Council before the end of this year.
Consent Calendar:
Claims and payroll $31.3M and $18.4M
Ordinances adopting the Neighborhood Area Plans for Newport and Crossroads and the Subarea Plan for Downtown (these make small amendments to the BelRed, Wilburton, and Factoria Subarea Plan). Downtown's plan mentions expansion of vehicular capacity on 110th. It removes expansion related to NE 2nd (page 23), the concept of a subterranean arterial under NE 6th, and grade-separated Bellevue Way intersections. Many other policies were deleted, and details will be added here before the meeting.
Ordinance adopting the City’s 2025 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, as set forth in Ordinance Nos. 6867, 6868, and 6869 for Newport, Downtown, and Crossroads.
Ordinance to reduce the speed limit on 130th Avenue NE between NE Bellevue-Redmond Road and NE 24th Street from 30 mph to 25 mph, to align with the recent completion of the 130th Ave NE Corridor project.
Ordinance establishing time-restricted parking on 130th Ave NE between NE Spring Blvd. and NE 20th St.
Ordinance authorizing agreements with Coast to Coast Turf, LLC, and Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, to complete a renovation project at Robinwood Park ($2.3M and $800k).
2025 Affordable Housing Strategy Update - City Council launched the update to the AHS in November 2024 with an affordable housing target to build or preserve 5,700 affordable units in ten years. 0-30% AMI 2,700 - 30-50% AMI 1,450 - 50-80% AMI 1,550. New focus areas in the AHS include acquisition and preservation strategies. Staff conducted a gap analysis based on what would be expected to be created by the market, and even assuming public and philanthropic funding and incentives, a shortfall of 2000 units is expected, specifically in the lower income bands. Priorities will then be presented to the public in November at an information session and will be evaluated via a public survey.
Multifamily Tax Exemption Program Update - Since July 2021, seven out of nine permitted market-rate multifamily rental projects have applied or intend to apply to the MFTE program. The average 80% AMI MFTE household spends $2,227 per month on rent. This is approximately 25% less per month than comparable market rate renters, a savings of nearly $9,500 annually. The average Bellevue MFTE household income is only 56% AMI, indicating that many MFTE households spend over 30% of their income on housing expenses. Staff did not directly interview MFTE tenants as part of this engagement effort.
In 2025, the MFTE program helped buy down over $2.5 million in rents across all active MFTE units in Bellevue. It contributes to housing stability by limiting MFTE rent increases to 3% annually. In 2025, the City’s MFTE program provided tax exemptions to six properties, resulting in a total tax exemption of approximately $3.5 million. Of this, $2.6 million was shifted to other taxpayers across the state, and $1.1M to other Bellevue ratepayers, and Bellevue also collects $122k less tax. It represents 0.13% of 2025 City property tax collections. The Supercharger program used in Wilburton gives much more benefit to the property owners than the renters, but the rent saved is still lower than the cost of the program to Bellevue.
An 8 year MFTE program with permanent affordable units is recommended in addition to the 12 year MFTE program with temporary affordability. Staff recommends we evaluate the possibility of a 12 year extension later, since the first project expiration will happen in 2031. Staff also recommends a 20 year MFTE program for homeownership - projects would sell 25% of units to households earning below 80% AMI. Staff will take feedback on these proposals now and return in early December
In the Production Summary Appendix, Terrapin is only planning to have 35 MFTE units, I'm not sure if this is a change since the building was reported on here. Some buildings are using Land Use Incentives for deeper affordability.
Wednesday, October 22nd
Information session about participating in programming at light rail stations for the 2026 World Cup, 4-6pm (link) - Small businesses, local artists, cultural organizations, nonprofits and creative entrepreneurs can learn about grants.
Planning Commission, 6:30pm (link)
Written Communications (link) includes a Bellevue Chamber PLUSH committee letter about HOMA that starts on page 25 and a letter about Eastgate Plaza upzoning in the NMU category under HOMA (page 33) There are concerns about the new NAP outreach events for Eastgate and Factoria (pages 66 and 14) Page 90 has a nice diagram that shows the implications of the CAO for a site that is already developed and impervious now.
Oral Communications signup (link) to speak about non-CAO issues opens at noon
Public Hearing signup (link) to speak later in the meeting about the CAO, also opens at noon
Public Hearing on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA), which includes changes such as increased buffers for some non-degraded streams (but not as much as had been expected to comply with the Best Available Science), some non-degraded streams to stay the same, and decreased buffers for degraded/armored streams, with an extra 25% reduction in buffer if needed for feasibility. Habitat corridor requirement and vegetated buffer standards will be added. Added regulatory exemption for small Category IV wetlands. New exemption pathway for manmade slopes to not qualify as a critical area. Eliminate setback for geologic hazard areas, though buffer will still be required, and there is a new buffer reduction pathway, as well as a regulatory exemption for “minor work.” New Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs) regulations for wellhead protection areas. Allow middle housing to be included in the Reasonable Use Exception, and simplify rules around limits of disturbance. Remove Density/Intensity calculation for development yield. Remove restriction on lot coverage calculation. Standardize buffer structure setbacks. Memo mentions an "innovative mitigation option for sites in a degraded condition to provide additional site design flexibility."
A lengthy table of public comments is included. A WDFW letter (see page 51 of the Written Communications), says that the proposed stream buffers are inadequate. The WDFW letter that follows that is a good introduction to the various issues covered in the CAO.
Thursday, October 23rd
Bellevue Centers Communities of Color Coordinating Team Meeting, 5:30pm (link)
Discussion of the preliminary Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 and key updates
Final Bellevue City Council Candidate Forum
Hosted by APIC at 6pm, Please register in advance here if you'd like to watch!
Upcoming meetings:
10/28 Co-living Housing Information Session, noon-1:15pm (link)
10/30 Land Use meeting for Broadstone East Wilburton, 6pm (link)
11/5 Planning Commission Retreat
11/6 BNOA
11/6 BSD Board Meeting
11/6 ESC: Solid Waste Program Update, Utility Bill Assistance Program, Sewer cost-of-service rate design
11/6 Affordable Housing Strategy Update info session, 6-7:30pm (link)
11/18 City Council meeting may include TFP
12/9 City Council meeting may include Curb Pricing
12/10 Planning Commission: HOMA public hearing
Opportunities:
The City of Bellevue is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Interested community members who live in Bellevue are encouraged to apply online by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24. (link)
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.
Petition regarding Bellevue College: Stop the proposal of dissolvement of School of Business & Tech Division (link)
Petition regarding Bellevue College: Stop the proposal of dissolvement of early childhood and parenting programs (link)
Petition to restore bus service for South Bellevue neighborhoods (link)
The surveys for the Factoria and Eastgate NAP updates has closed, but you can still use the Ask a Question feature on Engaging Bellevue (link)
Events:
Tickets are on sale now for Bellevue Botanical Garden's Garden d'Lights, which is open from November 29-December 31st. (link)
Make your reservations now for Seattle (Bellevue) Restaurant Week, October 26-November 8th (link)
10/21 Happy Hour Vibe Bingo at Legion, 6:30-8pm (link)
10/21 Dmitry Shishkin piano concert, 7pm (link)
10/21 Tuesday Trivia at Evergreen Point Bistro, 7pm (link)
10/22 Made in Bellevue- Decorating Pumpkins lunchtime crafting activity, drop in 11-1pm (link)
10/22 Upcycling for gifts Zero Waste class at Lake Hills Library, 6-7pm (link)
10/22 Trivia Night at Forum Social House, 6:30-8:30pm (link), recurring Wednesdays
10/23 Downtown Bellevue: BelRed Run Club at the Westin Hotel Downtown - free juice shots and sampling bites at the end of the run, 5:30pm (link)
10/24 Monster Mash Halloween Bash at the Northwest Arts Center, 5:30-8pm (link) - indoor play gym and treats, Free
10/24-10/26 First weekend of Phantom (a steampunk retelling, not a musical) at BYT (link)
10/24-10/26 Theatre33's Rumors by Neil Simon - razor sharp comedy for 14+, subtitled (link)
10/24 Halloween theme at Lucky Strike Bellevue, 10pm-2am (link)
10/25 Master Gardeners: Creating a happy home for houseplants, 9:30-10:30am (link)
10/25 October Harvest Market (by Bellevue Farmers Market), 10am-3pm (link)
10/25 Residential Permitting Expo at Bellevue City Hall, 10am-1pm (link) - ADUs, MyBuildingPermit.com, and meet city staff!
10/25 Halloween on the HIll at SBCC, 10-6:30pm, great for ages 3-14 (link) - pumpkin race, carnival, and magic show
10/25 Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra 's Annual Halloween Children's Concert: A Spooktacular Symphony 11am-1:15pm (link)
10/25 BelRed Arts Studio opening celebration 11-1pm (link)
10/25 Halloween Spooktacular at Crossroads - pumpkin decorating, Truck-or-Treat, and more 12-3pm (link)
10/25 Trick or Treat with the Farm Animals at Kelsey Creek Farm (must preregister), $30-36, 1-3pm
10/25 Crossroads Community Trunk or Treat at the YMCA, 5:30-7:30pm (link)
10/25 Bellevue Symphony Fall Extravaganza, 7:30pm (link)
10/25 Suite Restaurant and Lounge Halloween Party, 8:30pm (link)
10/26 Vuori Bellevue x Pivot outdoor workout, 9-11am (link)
10/26 Fall Colors Photo Review at the Leica store, 11am-1pm (link)
10/26 Pokémon TCG Pokéween at MOX Boardinghouse, 11-4 (link)
10/26 Demon Hunters Family Halloween Party, 12-3pm (link)
10/26 Little Monsters on Main St, 1-3pm (link)
10/26 Trans and Nonbinary Swim, 3-6pm (link)
10/27 Transportation Week: Grand Connection Walking Tour, 10am (link)
10/27 Transportation Week: Sustainable Commutes with Metro Vanpool, 1pm (link)
10/27 Jet City Improv's Improv 101 starts at the NW Arts Center in Bellevue (7 week class), 7:30pm (link) There are also classes on Tues/Wed/Thu for more advanced students.
10/28 Transportation Week: KC Metro Charging Station Tour, 10am (link)
10/28 Sip & Paint "Fall Linen Napkins" at Suite, 6-8pm (link)
10/28 Look for the Helpers discussion led by Supt. Kelly Aramaki about supporting students, 6:30-8pm
10/29 Transportation Week: TOD and Bellhop Ride, 9:30am (link)
10/29 Halloween Luncheon at NBCC, 55+, 11:30-1pm
10/29 Transportation Week: Last Mile Talk and Happy Hour, 4pm (link)
10/30 Transportation Week: Future of the region, 9am (link)
10/30 TW: Micromobility Happy Hour, 3pm (link)
10/30 French and Italian wine tasting at Primo's, 5:30-6:30pm (link)
10/31 4th Annual Breakfast with the Chief to support the Bellevue Fire Foundation
10/31 TW: Tour de Terminals bike tour of the Seattle Waterfront, 10am (link)
10/31 Halloween Factoria, 4:30-6:30pm (link) meet characters and trick-or-treat
10/31 Open Mic night at Third Culture Coffee, 7-9pm (link)
10/31 Gothic Afterlife Halloween Party at W Living Room Bar, 8-11:30pm (link)
10/31 Gothic Glam Halloween Lounge Party at Ascend, 9pm-midnight (link)
11/1 and 11/2 Halloween Hangover Spooktacular at KidsQuest, 10-4pm (link)
11/1 Yoga in the Gallery at Avenue Bellevue 10:30am (link)
11/1 Halloween Party at the Mirra, 10pm-2am (link)
11/2 Day of the Dead Celebration at Puesta del Sol (open to the public)
11/6 Cultural Conversations- Empowering Cultural Empathy at Lewis Creek Visitor Center 6-7:30pm (link)
11/7 Open Clay studio at KidsQuest, 5-7pm - exploration is free with admission, glaze and firing is an extra $10.50 (link)
11/7 Family Chess Night at Crossroads, 7-8:45pm (link) recurs monthly
11/8 Rebalance x Balmuda HIIT yoga class, tea, and light bites at W Bellevue, 9:30-noon (link)
11/14 Cookie Decorating Class at Suite, 6-8pm (link)
11/15 Keep Bellevue Beautiful Eastgate cleanup, 9am (link)
11/16 TedX Factoria Humanity on the Brink, 3-5:30pm (link)
11/28-11/29 KidsQuest Gingerbread workshops, multiple times, the 21+ event is on Friday at 5pm (link)
Recently posted on NewBellevue.com:
Are we ready for impact? (link)
Updates on Cottage Tower Cluster (link) and Is Bellevue the best place for two homes on one lot? (link)