Meetings for the week of September 15th

Nicole Myers

— 8 min read

Monday, September 15th

Affordable Housing Strategy Update - Strategies and actions to help the City achieve the new affordable housing target of building or preserving 5,700 affordable units in the next ten years, as well as meeting other affordable housing priorities. The five broad housing goals are: affordable housing, housing equity, housing stability, housing for unique needs, and housing supply & diversity.

A Community Facilitator Program has been launched to broaden engagement, and ten facilitators have been recruited to hold listening sessions. 

Work is beginning on the 2027-2028 funding cycle for Behavioral Health and Housing Related Services funding. Commissioners will look at the dashboard, progress report, and Funding Equity Analysis. 

Tuesday, September 16th 

Fall Public Safety Update - statistics to be provided in the presentation. 

Eastgate Campus Update for PorchLight men's shelter and Plymouth Crossing permanent supportive housing - Statistics on police and fire calls, number of individuals served and percentage of local referrals, and the work done to support clients and neighboring residents and businesses. 

Consent Calendar

Amend BCC to allow disposal of surplus items valued at $50k or less 

Accept $400,000 in grant funding from the PSE Decarbonization Program for Energy Smart Eastside (ESE) to implement heat pump incentives for income-qualified households; $136k will be used within Bellevue. This should cover installations from November 2025 through March 2026.

Update Bellevue's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan for 2025 through 2029, and accept up to $515,000.00 of state funds Professional services agreement with a company named Site Workshop, $501k, for a master plan for a new neighborhood park in the BelRed neighborhood that will include trail facilities. The project site is an approximately eight-acre property purchased in 2008. It is located between 124th Avenue NE and 130th Avenue NE along the Spring Boulevard corridor. The property was originally purchased to support multiple public infrastructure projects for transportation, storm and surface water and park purposes. Extend Energy Smart Eastside Boost Heat Pump Reimbursement Contract with Hopelink, increasing the contract from $4,810,090 to an amount not to exceed $8,278,810 and adding a year to the contract. This will fund 100% of heat pump costs for households at or below 80% AMI and leverages the work they do on Energy Assistance. 

Downtown Subarea Comprehensive Plan amendments Updates to the growth targets and descriptions of growth, Description of Downtown’s role as a Regional Center, descriptions of recent development, Grand Connection, Eastrail, Link Light Rail, and through-block connections,the Mobility Implementation Plan, transportation planning process and the Curb Management Plan, added maps, and amended policies to address displacement. 

Crossroads and Newport Neighborhood Area Plans Each of the 16 neighborhood areas within the City has a neighborhood area plan and the Great Neighborhoods program comprehensively updates these on a rolling basis. This describes the outreach process and describes the relationship between neighborhood-specific policies and city-wide initiatives like HOMA. The council will vote based on whether these Neighborhood Area Plans adequately center around strengthening a neighborhood area’s unique identity and community gathering places. A small portion of the BelRed subarea has been transferred to Crossroads. 

Wednesday, September 17th 

CIP Project Status Report: For the Bellevue Airfield Park Master Plan approved a year ago, best procurement methods are being identified.They expect to ask council to approve an A&E agreement with the Berger Partnership Design for Phase II of Meydenbauer Bay Park at a September City Council meeting.  The design for a park operations facility will be shared in a community meeting on October 7th prior to land use submittal in mid-November, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

Finishing touches on the Robinwood Tennis Center exterior siding will be completed this month. 

Design and permitting work have begun to update the Robinswood Park Playground, completion expected in 2027. 

Two final park design concepts for Eastgate are being developed

Lake Sammamish Neighborhood Park: Property Acquistion is partially complete, and work to permit demolition is underway. 

New Eastgate park will be about half an acre, and the community is requesting flexible open lawn areas, community gathering space, covered shelters/pavilions, play structures and picnic seating. Two conceptual design options are provided. Shortlist of park names to be unveiled at the meeting. 

Thursday, September 18th  

  The 2024 Bellevue Electrical Reliability Report is linked to in the event materials

Consent agenda: Classified personnel, Certificated personnel, and Coaches, staff travel, new signatories, $2.8M insurance invoice, $22.7M payroll, $12.8M general fund, $5.9M capital projects, $4.3k ASB fund.

Public Comment (20 minutes) 4:55 - 5:15 pm

Operational Excellence Presentation, not currently available
Selection of representatives for the Disciplinary Appeal Council (DAC)

Info Session for Cross-Cultural Center Without Walls event funding cycle, 6-7pm

Applications will be accepted from now until October 15th

Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) open house at NWAC for Northwest Bellevue

 Meet staff from Transportation, Parks and Community Development who will be present to answer questions about the projects that have been proposed by community members.

Friday, September 19th 

Regional Transportation Plan development process

HB 1491 TOD bill analysis Urban Land Institute (ULI)

Northwest TOD Technical Assistance Panels

Upcoming meetings:  

9/16 Send written comment to the Planning Commission by 11am to be included in packet

9/24 Planning Commission: Critical Areas Ordinance LUCA 

10/2 ESC: Sewer cost-of-service analysis, Utility Bill Assistance Program Expansion

10/4 Factoria Neighborhood Scan (Great Neighborhoods walking tour), 10-noon (link)

10/4 Eastgate Neighborhood Scan (Great Neighborhoods walking tour), 10-noon (link)

10/7 Environmental Sustainability draft at Council, for adoption Nov 18th 

10/7 Bellevue College Community Update on the campus and projects, 5-6pm, Room U208 

10/7 Park Operations Facility planning community meeting 

10/8 Quarterly BDC meeting 

10/8 Planning Commission: HOMA, Neighborhood Area Planning – Eastgate & Factoria 

10/9 Transportation Commission: MIP and TFP updates, Curb Pricing study update

10/16 Innovation Exchange 9am-7pm (link)

10/22 Planning Commission: CAO LUCA, Affordable Housing Strategy Update 

11/6 ESC: Wastewater System Plan Update, Solid Waste Program Update, Utility Bill Assistance Program 

Opportunities: 

Bellevue Naturalist applications are open for the Class of 2026. (link) Bellevue Naturalists learn about our area’s ecology, geology, wildlife, plant life, cultural history, wetlands, forests and streams from professors, local professionals, scientists and park rangers. Participants focus on restoration and conservation efforts, and will help share their passion by working with and educating their community. Annual background check and 100 hours of volunteer service for Bellevue's Parks Department are required, and the classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with Saturday field trips.

Safe Speeds Bellevue survey (link) How safe do you feel on 30+ mph streets? What areas of the city should we focus on first in our review and for future speed limit reductions?

Speed Safety Cameras survey (link)Where should cameras be located? 

Eastgate Neighborhood Plan questionnaire (link)

Factoria Neighborhood Plan questionnaire (link)

Regional Transportation Plan survey (link)

Recurring events: Flowers, produce and music events 

Tuesdays: Crossroads Farmers Market, 12-6pm (link) 

Thursdays: Bellevue Farmers Market, 3-7pm (link)

U-pick Blueberries at Mercer Slough and Larsen Lake are open every day except Monday, and see link for farmstand hours (link) 

Bellevue Botanical Garden has garden tours, classes, and other events (link)

In September, Copper Kettle is closed on Mondays but is open from 10am-2pm on other days, and sandwiches can be pre-ordered (link)

Fun and educational events:

9/16 Visit Bellevue Rotary at Bake's Place, 12-1:30pm (link)

9/16 Art on the Avenue guided tour 5:30-6:30 (link) recurring Tuesdays 

9/16 Happy Hour Vibe Bingo at Legion, 6:30-8pm (link)

9/17 Made in Bellevue: Pressed Wildflower and Leaf Art, 11-1pm (link)

9/17 Youth Fitness Fair at Lake Hills Community Park for ages 2-12 to try scavenger hunts, soccer, basketball, yard games, walks (link) 

9/17 Welcoming Week author event with Dr. Towolawi: Eat the Rainbow at Bellevue Library, ages 3+, 6:30-7:30pm (link)

9/17 Trivia Night at Forum Social House, 6:30-8:30pm (link)

9/17 Climate and Environment Forum for Bellevue City Council Candidates, 7-8:30pm (link)

9/18 Audubon Bird Walk at BBG 9-10:30am (link)

9/18 Jazzercise, Yoga, and Tai Chi at NWAC (link) 

9/18 Bellevue Chamber Lunch City Council Candidate Forum (Positions 1 and 2), 11:30-1pm (link)

9/18 Brass Band Northwest Summer Pops Finale Concert, 12-1:30pm (link)

9/18 Welcome to South Bellevue Community Center tour, 5:30pm, please register (link)

9/18 Maternal Health: Caring across Cultures on Zoom, 6:30-7:30pm (link)

9/18 Old Bellevue Fall Wine Walk (link)

9/18 Hawks live player interviews and Seahawks commentary at Bellevue Square, 7-9pm (link)

9/18-9/19 Swan Lake at Meydenbauer (link)

9/19 Hawaiian Kapa-inspired printing at Ashwood Park, please register, participating takes about 1 hour, 10-1pm (link), also 9/21 

9/19 Park(ing) Day at NE 1st and 102nd, on the south side of Downtown Park, noon-5pm (link)

9/19 Free Improv for All! class for ages 12-19 Jet City Improv at BYT (link) recurring on Fridays 

9/19 Intro to Hula at NBCC, 1-2pm (link)

9/19 BelRed Run Club starting at SKPR, hosted by Eastrail and Kitchen & Market, 5pm (link)

9/20 $5 Yoga in the park, classes at 9am and 10:30am (link)

9/20 BBG and Heronswood Joint Symposium on gardens (link)

9/20 Harvest Festival at Bellevue Demonstration Garden, 10-2pm 

9/20 Bilingual Storytime in English and Chinese - also music and games at Ashwood Park 10:15-11:15 (link) also 9/27

9/20 K-Pop performances and a Random Play Dance, and more at Bellevue City Hall Plaza, 2-6pm (link)

9/20 Voices of Soul interactive musical journey at Bellevue Library, 4:30-5:30pm (link)

9/20 Free Tennis Clinics at Robinswood (link)  - no longer listed - possibly canceled? 

9/20 Ascend Summer Social (link)

9/21 Growing Food and Homesteading with Global Social Business Partners, 2-4pm (link)

9/21 Free Plyometrics class at Crossroads Park 4:30-5:30pm (link) also 9/28

9/21 Divinely Lit Diwali glam event at Avenue, 21+, 5-7pm (link)

9/22 Intro to Chen-style Tai Chi 10-11am (link)

9/23 Silver Sneakers 10-11am (link)

9/24 Aztec Dance Performance at Crossroads Community Center, 5:30-7:30pm (link)9/26 Trend Takeover Runway Show (link)

9/26 Open Mic night at Third Culture Coffee, 7-9pm (link)

9/27 Fiesta del Maiz at Crossroads Park - treats, colorful art, cultural presentations and performances, and activities for kids, 12-5pm (link)

9/27 The Collective Runway Show (link)

9/28 Theatre33 Uncle Misha performance for ages 2-6. Puppet show, games and craft, 45 min total, 11am (link)

9/28 Greener Living Class: Homemade and Healthy Cleaners at Bellevue Library, 1-2pm, please register at least one day in advance (link)

9/29 Free Line Dancing class at Crossroads Community Center, 5:30-7:30pm, please register (link) 

10/2 Bellevue Botanical Garden - Washington Native Plant Society lecture on Camas Praries in Snoqualmie Valley, 7-8:30pm free (link)

10/4-10/5 Northwest Chocolate Festival 

10/4 Fall Beauty Event at Bellevue Square, 9-10:30, pre-register (link)

10/4 Draw Dynamic Trees art class at BBG, 10-noon, pre-register (link)

10/4 Bellevue Fiesta Latina at Spring District Park 11-5pm (link)

10/5 Trufusion Barre class at Bellevue Square, 9:30-11am, register early (link)

10/5 Let Go to Let Grow intention setting and sound bath at SBCC, 3-4:30pm, pre-register (link)

10/8 National Walk and Roll to School Day 

10/8 Made in Bellevue- Air Plants and Cactus lunchtime crafting activity, drop in 11-1pm (link)

10/8-10/12 Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, a five-day celebration with 24 shows (link)

10/10-10/12 First weekend of Theatre33's Rumors by Neil Simon - razor sharp comedy for 14+ (link)

10/11 Japan Week at Bellevue College Festival Day 10am-5pm, other events starting 10/6 (link)

Recently posted on NewBellevue.com: 

Blueprint: Putting rail on the bridge (link)

The Intensity Factor - how the CAO update could result in upzoning near streams and wetlands (link)

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