The city council has reviewed the latest phase of Bellevue’s updated Economic Development Plan, which is on track for final adoption by December. Initiated in late 2024 as a comprehensive yearlong initiative, the revision highlights how Bellevue’s economic trajectory aligns closely with other leading secondary urban centers in the U.S. Between 2018 and 2023, the city saw a 39% increase in median household income—outpacing all peer cities evaluated in the study. From 2020 to 2023, over 10,000 new jobs were created, reflecting strong labor market growth. The downtown area has expanded significantly, adding 4.3 million square feet of office space within the past five years.
The creative economy, encompassing both traditional arts and select software development activities, continues to be a major contributor to regional output, representing 37% of Bellevue’s gross regional product. Looking ahead, the plan identifies high-potential sectors such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, and clean technology as key areas for investment and expansion. It also emphasizes the importance of nurturing artistic communities and enhancing public spaces to support inclusive economic vitality.
City staff plan to present draft strategies to the council in October, focusing on reinforcing current strengths while addressing potential challenges. Further information can be found in the official meeting documentation.
In a separate decision, the council unanimously approved a boundary adjustment with Kirkland to ensure that the South Kirkland Park & Ride and the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail are fully within Kirkland’s jurisdiction. This change is intended to simplify future development processes—including upgrades to the trail, a proposed light rail station, and transit-oriented infrastructure—by consolidating permitting authority under one municipality. There is no impact on Bellevue’s population or tax revenue, as the affected properties are tax-exempt.
An interagency agreement preserves Bellevue’s involvement in upcoming developments, granting the city input on design, access, and traffic implications. Bellevue will hold a voting position on relevant planning committees and receive early notification of permitting actions, allowing time for feedback.
The council also revised its procedural rules, increasing the maximum exclusion period for individuals who breach decorum during public meetings—from 60 to 180 days. A new requirement mandates at least three business days between the filing of an appeal and its consideration at a public session, ensuring due process. These updates reflect standards used in other municipalities and uphold legal compliance with open meeting laws.
Additionally, a new term limit policy was adopted: individuals may serve no more than two consecutive terms on advisory boards or commissions, regardless of whether those terms are on the same or different panels. After completing two terms, a two-year waiting period applies before reappointment eligibility. This reform is designed to encourage broader civic engagement and diversify representation in advisory roles.
Details of these procedural changes are included in the meeting materials. The full session, including discussions and votes, is available for viewing via Bellevue Television’s video archive.
— news from City of Bellevue (.gov)
— News Original —
Council Roundup: Economic Development Plan update nears completion
Plus, city boundary line adjustment, council rule changes and proclamations for Welcoming Week, Hunger Action Month and National Service Dog Month n nThe council received a report on the most recent update to the city’s Economic Development Plan, targeted for adoption in December. Launched as a yearlong effort in late 2024, the update process has shown Bellevue’s overall economic performance to mirror that of other strong, “second cities” across the country. n nBellevue’s median household income rose 39% from 2018 to 2023, faster than any of the peer cities analyzed for the plan update. More than 10,000 jobs were added from 2020 to 2023. Downtown, in particular, has experienced rapid growth in the last five years, adding 4.3 million square feet of office space. n nThe city’s creative economy, which includes traditional arts and some software development, remained a key economic driver, accounting for 37% of Bellevue’s gross regional product. n nOpportunities for future growth include emerging sectors such as life sciences, artificial intelligence and clean technology. The plan also recommends further support of arts communities and public spaces. n nStaff expect to return to the council in October with draft strategies aimed at furthering the city’s successes while managing risks. Additional details are available in the meeting materials. n nCity boundary changes n nThe council also voted unanimously to adjust the boundary line with the City of Kirkland to ensure the South Kirkland Park & Ride and the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail fall wholly within the city of Kirkland. n nThe adjustments were proposed to streamline future development, including trail improvements, a proposed light rail station and transit-oriented infrastructure, by placing the trail and the park and ride under a single permitting authority. The adjustments do not result in any loss of population or tax revenue to the City of Bellevue, and since the properties are tax-exempt, there is no fiscal impact to the change. n nAn interagency agreement ensures Bellevue retains a meaningful role in shaping future development, including input on design, access, and traffic impacts associated with the development of the park and ride parcel. Bellevue will have a voting seat on relevant planning committees and receive advance notice of permitting decisions, allowing time to comment. n nThe full discussion and vote are available on a video replay of the meeting through Bellevue Television. n nCouncil rule changes n nIn other business, the council voted to make changes to its rules and city code related to exclusion from participating in or attending council, advisory board or commission meetings for people who violate the rules of decorum. n nCouncilmembers unanimously voted to increase the maximum allowable exclusion period from 60 days to 180 days. Councilmembers also voted to include a minimum of three business days after an appeal is received before considering the appeal at a public meeting. These changes align with practices in other cities and maintain constitutional protections and compliance with public meeting laws. n nAdditionally, the council voted to establish a new rule to limit service on advisory boards and commissions to two consecutive terms, regardless of whether those terms are served on the same or different boards. After serving two terms, individuals would need to wait two years before being eligible to serve again. This change aims to broaden community participation and create more opportunities in city advisory roles. n nThe details of these changes are available in the meeting materials. n nProclamations