BELLEVUEWA

The Bellevue Downtown Association will host over 20 live jazz and blues performances from October 8-12, 2027, at various venues in Bellevue, Washington. The event aims to showcase local talent and attract music enthusiasts to the area. Performances will take place at notable locations, including The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel.

NEWSNov 20

Bellevue installs defibrillator at Robinswood Park

Bellevue will install a new automated external defibrillator at Robinswood Park on November 22, 2025. The device is expected to significantly increase survival rates during sudden cardiac arrests, with a 90% chance of survival if used within the first minute. City officials, along with representatives from nonprofit Project 100 and Medic One, will unveil the defibrillator at the park.

NEWSNov 20

City adopts new five-year sustainability strategy

Bellevue City Council adopted the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan outlines 41 strategies focusing on climate change, energy usage, and community resilience. Mayor Lynne Robinson emphasized the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

NEWSNov 20

Council Roundup Mid-bi budget adopted

The Bellevue City Council unanimously adopted budget modifications for 2025-2026, including updates to employee pay and property tax levies. The council advanced plans for Eastgate Commons, a new neighborhood park, and received an update on the Mobility Implementation Plan aimed at improving transportation networks.

NEWSNov 19

Garden dLights illuminates holidays with half million lights

Bellevue Botanical Garden's annual event, Garden d’Lights, begins on November 19, 2025, and features half a million lights. The event, running until November 29, celebrates the holiday season and draws visitors to the garden's enchanting displays.

NEWSNov 17

Your Guide to the Holidays in Downtown Bellevue

Families and friends can celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Bellevue with various events, including festive photo experiences, holiday markets, and dining options for Thanksgiving. Highlights include the Snowflake Lane parade and the enchanting Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Numerous local venues will host events from late November through December.

NEWSNov 13

Council Roundup Council draws 600,000 from its contingency to support urgent community needs

The City Council approved a $600,000 investment for immigrant and refugee legal assistance, food, and financial support. This funding follows community requests and builds on previous allocations for urgent needs. The council also reviewed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance and co-living housing regulations.

NEWSNov 10

Free Bellevue Naturalist training

Bellevue Naturalists invite applications for a free training program aimed at cultivating environmental volunteers from the community. Training runs from February 5 to April 23, 2026, with Bellevue residents receiving selection priority. Volunteers must commit to 100 hours of service post-training.

NEWSNov 7

Public invited to 2025 Bellevue Essentials graduation ceremony

Bellevue will host a graduation ceremony for the 2025 Bellevue Essentials program featuring keynote speaker Kevin P. Henry, a former city diversity leader. Henry aims to inspire 36 graduates with insights on leadership and community engagement. The event, open to the public, will take place on November 19 at City Hall.

NEWSNov 6

City hires director for human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion work

Bellevue has appointed Bindi Lassige as the new director of human resources and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, starting on November 24. Lassige brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience, including a decade at the Gates Foundation, where she focused on equity and organizational accountability. She succeeds Joy St. Germain, who retires after 36 years of public service.

NEWSNov 5

Popular Community Programming Fund featured in It's Your City

Bellevue's Community Programming Fund has supported nearly 40 events this year, including a book giveaway and a night market. The program aims to unite residents and visitors in public spaces and may continue next year with a focus on series-based programming and World Cup themes.

NEWSNov 5

City takes action to address immediate nutrition needs in community

Bellevue allocates $235,000 to support local food assistance agencies following federal SNAP benefit cuts affecting families. The funding will distribute resources to 11 community organizations and provide grocery gift cards to those in need.

NEWSNov 4

Community invited to share input by Nov. 12 on Bellevues water plans

Bellevue Utilities updates its storm and surface water, drinking water, and wastewater plans to ensure reliable services and environmental protection. Residents can provide feedback through an online survey by November 12 and apply to join a focus group to discuss community water priorities.

NEWSNov 3

Bellevue to host planning and code amendments town hall

Bellevue's Code and Policy team will host a hybrid town hall on November 17 to discuss proposed code amendments impacting development and housing. Community members can participate in person or virtually to learn about upcoming projects and engage with city planners.

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City seeks opioid education and prevention provider

Bellevue seeks organizations to provide culturally and linguistically specific opioid education and prevention services, offering up to $10,000 for the initiative in 2026. Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on November 19, aiming to enhance connections between crisis response workers and community groups.

NEWSOct 30

Bellevues proposed Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 debuts at public open house

Bellevue will host an open house on Nov. 20 to unveil the preliminary Diversity Advantage Plan 2035. The event aims to gather community feedback on the updated plan, which focuses on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dinner and activities for children will be available; pre-registration is required.

NEWSOct 30

Council Roundup Mid-biennium budget discussions begin

Bellevue City Council discussed proposed adjustments to the 2025-2026 biennial budget, reflecting updated revenue projections and a potential 1% property tax increase for 2026. The council also reviewed community feedback aimed at enhancing Bellevue's brand identity and announced a public hearing for budget input on November 12.

NEWSOct 30

Bellevues proposed Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 debuts at open house

Bellevue will host an open house on November 20, 2025, to unveil the preliminary Diversity Advantage Plan 2035. The update process involved community feedback to enhance diversity and inclusion in the city. Dinner and children’s activities will be available, and preregistration is required.

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Educational event celebrates Native American Heritage Month

The City of Bellevue will host an educational event to celebrate Native American Heritage Month on October 29, 2025. The event highlights the contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, fostering community understanding and relationships.

NEWSOct 28

City adopts Newport and Crossroads neighborhood plans

Bellevue City Council adopted the Newport and Crossroads neighborhood plans, redesignating the downtown area as a Metropolitan Regional Center. The plans reflect 15 months of community engagement to create a vision for the future of Bellevue's neighborhoods.

NEWSOct 27

A Holiday Tradition Returns The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink Marks 28 Years of Winter Magic

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink will celebrate 28 years of "Winter Magic" starting October 27, 2025. This popular holiday tradition in Bellevue, Washington, attracts visitors to the Seattle Metropolitan Area for ice skating and festive activities.

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Council Roundup Updates provided on Affordable Housing progress and the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program

Bellevue City Council reviewed progress on the 2025 Affordable Housing Strategy, aiming to build or preserve 5,700 affordable units over the next decade. The Council also discussed updates to the Multifamily Tax Exemption program, which incentivizes affordable housing development. The Parks & Community Services Department received reaccreditation from CAPRA, achieving a perfect score of 154 out of 154.

NEWSOct 24

Parks Community Services Department earns perfect score with reaccreditation

Bellevue’s Parks & Community Services Department achieved a perfect score of 154 out of 154 in reaccreditation from the national Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. This recognition highlights the department's effective management of the city’s extensive parks and trails network.

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Elevated Perspectives Exploring Urban Innovation in the Mile High City

The Bellevue Downtown Association's Study Tour delegation visited Denver in early October to explore urban innovation and placemaking strategies. The three-day itinerary featured insights into transformative projects, including the redevelopment of Union Station and the activation of Downtown Denver's urban core.