Women's self-defense classes featured in It's Your City

Since its launch in 2022, the “Women Empowered” self-defense workshops have seen participation from over 2,000 women across the Puget Sound, underscoring the program's vital role in promoting personal safety and empowerment. Featured in the Winter-Spring edition of It's Your City, this initiative highlights Bellevue's commitment to community engagement. The edition also introduces the “Emerging Radiance” art installation at the Bellevue Library, honoring the contributions and history of Japanese American farmers in the area. In response to growing concerns over parking availability, the Transportation Department is conducting a curb pricing study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing paid parking in Bellevue's urban core. Furthermore, the Great Neighborhoods planning program is set to intensify its efforts in the Crossroads and Newport neighborhoods with place-based workshops and neighborhood walks scheduled for March. Councilmember Dave Hamilton's column discusses innovative solutions being developed to increase affordable housing in Bellevue, stressing a collaborative approach where no single neighborhood bears the full burden. The next issue of It's Your City is anticipated in June, promising continued updates on community initiatives and developments. This article encapsulates Bellevue's proactive stance on enhancing community welfare through safety programs, arts, and urban planning.