Council Roundup Diversity Advantage 2035 and Centering Communities of Color

During a recent meeting, the Bellevue City Council engaged with the Centering Communities of Color Coordinating Team to discuss proposed updates to the Diversity Advantage Plan, emphasizing community-driven priorities such as affordable housing and inclusive spaces. This plan, initially adopted in 2014, has significantly improved outreach and cultural initiatives, and the upcoming major update will include actionable steps for city departments over the next two years. The council also addressed the impending vacancy left by Councilmember Janice Zahn, who will resign in March to join the state Legislature, outlining a transparent process for appointing her successor. Additionally, the council took steps to update the critical areas ordinance to ensure compliance with the Growth Management Act, focusing on refining protections for wetlands and floodplains while accommodating Bellevue's growth. This update is crucial for maintaining eligibility for vital environmental funding. The meeting concluded with the approval of the BelRed Look Forward Land Use Code Amendment, which aligns development regulations with the city's Comprehensive Plan, promoting affordable housing and job growth. These initiatives reflect Bellevue's commitment to addressing pressing community needs and fostering inclusive growth. More information on these topics is available in the meeting materials.