Council Roundup Councilmember Stokes Steps Down

At a recent Bellevue City Council meeting, Councilmember John Stokes announced his decision to step down, citing family priorities as the reason for his departure. Stokes, who has been a council member since 2012, plans to move to Ballard to support his daughter and new granddaughter. The council is set to evaluate four candidates for his vacant seat in an executive session on April 15. In a related development, Claire Sumadiwirya was officially sworn in to take the seat previously held by Janice Zahn. The meeting also included a report on the Sustainable Bellevue Plan, which has achieved notable progress, including an 8% reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions since 2011. This reduction occurred alongside a 25% increase in population and job growth, showcasing the city's commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the council took steps towards the annexation of 52 acres of land in the Cougar Mountain area, potentially marking the city's last annexation. These discussions highlight Bellevue's ongoing efforts to engage with community priorities and environmental goals.