Bellevue Chamber Highlights Local Developments and Community Initiatives
Bellevue's Chamber of Commerce highlights recent local developments, including the opening of new transit stations and community initiatives.
Bellevue's Chamber of Commerce highlights recent local developments, including the opening of new transit stations and community initiatives.
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.
Bellevue City Council discussed the Diversity Advantage Plan 2035, aimed at enhancing equity and inclusion across the community. The council also reviewed proposed amendments to the sign code, focusing on modern design and community feedback. Additionally, they proclaimed November 29 as Small Business Saturday to support local businesses.
The City of Bellevue has launched new services to support small businesses, including free consulting for navigating development permits. Mayor Lynne Robinson emphasized the importance of small businesses, which constitute 97% of the city's economy. The initiative aims to streamline resources and foster local economic growth.
Bellevue officials warn homeowners about the risk of frozen water pipes this winter and provide prevention tips on November's episode of Lake to Lake. The show also highlights Bellevue’s Community Court program and the city's transportation planning efforts.
Construction will begin on December 1 at Robinswood Park to install new synthetic turf on two sports fields and upgrade field lighting. Parks & Community Services Director Michael Shiosaki highlighted the significance of the project, made possible by the 2022 Parks and Open Space Levy approved by voters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.