Bellevue joins lawsuit to protect access to federal grant funds

Bellevue and 26 other jurisdictions have joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation to protect access to about $65 million in federal grant funding. The lawsuit, King County et al. v. Turner et al., claims that new conditions tied to the grants are unconstitutional and exceed executive authority without congressional approval. These conditions include stipulations on immigration enforcement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, which may force local governments to align with federal mandates that conflict with state laws and community values. Bellevue City Manager Diane Carlson highlighted that the grants support essential services and projects that promote inclusion and community welfare. The amended complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Bellevue aims to maintain its eligibility for federal funding without having to accept conditions it believes are unlawful. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact how federal funds are allocated and the conditions attached to them. Local officials stress the importance of these grants for ongoing community projects and services.