Another Year of Challenges, Successes and Resiliency...A Message From the BDA President

In his New Year message, BDA President Patrick Bannon addresses the challenges and triumphs faced by Downtown Bellevue in the past year, particularly due to the pandemic. He underscores the significance of the Heart of Bellevue campaign, which has successfully highlighted over 300 local businesses and shared inspiring community stories. Bannon reflects on the founding principles of the BDA nearly 50 years ago, emphasizing cooperative action as a means to create a vibrant downtown. He suggests that the future of Downtown Bellevue hinges on building connections, both physical and human, rather than solely focusing on infrastructure. The article acknowledges that while Downtown is a work in progress, the collaborative strength of its community will drive improvement and unity. Bannon expresses appreciation for each BDA member's role in shaping the city and conveys well wishes for a prosperous New Year. His message resonates with themes of resilience, community support, and the importance of shared experiences in overcoming challenges. The article ultimately serves as a call to action for continued engagement and cooperation among residents and businesses.