Government
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.
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All Local News for Bellevue
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Transportation
Bellevue to evaluate installing new speed safety cameras
Bellevue plans to expand its speed safety camera program to enhance traffic safety, targeting high-risk areas by late 2025. This initiative aims to align with the city's Vision Zero goal of eliminating severe crashes by 2030. The City Council will review proposed camera locations based on crash data and community feedback.
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Government
Council Roundup Grand Connection approaches new milestones
Bellevue City Council updates include the Grand Connection program's progress, a proposed code amendment for e-scooters, and advancements in the Sustainable Bellevue Plan. The council aims to improve pedestrian experiences and align e-scooter regulations with state laws, while exceeding emissions reduction targets ahead of schedule.
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Social Issues
Apply to become community facilitator for Bellevues Affordable Housing Strategy Update
Bellevue seeks community facilitators to lead discussions on affordable housing as part of its 2025 Affordable Housing Strategy. The city aims to engage diverse voices, particularly those affected by housing challenges, with applications open until July 30. Facilitators will receive training to help amplify community input during conversations scheduled for August and September.
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Government
Bellevue joins lawsuit to protect access to federal grant funds
Bellevue and 26 other jurisdictions have joined a lawsuit against HUD and DOT to protect access to $65 million in federal grants. The lawsuit claims new conditions imposed by the federal government are unconstitutional and unrelated to the grants' intended purposes. City officials argue these conditions conflict with local laws and community values.
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Government
FAQ keeps residents up-to-date on Republic Services work stoppage
Republic Services has scheduled an additional waste drop-off date for Bellevue residents on July 19 at Odle Middle School amid a work stoppage. The city advises residents to expect long wait times and traffic impacts. More drop-off dates may be added if the situation persists.
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Government
Council Roundup Financial forecast update
Bellevue City Council reported stable tax revenues amid national economic uncertainty affecting local growth projections. The council approved permit deadline extensions to support developers facing market challenges and received updates on a work stoppage impacting garbage collection services.
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Government
City manager names Dave Tait Bellevue fire chief
Bellevue City Manager Diane Carlson appointed Dave Tait as the new fire chief on July 16, 2025. Tait, a 28-year veteran of the department, has served as interim chief since April after the retirement of former chief Jay Hagen. His extensive experience includes roles as firefighter, paramedic, and deputy chief.
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Arts
Turn Up the Volume on Your Lunch Break with Live at Lunch
Bellevue Library will host the “Live at Lunch” concert on July 16, 2025, in downtown Bellevue. The event features local artist Brittnie Eakle and aims to engage the community during lunch hours. Attendees can enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Arts
Movies under the stars at Downtown and Crossroads parks
Movies in the Park returns to Bellevue with free screenings set for Downtown Park on Tuesdays from July 15 to August 19 and Crossroads Park on Thursdays from July 31 to August 21. Each event will feature local musicians and interactive entertainment before the films, beginning pre-movie activities at 7 p.m. and screenings at dusk.
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Government
Bellevue residents can access waste drop-off location during Republic Services work stoppage
Bellevue residents can drop off waste at a free location provided by Republic Services during an ongoing labor dispute. The drop-off will be available at Bannerwood Park on July 15 and 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. respectively.
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Government
City offering 30 million in Affordable Housing Fund and Housing Stability Program funding
Bellevue's Office of Housing invites affordable housing developers to submit proposals for up to $30 million in funding from its Housing Stability Program and Affordable Housing Fund. Proposals are due by September 9, 2025, and aim to support projects for households earning below 60% of the area median income.
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Culture
Bellevue International Festival celebrates culture and community
Bellevue invites the public to the International Festival on July 10, 2025, at Crossroads Park, featuring family-friendly activities and performances. The festival will showcase diverse cultures with food trucks, vendors, and community information, including kindergarten registration and a school supplies giveaway.
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Transportation
Lower speed limits coming to four Bellevue streets
Bellevue will reduce speed limits on four streets to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The changes, part of the Safe Speeds Bellevue initiative, aim to support the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030. The new limits will be implemented later this month following City Council approval.
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Education
Palestinian-American author calls out WA school for cancelling book event
Bellevue School District canceled Palestinian-American author Safa Suleiman's book-reading event due to a blog post detailing her family's death in Israeli airstrikes. Suleiman argues the cancellation reflects a double standard and has continued her readings elsewhere, including a recent event hosted by CAIR-WA.
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Government
Neighborhood Walks at BelRed Arts District, Eastgate and Cougar MountainLakemont
Bellevue's summer Neighborhood Walks series returns for its ninth season this July, offering residents a chance to engage with city staff. The walks will take place in three neighborhoods, allowing participants to discuss their community's unique character and needs.
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Education
Bellevue School District cancels Palestinian author event
Bellevue School District canceled an event featuring Palestinian-American author who was scheduled to read her new children's book at an elementary school. The author criticized the district for the abrupt cancellation, raising concerns about censorship and its implications for diversity in educational settings.
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Government
Council Roundup Council approves middle housing regulations
Bellevue City Council approved new housing regulations to comply with state laws mandating diverse housing options. The updates include provisions for middle housing, such as reduced building heights and a fee-in-lieu option for developers. Additionally, the council announced plans to launch a Community Court aimed at addressing low-level misdemeanors.
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Agriculture
Mercer Slough farm stand is back for blueberries
U-pick blueberries return to Mercer Slough this weekend after a hiatus due to light rail construction. Starting July 8, picking hours will expand to Tuesday through Sunday, with the first 200 customers receiving free ice cream sandwiches. The farm stands at both locations will also operate with extended hours throughout the summer.
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Arts
Bellevue celebrates new public art additions with artist reception
Bellevue has added 15 new artworks to its public art collection after reviewing over 200 submissions from local artists. The city will host a free reception on July 9 to celebrate this acquisition, featuring live music and remarks from city leaders.
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