Bellevue's Cultural Conversations series will relaunch with an event titled "The Bellevue We Hope For" on September 4, 2025. The event aims to foster community engagement and discussions about the future of Bellevue, featuring insights from local leaders, including Kelly Aramaki.
A community event called "Pop-Up on the Plaza" will take place in Plaza, Alava Province, Spain, on August 26, 2025. The event focuses on community organizing, small businesses, and performances, aiming to foster connections among local residents.
Bellevue launched the Safe Routes to School program to enhance safety for students commuting to school. The initiative includes funding for street improvements and traffic safety education, coinciding with the start of classes in the Bellevue School District on September 2.
Bellevue is testing LIDAR technology to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections. The system can adjust walk signal durations in real-time based on pedestrian movement. This pilot initiative aims to improve traffic flow and safety for walkers and cyclists.
Bellevue will join other Eastside cities in celebrating Welcoming Week from September 12-21. This national event promotes inclusion and diversity, bringing together neighbors of various backgrounds, especially recent immigrants.
Bellevue police shot and killed Patrick Wilfred Sathyanathan, a 60-year-old resident, on Aug. 8, 2025. The Independent Force Investigative Team-King County is conducting an independent investigation, issuing weekly updates on the case. Inquiries should be directed to State Patrol Sgt. Jermaine Walker.
Downtown Bellevue will host various events this summer, including an interactive media experience featuring "Monsters University." The event begins on August 15, 2025, and will take place in Bellevue, Washington.
Bellevue officials released a draft of the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan for public comment, accepting feedback until September 8. The plan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes strategies across five focus areas, emphasizing climate resilience and sustainable city operations.
The Bellevue City Council approved a preliminary 20-year transportation plan that includes various projects aimed at addressing emerging needs. The plan will replace the existing 2022-2033 Transportation Facilities Plan and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Additionally, the council launched neighborhood planning efforts in Eastgate and Factoria as part of the "Great Neighborhoods" initiative.
Bellevue partners with Govstream.ai to pilot AI tools aimed at streamlining its permitting process. The initiative seeks to enhance efficiency and support housing and economic development goals while ensuring user-friendly service for residents. City Manager Diane Carlson highlighted the project’s potential to reduce permit application turnaround time.
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.
Registration is now open for the 2025 BDA Study Tour in Denver, scheduled for July 31. The event aims to explore urban development and attractions in the Denver metropolitan area. Participants can expect insights from local experts and opportunities to network.
Bellevue residents can apply for free trees through the city's fifth annual Tree Giveaway, which runs until August 26 or until supplies last. This initiative, a partnership with 300 Trees and Amazon, provides 700 trees each year to enhance the city's green canopy and improve air quality. The distribution event will take place on October 25 at Bannerwood Sports Park.
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.
An event titled "Artist Spotlight: Meet the Creators Behind the Art" will take place in Bellevue, Washington, from July 24 to July 27, 2025. The event aims to celebrate innovation and creativity, featuring notable artists including Brittnie Eakle. It will encompass concerts, music events, and gallery exhibitions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.