Kirkland residents express safety concerns over a planned homeless hotel, citing a surge in crime linked to a similar facility in Bellevue. King County aims to convert the La Quinta Inn into homeless housing operated by Plymouth Housing, which has faced criticism from locals fearing increased crime, especially near schools.
Bellevue City Council discussed the Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development land use code amendment and introduced the Safe Speeds Bellevue program to improve street safety. The program aims to reduce speed limits on streets with current limits of 30 mph or more, where nearly 90% of serious crashes occur. Council action on these initiatives will occur in future meetings.
Public health officials confirmed a sixth measles case in Washington involving a King County adult who was infectious at Seattle-Tacoma Airport and Overlake Medical Center. The individual's vaccination status is unknown, and they likely contracted the virus during international travel. Authorities urge those who may have been exposed to verify their vaccination status and consult healthcare providers if symptoms arise.
Bellevue voters express confidence in the city's direction while prioritizing affordability, safety, and smart growth, according to the 2025 VIBe Survey. Conducted in May with 400 participants, the survey shows affordability has become the top concern, rising to 29% from the previous year. Residents also emphasize the importance of effective transportation and public safety measures.
Bellevue City Council reviewed proposed land use code amendments to support middle housing development, as mandated by recent state legislation. The council also discussed the expansion of Meydenbauer Bay Park, which aims to improve pedestrian access and connectivity to downtown. A federal legislative agenda was approved, prioritizing transportation, infrastructure, and housing.
Youth Link awarded its Community Leadership Awards on May 16, 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions from local youth. Notable winners include Ishaan Mishra from Sammamish High School and representatives from the City of Vallejo and Oromocto Sports & Recreation.
A Bellevue woman, Olga Martynenko, mourns her husband, Alex, who died in a climbing accident in the North Cascades. Friends have initiated a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses and support for their young son, Daniel. Alex, 36, had started climbing professionally just a year prior to his tragic death.
The City of Vallejo will celebrate Pride Month with an event at City Hall Plaza on June 4. Local organizations, including Entre Hermanos and the Bellevue Downtown Association, will participate in the festivities. Edgar Longoria will represent the municipal council at the celebration.
The City of Vallejo will host the "Celebration and sustainability on Lake to Lake" event on May 16, 2025. The gathering will highlight sustainability and honor Pacific Islander Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Asian Americans through exhibitions and community activities.
A delegation from eight countries visited Bellevue and other Puget Sound cities to explore potential investments as part of the SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff. This initiative aims to attract global business investments to bolster the region's economy, highlighted by Bellevue's impressive annual GDP of $139 billion.
IMA opened new offices in downtown Bellevue last week, featuring a two-story space for staff and clients. The ribbon-cutting event celebrated the organization's transition from Parker, Smith & Feek.
The City Council of Bellevue discussed the early progress of the newly established Office of Housing, which aims to enhance affordable housing initiatives. The council also reviewed a proposed 2026 sewer rate increase from King County that could raise rates by 198% over the next 20 years, prompting concerns about affordability for residents. Newly appointed councilmember Vishal Bhargava was sworn in during the meeting.
Bellevue City Council seeks applicants to fill a vacancy on the Arts Commission, with a deadline for online applications set for May 23. The commission advises the council on cultural matters and supports local arts programs. The city encourages residents of diverse backgrounds to apply.
Bellevue received the 2025 Frank Chopp Public Sector Champion award for its commitment to affordable housing. The city launched an Office of Housing and updated its Comprehensive Plan to facilitate the construction of 35,000 homes over the next 20 years.
Bellevue celebrates National Drinking Water Week by hosting a water-smart table at City Hall on May 7. The event highlights the importance of clean drinking water and encourages residents to appreciate the infrastructure that delivers it. Bellevue Utilities Director Lucy Liu emphasizes the need to maintain water systems for future generations.
An 18-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash at a Bellevue intersection on Friday night. Witnesses reported the teen was speeding and collided with another vehicle, whose driver sustained injuries but is expected to recover. The Bellevue Police Department is investigating the incident to determine the cause.
Public health officials in Washington warn that despite warm weather, lake water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing drowning risks. In 2023, at least 30 preventable drownings occurred in the state. Experts emphasize the importance of caution, sobriety, and supervision while enjoying the water.
BellHop, a free shuttle service in Bellevue, won the 2025 Transportation Vision Award for its role in enhancing urban mobility. The service has provided nearly 115,000 rides since its launch in 2023, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 metric tons.
Councilmember Stokes received recognition for his contributions during a council meeting in Bellevue. The event took place on April 25, 2025, highlighting local governance and community engagement. Stokes' commendation underscores the importance of public service in local politics.
A King County rideshare driver, Martin Njoki, pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old passenger in Bellevue. The judge reduced his bail to $30,000 and mandated home detention if released. Njoki has no prior criminal history and is the primary provider for his family.