Bellevue is facing a growing homelessness crisis, with student homelessness in the Bellevue School District increasing from 58 in 2007 to 300 today. The article outlines critical statistics highlighting the diverse forms of homelessness experienced by families in the region and emphasizes the need for community support through organizations like Bellevue LifeSpring.
Downtown Bellevue is poised for significant growth as Amazon prepares to relocate several thousand employees to the area over the next four years. This expansion will make Amazon and Microsoft the largest office tenants in Downtown, contributing to a projected total of 71,000 jobs by 2030. The move reflects a surge in demand for office space and strong economic activity in the region.
Seattle Restaurant Week returns to Bellevue from April 7 to 18, featuring over a dozen local restaurants offering special three-course dinners for $35 and two-course lunches. Reservations are encouraged, but not required, as diners can enjoy a variety of delectable dishes from participating restaurants, including El Gaucho and Purple Café & Wine Bar. For full menus and more information, visit the Restaurant Week website.
The article highlights the celebration of the new Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue, emphasizing community partnership and accessibility. Key speakers discussed the park's unique features, including a pedestrian-first design and the preservation of historical elements, illustrating its significance for both residents and visitors.
The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) has expressed unanimous support for Puget Sound Energy's permit applications for the Energize Eastside transmission upgrades in Bellevue, emphasizing the project's necessity for economic stability and growth. A public hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2019, where BDA will submit a letter of support alongside public comments.
Eastside Baby Corner is organizing its 5th Annual Diaper Derby, a competitive event aimed at collecting diapers for families in need. The event runs from May 3 to June 7, 2019, encouraging local businesses and organizations to participate in this impactful initiative. By joining the race, participants help support children living in poverty and ensure they have a healthy start in life.
Sound Transit has reached a significant milestone with the East Link light rail extension, now 50% complete, expected to open as the "Blue Line" in 2023. The construction spans 14 miles and includes 10 stations, with ongoing work in various neighborhoods enhancing connectivity between key areas like Bellevue and Redmond.
PACE, the Performing Arts Center Eastside, is revitalizing the Tateuchi Center in Downtown Bellevue, aiming to become a technologically advanced performing arts hub. Under CEO Ray Cullom's leadership, the center will integrate innovative technologies like virtual and augmented reality, transforming traditional performances for modern audiences. The facility promises unparalleled flexibility, allowing diverse programming and collaboration among artists.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Downtown Bellevue from March 15 to March 17, 2019, with special events and food offerings at various BDA member restaurants. Enjoy exclusive drink specials and live music at local favorites like Paddy Coyne's and Central Bar + Restaurant, making this weekend a festive occasion for all.
Enjoy a free evening of games, food, and prizes at the "Play Inside" event hosted by Reality Breaks Escapes at Elements Apartments. This 18+ gathering encourages locals to shake off the winter blues and engage in fun activities with friends while supporting various local businesses.
I-405 is undergoing significant updates to enhance transportation options as shared by WSDOT and Sound Transit leaders during a February breakfast meeting. The plans include an expansion of the Express Toll Lane system, improvements in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists, all aimed at accommodating the growing population and traffic demands in the Eastside.
The City of Bellevue and Cascade Water Alliance are hosting a series of seven free gardening classes aimed at all skill levels, starting February 28, 2019. These classes cover topics from organic gardening to natural lawn care and small-space gardening, providing residents with valuable skills and knowledge for enhancing their gardens. Participants can join one or all classes at various locations in Bellevue.
The Bellevue Downtown Association welcomes three new members, highlighting their contributions to the community and the services they offer. Breakthrough Fundraising Group, Visit Bellevue Washington, and Fairfield Inn & Suites are introduced as organizations that enhance local philanthropy, tourism, and hospitality, respectively. This article emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the benefits of BDA membership for businesses.
The BDA Board of Directors has unanimously approved an updated Downtown Access Strategy, aimed at addressing current mobility challenges in Bellevue. This reworked strategy, developed over six months by the Transportation Committee, emphasizes clear communication and shared goals among members while enhancing the BDA's advocacy efforts.
The newly renovated Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue is set to open on March 16, 2019, after years of planning and construction. The park offers a range of amenities, including a swimming beach, a pedestrian pier, and rental services for water activities, promising to be a vibrant community hub. Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the grand opening with a festive event featuring live music and activities.
Discover exciting Valentine’s Day deals at various BDA Member restaurants in Downtown Bellevue, including a Burger Photo Contest at Lunchbox Lab and wine discounts at Lot No. 3 and Purple Café. Enjoy live music at Swiftwater Cellars and a special menu at Central Bar + Restaurant, perfect for celebrating love in the city.
The Bellevue Downtown Association celebrated its largest Annual Celebration to date, recognizing significant contributions to Downtown Bellevue's growth. Awards were presented to Su Development for the Cultural Vitality Award and Stacy Graven for the John Boespflug City Builder Award, showcasing the importance of community and urban development. Keynote speakers highlighted regional diversity and the significance of public-private partnerships in enhancing urban spaces.
Microsoft is investing $500 million to address the affordable housing crisis in the greater Seattle area, with a focus on supporting middle-income and low-income housing projects. This initiative also includes $25 million in philanthropic grants aimed at combating homelessness. The collaboration between local governments and Microsoft aims to create sustainable housing solutions.
Alaska Airlines celebrates hiring its 10,000th employee in Washington State, marking a significant milestone for the airline. With plans to add an additional 3,000 jobs, the company emphasizes its commitment to community and local talent. This growth is highlighted in their recent Economic Impact Report.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Bellevue with a series of festive events marking the Year of the Boar on February 5, 2019. The celebrations include cultural performances, art, food, and traditional activities, all free and open to the public. Join the community for a joyful experience filled with fortune and good luck!