Bellevue is the cultural heart of the Eastside, where people from around the world and just around the corner are welcome. Residents have access to cultural opportunities and spaces within our city that bring people together, build bridges to understanding and provide a sense of community identity and possibility.
Bellevue values, listens to and engages with many voices within our community and is responsive to emerging needs. Residents know they are an essential part of the community and have opportunities, with the necessary infrastructure, to engage with the city and each other. Our facilities and community centers, libraries, City Hall, parks and museums provide programs and spaces where neighbors gather, connect with each other and actively engage in the life of the community.
We strive toward creating a community where every individual has access to necessary resources, housing, and services. We recognize existing needs and disparities, including racial and socioeconomic, and work intentionally to address structural and systemic inequities. The city prioritizes the delivery of programs and services in ways that are equitable, inclusive, accessible and culturally responsive. The city partners with residents, schools, businesses, faith communities and nonprofits to work together for the well-being of all.
Objectives
6.1 Advance Bellevue as a community in which each and every member has access and opportunity to meet their essential physical and behavioral health, economic, recreational and social needs, feels a sense of belonging, and has an opportunity to thrive.
6.2 Increase opportunities throughout the city for all community members to have access to safe, affordable housing, with the supports needed to remain stable, and prevent homelessness.
6.3 Foster relationships and collaborate with residents to further develop cross-cultural connections and promote active engagement in community and city life.
6.4 Provide accessible programming opportunities and events that reflect Bellevue’s growth and diversity, are culturally responsive, strategically distributed and driven by community needs and interests.
6.5 Increase public participation in city decision-making by promoting engagement with diverse communities and providing equitable and inclusive access to city programs.
6.6 Intentionally collaborate with community organizations, including educational institutions, human services providers, non-profits, faith communities, neighborhood and community associations, cultural organizations and private entities, to advance opportunities for every individual to flourish.
6.7 Build strong and connected neighborhoods where residents volunteer and contribute to solving emerging issues and the mutual flourishing of all.