The Bellevue Centers Communities of Color Coordinating Initiative wrapped up its three-year term on Dec. 18, 2026. The City of Bellevue thanks the community leaders who participated in the initiative for their service and their significant contributions to the development of the Diversity Advantage Plan 2035.
Next steps
Members of the Communities of Color Coordinating Team have joined the Bellevue Diversity Advisory Network. They are currently forming a plan in partnership with staff on areas of focus for the next year.
History
On Jan. 19, 2021, the City Council approved the three-year Bellevue Centers Communities of Color Initiative to support a community-led effort to advance the city’s values and commitment to racial equity by building trust and awareness through dialogue across the city’s diverse population, ensuring that all Bellevue communities have the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Leading the effort was the Communities of Color Coordinating Team, a diverse group of people who live and work in Bellevue dedicated to improving opportunities and racial equity for the betterment of the entire Bellevue community. The initiative followed a three-tiered approach to:
- Develop trust through dialogue: With assistance from city staff, a Communities of Color Coordinating Team made up of diverse community members created a series of community discussions on equity issues during year one. These dialogues built racial literacy and skills through education and training.
- Build racial literacy skills through education and training: The city will educate community members on racial equity issues, potentially in partnership with local businesses, nonprofits and government organizations.
- Co-create recommendations for action: In collaboration with the CCC Team, city staff, leadership and other stakeholders, the city will explore activities and recommendations to advance racial equity here and build trust and awareness across the city’s diverse population.