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 is the Communities of Color Coordinating Team, a diverse group of people who live and work in Bellevue and are dedicated to improving opportunities and racial equity for the betterment of the entire Bellevue community. The initiative is following 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.
Meetings
The team meets on the fourth Thursday of every month 5:30-7:30 p.m., with meetings available both virtually and in person at City Hall, Room 1E-120.
Upcoming Meeting
Members
- Ruhi Gadde (Term #2 expires 01/23/2026)
- Dr. Randy Nunez (Term #2 expires 01/23/2026)
- Ricardo Perezchica (Term #2 expires 01/23/2026)
- Jeri-Elizabeth Tiernan (Term #2 expires 01/23/2026)
- Lalita Uppala (Term #2 expires 01/23/2026)
Staff Support
DEI Administrator, Dr. Marcus Johnson – City Manager’s Office