The Centering Communities of Color (CCC) Initiative was established by the Bellevue City Council in January 2021 to advance racial equity, build trust and ensure all Bellevue residents can thrive. Phase 1 (2021–2024) focused on community dialogue and trust-building. The CCC Coordinating Team—comprised of leaders from African American/Black, Asian Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and Latino communities—facilitated community dialogues, gathered stories and developed community-led recommendations for the city.
This comprehensive report documents the transformative work of Phase 1, highlighting community voices, innovative engagement methods and the policy changes that emerged from authentic partnership between the city and communities of color. The CCC process represents a fundamental shift from traditional public engagement toward justice-based community partnership.
Through seven community dialogues, an open house with more than 175 participants, and extensive community relationship-building, CCC created unprecedented opportunities for communities of color to shape city policy and planning. The initiative prioritized cultural responsiveness, language access and compensation for community expertise while building lasting relationships between residents and city government.
CCC Dialogues: Community Engagement Report
Read a report outlining community input gathered during the 2023 Centering Communities of Color Community Dialogues.