Published March 19 2026
For its efforts to expand inclusive civic participation and foster increased diversity among community leadership, the city’s Bellevue Essentials program was recognized Tuesday morning at the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington D.C.
Bellevue’s program placed second in the City Cultural Diversity Awards category for cities with populations of 50,000-200,000. These awards, established in 1995 by the NLC’s National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, recognize local governments demonstrating leadership in developing creative, effective programs that drive innovation and promote community belonging.
“As a graduate of Bellevue Essentials, I experienced firsthand how this inclusive program enhances our community’s quality of life and welcomes diverse residents to engage with city government,” said Mayor Mo Malakoutian, who graduated from the program in 2016 and is the city’s first Iranian American mayor. “It is an honor to see our efforts resonate beyond Bellevue with national recognition for Bellevue Essentials as a leading, culturally diverse civic engagement program.”
Launched 14 years ago, Bellevue Essentials was created in direct response to the acknowledgment that many residents – especially first-generation Americans and multilingual communities – did not have clear, welcoming or easily understood entry points into civic life. Since then, more than 400 people have graduated from the program, with nearly half identifying as people of color.
To date, more than 80 Bellevue Essentials graduates have gone on to serve the community on city boards and commissions and as elected officials. A majority of the current City Council—Malakoutian and councilmembers Naren Briar, Jared Nieuwenhuis and Claire Sumadiwirya—are Bellevue Essentials alums. Briar and Nieuwenhuis also attended this week’s conference and awards ceremony.
Graduates typically stay engaged well beyond the 10-week program through regularly organized events and other opportunities facilitated by city staff. Many return as community partners, serve in nonprofits, participate in neighborhood initiatives or stay active in civic and cultural networks.
The application period for this year’s Bellevue Essentials cohort opens in April. To receive updates on when to apply, sign up at Bellevue Essentials.