Published November 6 2013
Emerging leaders from across the city will celebrate their graduation from the first-ever Bellevue Essentials course, designed to give people a grasp of the nuts and bolts of city government.
Members of the public and the 28 class graduates -- 96 percent of those who started the nine-week course -- are invited to attend a ceremony and reception on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Rob McKenna, a former King County Councilmember, Washington state Attorney General and long-time Bellevue resident, will deliver the keynote address, titled "Your Adventure in Public Service and Civic Engagement."
During the Bellevue Essentials course, sponsored by the city's Neighborhood Outreach Team, students met weekly to learn about city government from City Councilmembers and key staff. Topics included history, planning, transportation, budget, parks, diversity and more.
Class members represented 15 of the city's 16 major neighborhood areas, a variety of ethnic groups and ages ranging from 17 to 70. Graduates reported coming away with a new appreciation of the intricacies of city government and the complexity of decision making. Many are now considering their next steps for involvement at the neighborhood or citywide level.
To RSVP for the graduation event, or for more information, contact Julie Ellenhorn at jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-5372.
The Outreach Team will begin taking applications next spring for the 2014 Bellevue Essentials class. Persons interested in receiving notification at that time can leave their name and contact information now with Ellenhorn.