Published October 13 2025
To advance the city’s vision for a vibrant, mixed-use Wilburton neighborhood near light rail, the City of Bellevue has selected Bellwether Housing to develop affordable housing and community space on city-owned land in the Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development District.
The selection follows a February request for proposals seeking development partners to create new affordable housing on a surplus city property in the TOD district. The city received 10 proposals and ultimately chose Bellwether Housing for its strong alignment with Bellevue’s affordable housing and sustainability goals, which include a new target set last year to create or preserve 5,700 affordable housing units over the next decade.
“This project represents an important step toward providing more opportunity for lower-income households in Bellevue and creating a complete community in Wilburton,” said Bianca Siegl, director of the city’s Office of Housing. “Bellwether’s proposal advances the city’s commitment to housing affordability and partnerships that strengthen the social fabric of our neighborhoods.”
Just east of downtown and adjacent to Eastrail and the 2 Line light rail station, the Wilburton site will further enhance an area long envisioned as a mixed-use hub. Bellwether Housing will deliver at least 127 affordable homes, including family-sized units, serving households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income.
The development will also include a ground-floor partnership with a Bellevue-based youth services organization and incorporate environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented design features that contribute to a more connected and livable neighborhood.
“As Bellwether expands our work throughout the Puget Sound region, we’re excited to bring affordable family homes to Bellevue for the first time,” said Susan Boyd, CEO of Bellwether Housing. “Every family deserves the stability of an affordable home close to jobs, schools and transit, and this new building is an important step toward that goal.”
The city is negotiating long-term site leasing agreements with Bellwether Housing and anticipates the project will be complete by 2030.
The Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development District was formally established in July 2024 through a Comprehensive Plan amendment. The vision aims to transform the area into a vibrant, mixed-use urban center that balances residential, commercial and recreational spaces—reflecting Bellevue’s broader commitment to sustainable growth, community engagement and a high quality of life for all residents.
Bellwether Housing has served the Puget Sound region for 40 years as a nonprofit affordable housing provider. Bellwether apartments are home to approximately 5,000 residents. Since 2016, they have targeted new development in neighborhoods with access to transit, public services and community supports.
For more information about the Wilburton TOD RFP, visit Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development RFP.
Photo credit: Weber Thompson and Bellwether Housing