Published May 31 2013
Bellevue is one of the most diverse cities in the state, and the city is inviting people who live and work here to participate in a series of community conversations -- one in Spanish and English and another in Chinese and English -- exploring diversity in economic development, human services and other aspects of life here.
Over the last several decades, Bellevue has become increasingly diverse, with minorities comprising 41 percent of the population according to the 2010 census. The city is also diverse in age and culture, and the people who live and work here possess a unique range of skills, assets and capacities.
In the early 1990s, the City Council acknowledged Bellevue's changing population by starting a Cultural Diversity program. In recent years the city has renewed its efforts to leverage Bellevue's growing diversity to increase engagement in neighborhoods and the business community. By taking a leadership role in the topic, the city will make adjustments necessary to keep services matched to the needs of the changing community.
If you are interested in learning more about diversity and civic engagement in our community, please join the city, your neighbors and friends in a series of conversations about diversity. Bring your own experience of being part of Bellevue's diverse community to these conversations. Share your stories and help shape the Bellevue Diversity Initiative. All the meetings are 6:30-8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11
Lake Hills Elementary School, 14310 SE 12th St.
(Discussion tables offered in English and Spanish)
Wednesday, June 19
City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE
Thursday, June 20
South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way
(Discussion tables offered in English and Chinese)
Engagement of diverse community members allows the entire community to benefit. The city is interested in leading and facilitating conversations in the community on how to engage diverse individuals and communities. One goal of these discussions is to determine what role the city, local organizations, businesses and the community as a whole play in facilitating and promoting civic engagement.
Some of the topics that will be discussed include how diverse members of our community can be more involved in public forums, what the issues are that affect diverse communities and how community members can be more aware of city services as well as other community resources.
These events are wheelchair-accessible; American Sign Language (ASL), listening devices and translation are all available on request with 72-hour notice. For more information about the events, contact Julie Ellenhorn, 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov. RSVP appreciated, but not required.