Published December 12 2025
Plan embeds diversity, equity and inclusion into Bellevue’s operations, services and culture
The City Council Tuesday adopted the Diversity Advantage Plan 2035, a 10-year citywide strategic plan that identifies a vision and commits to actions that will create a more equitable community in Bellevue, one of the nation’s most diverse cities.
The plan has 41 long-term equity objectives spread across all six of the council’s strategic target areas. The plan focuses on both community-facing services and the organization’s internal culture and practices. With the help of DAP 2035, the city commits to:
- Engage more authentically with the community
- Build in more meaningful access to city services and programs
- Provide the resources and support staff need to apply an equity lens to city operations and services
- Connect the city’s equity work to other strategic work and priorities
- Measure progress and success
- Communicate priorities and progress to staff and the community
“It’s been a tremendous process…and very inclusive of the community and all the stakeholders,” said Mayor Lynne Robinson ahead of the vote to adopt. “I am very proud that our city has the capacity and the staff to do work like this.”
The plan was informed by significant community engagement facilitated by the Centering Communities of Color Coordinating Team. Additional input was gathered from both community and staff through separate events and methods. The city shared the preliminary report with community members at an open house Nov. 20 before presenting the report to the council Nov. 25. The city is in the process of identifying and implementing short-term actions to make progress on DAP 2035 and developing metrics for measuring the plan's impact.
In 2014, the City of Bellevue adopted its first Diversity Advantage Plan, which established 60 specific recommendations for creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable community. The updated plan provides a shared roadmap for how the organization will continue to improve access to its services and expand the city’s impact on all communities that live, work and play in Bellevue.
For alternate formats, interpreters or reasonable accommodations, please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-7855 (voice) or email diversity@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact the city’s ADA, Title VI and equal opportunity officer at 425-452-6168 (voice).