Published October 17 2025
Plus, 2026 state legislative agenda and Mini City Hall update
On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan on the consent agenda in November. This plan represents the second major update to the original plan, which was first adopted in 2021 to achieve the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The city has made notable progress in this endeavor by implementing various strategies outlined in the plan.
The updated plan features a comprehensive suite of strengthened, cost-effective and high-impact strategies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience. It is organized around five focus areas: climate change, energy and buildings, mobility and land use, waste, and natural systems—with actions to enhance sustainability throughout the community and in city operations. Key actions proposed in the plan include expanding the Energy Smart Eastside program, promoting building decarbonization and further electrifying the city's vehicle fleet.
During the meeting, staff members discussed the next steps with refining cost estimates and evaluating revenue options aimed at funding climate resilience and mitigation efforts, with further details expected to be discussed in the next budget cycle for 2027-28. The plan and other materials are available in the meeting materials and the meeting materials and the full presentation and discussion is available on Bellevue Television.
2026 legislative agenda
In other business, the council made several amendments to the draft 2026 State Legislative Agenda that was presented for feedback and potential adoption. The agenda is meant to clearly communicate Bellevue’s state-level policy positions ahead of the next session of the Washington State Legislature in January 2026.
Bellevue’s draft agenda highlights key priorities such as addressing the affordable housing crisis, how Bellevue will evaluate taxing proposals or budget adjustments, allowing employer shuttles in certain transit lanes, funding transportation projects, and supporting digital permitting improvements. The areas highlighted in the State Legislative Agenda cover a broad set of issues that are aligned with the council’s Strategic Target Areas focused on key community outcomes.
Councilmembers voted unanimously to accept amendments to the draft Legislative Agenda. Amendments included strongly urging the Legislature to avoid tax proposals that would put the state at a competitive disadvantage, requesting future state support for the Grand Connection Crossing, advocating for local flexibility to meet the unique needs of our community, expressing concerns about the potential impacts of a retail delivery fee, and refinements to state regulatory requirements to support residential projects.
The 2026 legislative session will begin on Jan. 12 and last 60 days. The work of the state Legislature affects the city in many ways, making city input into the Legislative Agenda topics important for Bellevue’s future.
The draft agenda and meeting details are available in the online meeting materials.
Mini City Hall update
The council also received an update on Mini City Hall, a cornerstone of accessible, culturally responsive city services since its pilot launch in 1994. For more than three decades, Mini City Hall, in the Crossroads mall, has helped community members navigate government systems and connect with essential resources, particularly for those facing language, economic or cultural barriers.
Following the council’s 2023 priority to expand the program, the city secured a state grant and approved a 10-year lease for an upgraded facility. The new space opened in May 2024, coinciding with Mini City Hall’s 30th anniversary. The larger location has strengthened partnerships with community organizations and expanded access to services such as financial coaching, health insurance enrollment, housing assistance and digital literacy support. Services are now offered in 10 languages, further enhancing accessibility for Bellevue’s diverse community.
In 2024, Mini City Hall assisted more than 15,000 people and responded to over 49,000 requests. Approximately 70% of those requests were related to human services and nearly half required language or cultural support. Staff report growing demand and increasingly complex needs in areas including financial insecurity, affordable housing and homelessness, access to health care and legal resources, employment readiness, and small business support.
As Bellevue’s population and community needs evolve, Mini City Hall continues to adapt and remains a resilient, trusted resource that helps community members better navigate change and connect to opportunity. The full presentation is available from Bellevue Television.
Public Benefit Rating System application
The council also held a public hearing on an application to enroll private property in King County’s Public Benefit Rating System, which provides property tax reductions for preserving open space and natural areas. The council voted to deny the application, finding it did not meet the criteria for enrollment. An application for the same property was denied by the council in 2022. The full discussion and vote are available on a video replay of the meeting through Bellevue Television.
Proclamations for Arbor Day and Hindu Americans
Building on Bellevue’s recognition as a Tree City USA community, the council issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 18 as Arbor Day. The council also proclaimed October as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month in recognition of the significant contributions of Hindu Americans and the special meaning October has in Hindu culture.