Published October 23 2026
Parking reform, rezones and proclamations for disability awareness and conflict resolution
The City Council continued its review of Bellevue’s preliminary 2027-2028 Operating Budget and 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program, focusing on the Thriving People & Communities and High Quality Built & Natural Environment strategic target areas. The discussion was the third of three budget study sessions that will guide council deliberations ahead of budget adoption later this fall.
In the Thriving People & Community discussion, investment highlights included affordable housing, homelessness outreach, human services, parks and recreation, sustainability ini-tiatives, and permitting technology and process improvements. The preliminary budget continues funding to implement the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy, homelessness out-reach programs and the Safe Parking Program, which has helped more than 80 families since launching in 2024. Councilmembers also reviewed recommendations for 2027 human services funding, which would allocate approximately $7 million to community pro-grams serving Bellevue residents.
In the High Quality Built & Natural Environment discussion, staff outlined investments sup-porting long-range planning, sustainability efforts, park improvements and maintenance of Bellevue’s growing infrastructure. Proposed projects include advancing planning for the Civic Center District, supporting housing and transit-oriented development near the BelRed light rail station, and expanding programs that advance building decarbonization and climate resilience goals.
The council also received information on proposed Development Services fee updates for 2027. The annual adjustments are intended to align permit fees with the cost of providing review and inspection services, maintain service levels and support ongoing permit streamlining efforts. Staff also presented information on the Issaquah and Renton school district impact fees, noting no changes were proposed for 2027.
Council budget deliberations will continue with a public hearing on Oct. 27, followed by additional discussions and direction before anticipated budget adoption in November. Additional information is available in the meeting materials.
Parking reform nears final step
The council received an update on the parking reform land use code amendment, which will update Bellevue’s parking regulations to comply with recent state laws that changed how cities regulate parking and implement parking-related policies in the Bellevue 2044
Comprehensive Plan. These changes are intended to reduce housing and construction costs, support walkable neighborhoods and encourage the use of public transit.
The council first reviewed the proposal on Sept. 8 and asked staff for additional analysis on several policy issues related to parking. The final ordinance will be presented for approval on the consent calendar at a future meeting and must be adopted before the state’s Jan. 27 deadline. meeing materials
Rezones for EverGlen Village and Bellewood Townhomes approved
In other business, the council approved the EverGlen Village and Bellewood Townhomes rezones. The council reviewed the Hearing Examiner’s recommendations and full record during its Oct. 6 meeting before adopting the ordinance.
Proclamations raise awareness for disability awareness and community conflict resolution
The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing Disability Employment Awareness Month and the skills, perspectives and contributions people with disabilities bring to the workplace. Councilmembers also proclaimed October as Community Conflict Resolution Month, acknowledging the 30 years of skilled assistance the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center has provided to our community to help navigate conflicts and find constructive paths forward.