Published November 20 2025
Also, new Eastgate park, mobility plan update and road traffic victims proclamation
The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to adopt modifications to the 2025-2026 Budget and 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program Plan as part of the mid-biennium budget package. The package includes updates to the pay plan for city employees, Development Services and Transportation wireless communication fees, and sewer rates.
The council also adopted the Human Services Commission’s recommendations for use of federal Community Development Block Grant funds and a resolution providing for the banking of unused property tax levy capacity to ensure future needs can be met, especially in times of economic volatility. The council voted 4-2 to approve the property tax levy in 2026, including an anticipated 1% adjustment, with councilmembers Jared Nieuwenhuis and Conrad Lee voting 'no.'
These budget actions are in addition to the council decision on Nov. 12 to invest $600,000 from its contingency fund for organizations providing immigrant and refugee legal assistance and urgent food and financial support in Bellevue, and $235,000 the city manager recently approved from the city’s operating budget for immediate food assistance in the community.
Plan, name advanced for new Eastgate neighborhood park
Accepting recommendations from the Parks & Community Services Board, the council advanced plans for a new neighborhood park in Eastgate called Eastgate Commons. The design for the half-acre park at 14700 SE 39th St. features open lawns, community gathering space, covered shelters/pavilions, play structures and picnic seating.
Community outreach resulted in 73 names suggested for the park. After staff review, refinement and application of the city’s park naming policy, five names advanced to an additional round of community feedback before Eastgate Commons was ultimately selected.
The Bellevue Parks and Open Space System Plan has a goal of creating more walkable neighborhood park facilities throughout the city, and Eastgate has few parks and trails.
Bellevue residents supported the 2022 Parks and Open Space Levy, providing funds to acquire, plan and develop neighborhood-scaled parks in underserved areas like Eastgate. The city acquired two properties for the new park in 2022 and 2023.
Next steps include moving forward with design and permitting and formal council adoption of the name. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028. Details are in the council materials.
Mobility Implementation Plan update
In other business, the council received an update on the city’s Mobility Implementation Plan, which guides transportation investments to create a complete, connected, and accessible network that supports Bellevue’s growing community. The original plan was adopted by the council in 2022 and is updated as needed to reflect current conditions and alignment with city policies.
The Transportation Commission’s recommended update incorporates more current population, traffic and travel data, clearer maps, and tools showing where it’s easier or harder to walk or bike, and improved safety measures for people walking and biking. Concepts for future pedestrian and bike facilities from previous planning documents were also incorporated into the update to create a centralized list of future projects.
Community members can view the draft 2025 update; the council will vote on its adoption at a future meeting. To explore how all travel modes, including walking, biking and driving, are performing in Bellevue, visit the Mobility Implementation Plan data dashboard.
Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Proclamation
The council also issued a proclamation for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.