Published December 4 2025
Plus, study reveals how Bellevue uses its curb areas, co-living housing adopted and convention center board members reappointed
The City Council Tuesday unanimously approved placing additional speed cameras on Bellevue streets, starting with seven locations next year. Updates to the city code will support the expansion of the city’s speed safety camera program, aimed at reducing dangerous speeding—a major factor in serious and fatal crashes here.
The addition of cameras aligns with a 2024 state law that allows cities to install cameras in high-risk areas beyond school zones and invest revenue from citations in traffic safety projects. The updated program also includes equity and safety analyses for site selection and guidelines for privacy protections.
Over the past year, staff analyzed crash and speed data and gathered community input, which signaled strong support for placing cameras where speed-related crashes have occurred. Thirty-seven locations scored highest for safety and equity outcomes and are recommended for implementation. Staff proposed a phased rollout beginning with seven locations in 2026, with future expansions to be managed under the new program framework.
At the council’s direction, staff will finalize the proposed amendment to Code Chapter 11.49 for final action at a future meeting and plan for the initial 2026 implementations, which are detailed in the meeting materials.
Managing Bellevue’s busy curbs
The council also heard findings from the city’s curb pricing study, which informed the Curb Pricing Implementation Strategy. The strategy is a framework for how Bellevue can better manage curb space, including parking spots, loading zones and drop-off areas in busy neighborhoods such as downtown and BelRed.
The proposed curb pricing program would launch in 2027 with simple, consistent rates and multiple payment options, including pay stations and mobile apps. Pricing would adjust over time, based on usage, to maintain availability. Expanded enforcement, a grace period and a new Curb Pricing Advisory Committee will support a smooth rollout.
The council voted unanimously to kickstart the program and asked staff to continue exploring parking mitigations for employees at street-level business in areas such as Old Bellevue. A proposed ordinance and code amendments, including more details on how program revenues will be reinvested in the curb management program, will be considered by the council at a future meeting.
Co-living housing adopted
In other business, the council adopted changes to Bellevue’s land use code to allow co-living housing in areas already zoned for six or more residential units per lot. This update aligns with House Bill 1998, which requires cities to allow co-living housing in these zones. Full details are available in the meeting materials.
The council reviewed the proposal during a Nov. 12 study session and directed staff to bring it back for final approval to meet the state’s deadline for adoption. Co-living housing consists of private, lockable bedrooms with shared kitchen and common areas.
Under the new law, cities must allow this type of housing and cannot impose local restrictions stricter than state standards. The full presentation and discussion can be viewed on replay from Bellevue Television.
Bellevue Convention Center Authority reappointments
The city manager brought before the council recommended reappointments to the Bellevue Convention Center Authority Board. The council concurred with the city manager’s recommendation to reappoint Ron Hofilena and Ann Kawasaki-Romero on the seven-member board for four-year terms expiring Jan. 1, 2030.