Published December 12 2025
Plus, advancement of key policy actions on equity and critical areas
The City Council Tuesday recognized the city’s longest serving councilmember, Conrad Lee, with a commendation honoring his decades of service to the Bellevue community. Lee, who was first elected to the council in 1993 and served terms as mayor and deputy mayor during his tenure, is leaving the council.
Fellow councilmembers reflected on Lee’s lasting impact, citing his dedication to public service, commitment to transparent decision-making and role in key moments in the city’s history. Lee expressed appreciation for his colleagues, city staff and the Bellevue community, noting that public service is rooted in working together for the long-term good of the city.
The commendation and comments for Councilmember Lee’s service are available on Bellevue Television replay.
Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 adopted
In other business, the council unanimously voted to adopt the Diversity Advantage Plan 2035, the city’s update to its strategic diversity, equity and inclusion plan guiding this work for the next decade.
The plan includes guiding principles and long-term equity objectives informed by community and staff priorities that have been aligned to existing city priorities, such as the council’s strategic target areas, which focus on both community-facing services and the organization’s internal culture and practices.
More information on the presentation of the final plan is in the meeting materials.
Critical Areas ordinance update approved
The council also unanimously approved updates to the city’s critical areas development regulations to comply with state-mandated requirements by the Dec. 31 deadline.
The presentation covered stakeholder and community engagement that informed the update, noting the code’s balance between environmental protection, restoration and development. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the thoughtful approach and alignment with housing and environmental goals.
The changes affect several chapters of Bellevue’s land use code and strengthen protections for wetlands, streams, flood zones, geologically hazardous areas, underground water resources and wildlife habitats while supporting the city’s long-term growth goals.
The council received a project update on Nov. 12 and directed staff to return with the final ordinance for approval. More information, including the approved ordinance, is available in the meeting materials.
Special meeting held with state legislators to advance Bellevue interests
Also this week, the council held a special meeting Monday to gather state elected officials from the 41st and 48th legislative districts to share the topics and projects of interest from Bellevue’s 2026 legislative agenda. State representatives also shared their priorities for the 2026 session with the group. The 2026 legislative session is a 60-day (short) session starting Jan. 12.
Their full discussion is available on video replay.
NOTE: The council’s next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 6.