Published February 12 2026
Plus, human services funding, Old Bellevue design standards and Development Services update
During Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council reviewed the draft 2026-2031 Economic Development Plan, a strategic framework with actionable strategies to guide economic development in Bellevue for the next six years. The updated plan aligns with the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan and helps ensure the local economy remains resilient and provides job opportunities for community members.
The draft plan incorporates findings from ongoing engagement with businesses paired with community engagement completed over the last 14 months. It also includes data analysis and feedback from city staff and councilmembers.
Community engagement for the plan involved connecting with more than 400 interested parties through interviews and focus groups. Positive indicators noted by the community included Bellevue’s high quality of life, economic growth potential, strategic location and accessibility. Identified challenges that could slow growth in Bellevue included cost of living, cost of doing business, permitting barriers and traffic congestion.
Significant economic opportunities include re-envisioning Eastgate’s future through zoning and regulatory changes, growing emerging industry sectors to further diversify our economy, and working more intentionally with our partners on future-focused workforce development initiatives.
The council will take final action on the plan at a future meeting. Details are available in the agenda materials.
Human services funding allocations approved
The council also approved human services allocations for 2027-2028, accepting the Human Services Commission’s recommendations. The recommendations, first presented at the council’s Jan. 27 meeting, guide how funds are invested to meet the human services needs of the community.
Watch the discussion on Bellevue Television replay and review the agenda materials for supporting documents.
Interim design control for Old Bellevue
The council adopted a six-month change to the city’s land use rules to ensure development during that period on Main Street south of downtown (often known as Old Bellevue) is compatible with the area’s small-scale, pedestrian-oriented identity.
The control establishes stricter standards for façade alterations and infill construction while the council considers longer-term regulatory options. It will not affect projects already approved.
Additional details are available in the agenda materials.
Development Services update and continuous improvement efforts
The council also received an update from the Development Services Department, which reported continued high permit activity in 2025 driven by residential reinvestment, affordable housing incentives and recent zoning updates.
Despite fewer major commercial construction starts due to economic conditions, early 2026 indicators suggest renewed project momentum this year.
The department also shared a comprehensive continuous improvement work program aimed at delivering a more predictable, transparent and efficient permitting experience in alignment with Bellevue’s long-term growth goals. The full presentation is available in the agenda materials.
Land Use Planning Initiatives workplan
In other business, the council received a briefing on the 2026-2027 Land Use Planning Initiatives workplan, a joint effort by the Community Development and Development Services departments to update policy and land use regulations that shape the city’s growth.
The new workplan prioritizes projects that align with the council’s strategic goals, implement the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and respond to regional planning mandates and recent changes to state law. The meeting materials include the detailed workplan. Stay informed on these initiatives by subscribing at Code Amendments to the new newsletter dedicated to policy and planning.
Proclamations for Lunar New Year and Day of Action remembering Japanese internment
The council read a proclamation recognizing Feb. 17 and the week after as Lunar New Year Week.
A proclamation was also read marking the Day of Action and Remembrance for Japanese Americans Incarcerated During World War II in recognition of the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps.