Published April 27 2023
Plus, more affordable housing, commendation for long-time Development Services director and proclamation for missing and murdered Indigenous women
The City Council on Monday received a report on progress made to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which will be completed in 2024. The report reviewed scenarios for how much growth, in terms of jobs and housing, Bellevue should plan for over the next 20 years.
The city anticipates a need for at least 35,000 more housing units and 70,000 more jobs in Bellevue by 2044. Changes in policy and the Bellevue land use code can increase the capacity for housing and jobs here, with the four alternatives presented Monday ranging in housing capacity from 40,500 to 94,500 and job capacity from 124,800 to 200,400.
The “no-action” alternative, which continues the current growth strategy, focuses housing and jobs in downtown, East Main and BelRed. The other alternatives analyze incorporating growth in other areas, such as mixed-use centers, areas with good access to transit and areas close to neighborhood centers.
In coordination with the Comprehensive Plan update, the city is completing a plan for the transition of the Wilburton commercial area to a mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhood. The plan for how the city would implement the Wilburton Vision is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
An environmental impact statement concerning the new Comprehensive Plan will address the potential impacts of each of the four growth scenarios, as well as the Wilburton vision. The draft EIS was released Thursday, April 27.
Residents are invited to weigh in on the results of a Comprehensive Plan survey at a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 3 (registration). There is also a 45-day comment period for the draft EIS. Details are in the council meeting materials.
Tax exemption generates additional affordable housing
The city’s multifamily tax exemption program, which was expanded and modified in 2021, is a key part of Bellevue’s Affordable Housing Strategy. Developers are using the incentives from the program to enable adding 275 units of affordable housing to projects now in the pipeline, with interest in adding 300 more affordable units in potential future projects. Other affordable housing will be incorporated in transit-oriented developments in BelRed, one by the 130th Street light rail station and another by Sound Transit’s maintenance facility.
Bellevue is on track to add at least 2,972 units of affordable housing by 2027, officially exceeding the 2,500-unit target for 2017-2027, staff reported during an update on the council’s Affordable Housing Strategy initiative. In light of the additional affordable housing coming on line, as well as the continuing need, council members discussed adjusting the city’s affordable housing target later this year.
The council also talked about a proposed land use code amendment that would encourage the construction of micro-apartments. Micro-apartments are 320 square feet or less, with a kitchen and bathroom in the unit. Proposed code changes would provide some relief from parking and other requirements for projects close to transit.
More information is available in the agenda materials.
Transportation Commission member appointed
In other business, the council appointed Drew Magill to the Transportation Commission. Councilmember Janice Zahn, council liaison to the commission, recommended Magill, who will serve the remainder of a term to expire on May 31, 2024.
Commendation for long-time Development Services director
The council issued a commendation for Deputy City Manager Mike Brennan, who has worked at the city for 36 years, including 15 as director of the Development Services Department.
Among his many accomplishments, Brennan co-founded the regional permitting portal MyBuildingPermit.com and led the city through a methodical adoption of paperless permitting that made the process much more convenient. He helped ensure a high level of permitting and inspection services through multiple, sustained building booms.
Proclamation for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
The council issued a proclamation recognizing May 1-7 as National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The council called on residents to say “enough is enough” concerning disproportionate rates of violence against this population by participating in virtual events, exploring resources or organizing awareness activities. Members of the Duwamish Tribal Council, including Chairwoman Cecile Hansen, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Bellevue council for its support.