Published March 20 2026
Plus, letter highlighting Bellevue’s transit interests, public-private partnership discussion and proclamations
During Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council unanimously approved ordinances implementing the Housing in Mixed-Use Areas (HOMA) land use code amendment, which is designed to encourage more housing, increase affordability and support active, walkable mixed-use areas in Bellevue. The proposal aligns with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Affordable Housing Strategy and is expected to encourage redevelopment.
The HOMA proposal was launched in 2022 as part of the council’s “Next Right Work” initiative, in response to office development outpacing housing in some areas. Since then, the office market has shifted and the city has adopted updated housing goals, including new affordable housing targets.
Following council input and direction on Feb. 24, city staff incorporated updates on upper-level building stepbacks on Main Street in Old Bellevue and project vesting.
For more information, see the meeting details for the land use code and zoning elements.
Letter highlighting Bellevue’s transit interests
In other business, Sound Transit staff shared details for the upcoming Crosslake Connection light rail celebration on March 28 and the agency’s long-range financial outlook for future projects across the regional system.
Sound Transit is facing an estimated $35 billion funding gap driven by lower-than-expected revenues, rising construction costs and continued economic uncertainty. In response, the agency is pursuing an Enterprise Initiative process to update the ST3 plan and its long-range finances. The Sound Transit board is expected to make decisions by June on potential cost-containment strategies.
Councilmembers voted unanimously to draft a letter to the Sound Transit Board articulating Bellevue’s priorities for the Enterprise Initiative. The guiding principles identified as important to the city of Bellevue include:
- Subarea equity (identified as a top priority)
- High-capacity transit connecting Eastside cities
- 4 Line (South Kirkland to Issaquah) project timeline
- Access to transit
- Regional express bus service
The full presentation and discussion can be viewed on Bellevue Television. When the 2 Line light rail train connects to Seattle on March 28, regional celebrations will take place, including events at the South Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown, Spring District and BelRed stations in Bellevue.
New development agreement pathway proposed for public-private partnerships
Following a presentation and discussion, the council also initiated work on a proposed land use code amendment to establish a development agreement pathway for public-private partnership projects.
The “P3 DA” proposal will allow the city to enter into development agreements with private partners when the city owns land, has control of property or is a major funder of a project. These agreements can provide flexibility in zoning and development rules while ensuring projects deliver public benefits that support city priorities such as affordable housing, sustainability features and economic development. Details on the proposal are available in the meeting materials and the full presentation is available from Bellevue Television.
Proclamations for women’s history and the American Red Cross
In other business, the council proclaimed March as Women’s History Month and American Red Cross Month in Bellevue.