Published March 28 2025
Plus, council takes position on state revenue proposals, celebrates Wrap-Around Services, reappoints board and commission members, commends outgoing councilmember and proclaims Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The City Council Tuesday unanimously endorsed King County Metro’s plan for the RapidRide K Line targeted to begin operation between Bellevue and Kirkland in 2030.
The council will submit a letter of support for the draft “locally preferred alternative,” the vision for the K Line service that includes the line’s alignment and roadway and transit capital improvements.
At the meeting, King County Metro presented the results of a third phase of community engagement for the line, which focused on refining the route and related projects aimed at enhancing speed, reliability and accessibility. More than 1,000 survey respondents, along with participants from tabling events, online open houses and briefings, expressed support for expanded and faster bus service, prioritizing connections to transit centers and park-and-rides.
The findings from all three phases of community input are summarized in the draft plan for the corridor running between Totem Lake in Kirkland and Eastgate park and ride, with stops in downtown Bellevue. The plan also details the scope and budget for infrastructure improvements such as business access transit (BAT) lanes – designed to optimize service and achieve an expected 24% travel time savings along the corridor.
Metro will present letters of support from both Bellevue and Kirkland to the King County Council for adoption of the final K Line plan. If adopted, Metro will apply for Federal Transit Administration grants this summer and begin design in the fall.
More information is available in the meeting materials.
Council takes position on state revenue proposals
The council also discussed taking a position and drafting a letter on several revenue proposals being considered by the State House of Representatives and Senate to close a $12-15 billion state budget shortfall over the next four years.
The Legislature’s revenue proposals to address the shortfall include imposing additional Business and Occupation (B&O) taxes for businesses above a specific income level, additional payroll taxes on large employers and increasing the cap on property tax assessments in the state. Councilmembers felt some of the proposals included elements that could significantly impact the City of Bellevue as an employer, as well as the broader community and economic environment in the state.
The council specifically elevated concerns with the proposed payroll tax in the Senate (SB 5796) and the large-employer B&O tax increase in the House (HB 2045). Councilmembers voted unanimously to oppose the payroll and B&O taxes, articulated in a letter to state legislators.
While the council supports the Legislature providing greater flexibility for local revenue decisions, they voted 4-2 (with Mayor Lynne Robinson and Councilmember Dave Hamilton voting no) to oppose House Bill 2049 and Senate Bill 5798, which would raise the annual property tax cap in the state. Given the potential total impact of the multiple revenue proposals, the city is opposed to the property tax proposals as currently drafted.
Councilmember Janice Zahn recused herself from the discussion, having recently been appointed to serve in the state Legislature. The full discussion and vote are available on Bellevue Television video replay.
Celebrating 20 years of Wrap-Around Services
The Wrap-Around Services program, an innovative partnership between the city and the Bellevue School District, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary.
The program identifies the specific needs of children and families, then works collaboratively with the district and local service providers to bring resources and programming into schools. The program exists to ensure all kids and families in Bellevue are welcomed, included and have the resources needed to thrive.
Since 2005, the Wrap-Around Services program has supported over 20,000 students, family members and the broader community. Details are in the meeting materials.
Board and Commission reappointments
The council approved reappointments of members of Bellevue’s boards and commissions. Each of the volunteers were recommended for second terms by the councilmembers who serve as liaisons for the volunteers’ respective boards or commissions.
Bhavna Bhargava, recommended by Councilmember John Stokes, was reappointed to the Arts Commission. Andy Dupertuis, recommended by Councilmember Conrad Lee, was reappointed to the Environmental Services Commission. Jaskaran Singh Sarao and Angela Phan, recommended by Mayor Robinson, were reappointed to the Human Services Commission. Councilmember Hamilton recommended Elizabeth Kronoff for the Parks & Community Services Board. Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian recommended Andres Villaveces for reappointment to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Zahn commendation
As Councilmember Zahn moves on to the Legislature, the council issued a commendation for her, honoring her work as a tireless community advocate. Councilmembers and members of the audience praised Councilmember Zahn for her curiosity, toughness, patience and respect, noting that she was instrumental in many efforts, including the creation of the Adopt-A-Street and Safe Parking programs.
Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The council recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, acknowledging that preventing and addressing the trauma of sexual violence requires a united community effort. The proclamation mentioned contributors to lasting change including providing equitable supportive resources and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors about sexual violence.