Published May 1 2026
Plus, paid parking downtown, Seattle World Cup prep and proclamations
Utilities staff presented the City Council Tuesday with a proposal to adjust sewer rates to correct inequities identified in a 2025 analysis. The analysis demonstrated that residents living in multifamily complexes are unintentionally subsidizing residents living in single-family homes and non-residential buildings, such as office complexes. Even though more Bellevue residents are living in multifamily complexes, the use of the sewer system from multifamily complexes has declined since 2012.
The Environmental Services Commission recommended a five-year phased rate adjustment after studying the rate analysis. The commission said sewer rates would be fairer if each customer type (single-family, multifamily and non-residential) pays a share proportional to their use of the sewer system. The five-year phased approach is designed to ease the transition to higher rates for single-family and non-residential customers.
The council expressed overall concern for rate increases, driven primarily by wholesale providers, and directed staff to incorporate the rate equity analysis and rate structure recommendations into the sewer rates Utilities will submit in September as part of the proposed 2027-28 budget.
Supporting information is available in the meeting materials.
Paid parking to free up downtown parking spaces
The council reviewed proposed amendments to chapters 11.23 and 11.80 of the City Code that would allow the city to establish and operate a paid on street parking program in Bellevue’s densest urban neighborhoods.
Transportation staff are recommending paid parking as part of Bellevue’s multiyear Curb Management Program. The 2025 Curb Pricing Implementation Strategy found that on street parking spots in downtown, Old Bellevue and the Spring District are frequently all taken, making it challenging for people trying to shop, eat or run errands.
The proposed code updates would define a curb pricing zone, establish rate setting authority and outline enforcement and payment options. They would also ensure that revenue is reinvested into curb management efforts, such as traffic safety improvements, parking studies and programs that support access to transit and services like BellHop.
The council directed staff to prepare the ordinance that will finalize the code amendments to enable paid on street parking initially in downtown, Old Bellevue and the Spring District in BelRed. Additional information is available in the agenda materials.
Seattle World Cup preparations
Following up on an April 14 presentation from Bellevue staff regarding preparations here for the World Cup in Seattle, a representative from the Seattle organizing committee shared regional plans Tuesday.
Highlights from the presentation from Dylan Ordoñez, senior vice president of external affairs for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, included various public transit adjustments to ease travel on game days and fan celebrations planned at four locations in Seattle, as well as fan zones in cities around Washington. Details are available in the agenda materials.
Proclamations for Firefighters Day, Therapeutic Court Month and Public Service Recognition Week
The council issued proclamations for International Firefighters Day, Therapeutic Court Month and Public Service Recognition Week.