Published May 23 2025
Plus Safe Speeds Bellevue introduced
The City Council Tuesday continued discussions on the proposed Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) land use code amendment. The updates implement goals adopted in the 2024 Wilburton Comprehensive Plan Amendment and would establish new mixed-use land use districts and code for the 300-acre TOD area – advancing the community’s vision for Wilburton as Bellevue’s next vibrant, inclusive and trail and transit-connected neighborhood.
The discussion built on the Planning Commission’s earlier recommendations and focused on additional analysis and responses to stakeholder proposals. The council reviewed staff recommendations on several topics that have been the subject of ongoing community engagement. Final council action on the proposed land use code amendment will take place at a future council meeting.
The full presentation and council discussion are available via video replay on Bellevue Television, with supporting documents in the meeting materials.
New program introduced to improve safety on Bellevue streets
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the council heard about a new program to improve safety and support Vision Zero by evaluating speed limits and reducing speeds on city streets. The program, called Safe Speeds Bellevue, will review speed limits on all city streets that currently have a speed limit of 30 mph or more.
Almost 90% of fatal and serious injury crashes happen on these streets; however, they are only 25% of the total street network. The goal of this program is to reduce the number and severity of crashes. Reducing speed limits has been shown to reduce the speed people drive and improve safety in Bellevue, Seattle and many other cities across the U.S.
The council directed staff to begin outreach on Safe Speeds Bellevue and prepare an ordinance for adoption at a future meeting that would lower the speed limit on four evaluation corridors – portions of 124th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 38th Street in Factoria; Northup Way from Bellevue Way Northeast to 120th Avenue Northeast in Northwest Bellevue; Village Park Drive in Cougar Mountain/Lakemont; and Northeast 40th Street in Bridle Trails.
If adopted, lower speed limits will be implemented this summer. More information on Safe Speeds Bellevue, including maps showing all streets being reviewed through the program and the four evaluation corridors, is available at Safe Speeds.
Proclamations recognizing Bike Everywhere Month, safe boating and paddling, mental health awareness, and Public Works Week
In other business, the council read proclamations in recognition of Bike Everywhere Month, National Safe Boating and Paddling Week, Mental Health Awareness Month and Public Works Week.