Published July 26 2024
Plus, tourism promotion and Neighborhood Walks
On Tuesday, the City Council adopted a comprehensive plan amendment that will facilitate the transformation of the west side of Wilburton into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood.
With updated policies and a future land use map, the comprehensive plan amendment provides guidance for land use code amendments, affordable housing approaches, sustainability and multimodal transportation in the Wilburton transit-oriented development area.
The amendment, discussed in detail at the June 25 council meeting, marks a significant milestone for the Wilburton Vision Implementation initiative and provides a framework for future development in the neighborhood.
Bellevue-Redmond Tourism Promotion Area budget and strategic plan
The council received a report on the Bellevue-Redmond Tourism Promotion Area to encourage more tourism in Bellevue and Redmond. Funding for the TPA comes from a $2.50 nightly fee charged to guests of lodging businesses.
Visit Bellevue and OneRedmond are contracted to administer TPA initiatives in their respective zones. Last year, Bellevue had 2 million overnight visitors. The TPA fee, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, was expected to bring more than $3 million in revenue in its first year for tourism activities in the Bellevue and Redmond areas.
The goal outlined in the TPA strategic plan is to have 2.4 million overnight visitors by end of 2025, with an increase in hotel occupancy and conventions. Achieving this goal would bring more than $300 million in economic impact annually and make Bellevue an even more enjoyable place for both visitors and residents. It is estimated that each visitor spends two and half times the amount of the cost of their lodging at local businesses.
The full details of the TPA strategic plan and budget are available in the meeting materials.
Report on eighth annual Neighborhood Walks
Staff gave a report on last week’s Neighborhood Walks in the Lake Hills, Factoria and West Bellevue neighborhood areas. The annual walks provide an opportunity for informal and productive conversations between community members and city leaders about what matters most to people living in the community. Neighborhood Walks also highlight for city staff the unique neighborhoods in Bellevue.
Recurring themes heard from participants included concerns about increasing traffic and speeding, public safety issues such as mailbox theft, and housing affordability for seniors trying to age in place. Participants also expressed a desire for more opportunities for young adults and those new to the region to find connection and civic engagement.
The presentation and discussion are available on Bellevue Television.
Proclamations for Disability Pride Month and Probation Week
The council issued proclamations celebrating Disability Pride Month and Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.