Published August 6 2026
Plus, Bellevue responds to regional wildfires, utility connection charge improvements and upcoming launch of shared e-bike and e-scooter program
During Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to move forward on negotiating a development agreement with partner BRIDGE Housing, which plans to build a 100% affordable, multi-family housing development adjacent to the BelRed light rail station on city-owned property, with space for an arts organization. A public hearing will be scheduled for a future meeting where the council will consider further action on the development agreement.
The proposed development would create at least 140 affordable units right next to the BelRed light rail station, including family-sized units for households at or below 60% of the area median income. It would also provide at least 24 units for people with disabilities, as well as dedicated arts and cultural facilities designed specifically for artists. Other benefits will include public open spaces and gathering areas.
The full discussion is available on Bellevue Television and additional information is available in the meeting materials.
Bellevue responds to regional wildfires
At the start of the meeting, Deputy Mayor Dave Hamilton acknowledged the devastation felt by communities in the Spokane area where wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes. Fire Chief Dave Tait addressed the council to share that Bellevue Fire staff and trucks were responding to help.
Several members of the Bellevue Fire Department have red card certification, which is wildland firefighting training, allowing them to fight wildfires both here in our community and to assist other agencies as able. The city’s brush truck along with three firefighters are currently assisting firefighting efforts in Spokane, another firefighter is assisting at the Paradise fire in Northeast Ore. and a fifth Bellevue firefighter is serving on a fire in Ferry County, Wash. The department has two reserve fire engines staffed with three firefighters each that are also ready to deploy to other fires when requested. In addition, the Bellevue Fire Foundation has offered food and assistance to fire crews and evacuees in the Spokane area.
Chief Tait offered practical tips people can take to protect their homes from fire, such as cleaning gutters and creating defensible space around the home. Website resources are also available for community members to receive a risk assessment or presentation on fire safety.
Utility connection charge improvements
The Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to implement the Environmental Services Commission’s recommendations to amend Bellevue City Code to improve affordability, increase transparency and preserve equity in the city’s connection charges for water, sewer and storm and surface water utilities. The ordinance will refine the methodology for Capital Recovery Charges (CRC) and Direct Facility Connection Charges (DFCC) in addition to the timing of collection for water, sewer and storm and surface water utilities.
More details are available in the meeting materials.
Shared e-bike and e-scooter program
People in Bellevue will soon have another option to get around town with shared electric bikes, scooters and gliders (seated scooters) available for rent through Lime.
At the council meeting, councilmembers received an update on the final preparations to launch the citywide program Aug. 10. Devices will be made available at designated parking areas throughout Bellevue upon launch. An official opening event and ceremonial first ride, including a helmet giveaway, will take place Aug. 21 at The Meadow in downtown Bellevue.
The program is ‘geofenced’, meaning the devices will only operate within city limits or in neighboring cities where Lime operates. Device speeds are automatically adjusted when they enter designated ‘slow zones’ or ‘no operation zones’ such as certain parks. In addition, the city and Lime will be tracking several metrics to define success of the program and to guide potential adjustments over time to better meet the needs of the community. Lime will host several community events to help community members learn how to use the devices safely and make the most of this new transportation option.
The council will receive another update on initial results of the program early in 2027. The full presentation is available on Bellevue Television and more information on the program, including safe riding tips and frequently asked questions, is on the city’s shared e-bikes and e-scooters web page.
Proclamations for Black Business Month, Overdose Awareness Month and India Day
The council presented proclamations for Black Business Month, Overdose Awareness Month and India Day.
NOTE: The Bellevue City Council is now on their August recess, returning for the next Bellevue City Council meeting Sept. 8, 2026.