Published November 13 2026
Plus, Eastgate and Factoria Neighborhood Planning and Innovation Forum
On Tuesday, the City Council held its final discussion on the proposed 2027-2028 Operating Budget and 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) before formal action on the budget scheduled for next week. Staff gave an overview of council decisions to date, including new revenues to fund transportation projects, acquisition of land for a new Fire Station 6, and one-time funding for human services and sustainability. They also discussed use of council contingency funds for community markets and activation events, a study of ADU/DADU permitting and additional funding for Utilities’ Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.
Over the past two months, the council has reviewed the preliminary budget in a series of study sessions and public hearings covering transportation, public safety, utilities, economic development, human services, sustainability, development services, and government operations.
On Nov.17, the council is expected to consider a package of ordinances and resolutions necessary to implement the budget. These include employee pay plans, human services funding recommendations, Community Development Block Grant spending, development services fees, utility rates, utility assistance program expansion, utility connection charge updates, a new 0.1% transportation sales tax, the 2027 property tax levy, preservation of levy capacity, and the overall 2027-2028 budget ordinance.
Staff presented to council the legislative decisions they will need to make to formally adopt Bellevue’s 2027-2028 Operating Budget and 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan. State law requires the city to adopt a balanced biennial budget before the start of the 2027 fiscal period on Jan. 1.
Eastgate and Factoria Neighborhood Planning
The council also reviewed updates to the Eastgate and Factoria Neighborhood Area Plans presented at Tuesday's meeting. Earlier this year, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed updates and recommended that the City Council adopt both plans. Throughout the 2025-26 Great Neighborhoods planning process, staff conducted extensive community engagement in Eastgate and Factoria. Efforts included surveys, meetings with community leaders, business walks, in-person workshops, and other activities designed to equitably engage community members in defining neighborhood values and policies. Following the presentation, the council directed staff to prepare legislation for a future meeting adopting the updates in December.
Additional details can be found in the meeting materials.
Innovation Programs
The council received an update from members of the city’s information technology team on the city’s Innovation Programs, which focus on collaboratively fostering digital equity, inclusive innovation and economic opportunity. Staff highlighted progress made since program goals were established in 2025, including growth in regional partnerships, progress on digital inclusion efforts, successful innovation-focused events and the launch of both the second Civic Innovation Challenge and the new Civic AI Innovation Lab (CAIL). CAIL will bring students, government and industry partners together to develop innovative AI applications for public services. The full presentation is available from Bellevue Television.
Recommendations for Transportation Commission
Councilmember David Hamilton, liaison to the Transportation Commission, recommended Alan Cabling to serve on the board for a partial term ending May 31, 2027, and Sireen Malik to serve a partial term expiring May 31, 2028. The council unanimously approved the appointments.
Proclamations
The council also read proclamations in recognition of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Veterans Day and Dutch American Heritage Day.