Published February 18 2016
Also, East Bellevue Community Council granted appeal funds
On Tuesday the City Council was briefed on the recent results of the first bi-annual Bellevue Business Survey. The survey, conducted between Sept. 28 and Nov. 8, asked local businesses to weigh in on Bellevue's current business climate. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the city's Office of Economic Development team to attract, retain and grow local businesses.
Despite feedback regarding areas for improvement such as traffic congestion, the need for more parking and the lack of affordable housing, Bellevue received high marks for its overall business climate. Highlights include:
- Seven out of 10 businesses feel Bellevue is a "somewhat" or "significantly" better place to operate when compared to other cities;
- 60 percent feel they are getting their money's worth for the tax dollars they pa; and.
- 69 percent feel Bellevue is moving in the right direction.
A total of 917 businesses were interviewed throughout the process, which included outreach to all businesses registered in Bellevue via email, phone and mailings. The survey results will have an impact on the city's strategies for addressing issues affecting key industries and employment centers.
East Bellevue Community Council litigation
Later, the council approved up to $70,000 in funding in response to a request from the East Bellevue Community Council for legal representation concerning the ongoing appeals process with Puget Sound Energy. The lawsuits were triggered by the EBCC's opposition to PSE's proposal to build a new transmission line between the Lake Hills and Phantom Lake substations. Of the $70,000, $10,000 is suggested for mediation.