Published November 26 2025
Plus, sign code discussed and small businesses honored
At the City Council meeting Tuesday, the council discussed and heard recommendations from staff and advisory groups on a major update to the city’s strategic diversity, equity and inclusion plan. The Diversity Advantage Plan 2035 provides a roadmap for how the organization will continue to improve access to its services and expand positive impact on all communities that live, work, learn and play in Bellevue.
Staff presented an overview of how the city engaged community and staff to update the plan, including an initial rollout of the draft updated plan at an open house on Nov. 20.
In the plan, the city identifies a vision for and commitment to a more equitable community. There are 41 long-term equity objectives shaped by community and staff priorities that have been aligned to existing city priorities, such as the council’s strategic target areas, which focus on both community-facing services and the organization’s internal culture and practices.
The council will take action on the final plan at a future meeting. The full presentation is available on Bellevue Television.
Sign code discussed
The council also received a check-in and briefing on proposed amendments to the city’s sign code.
Based on community feedback received by the city during a first phase of outreach, the revised code will focus on encouraging contemporary sign design and technology, simplifying and streamlining regulations, and aligning with key court decisions. Time-based standards for temporary signage are also being considered.
To date, engagement efforts have included a multilingual questionnaire, listening sessions, direct outreach and online updates. Community input has revealed strong support for regulating temporary signage in residential areas and a clear recognition from businesses that signs are essential for visibility and economic health. More information on the phase one outreach approach is available in the engagement report provided with the meeting materials. City staff will continue to work with the community to ensure that standards reflect both business needs and community aesthetics.
Next, the sign code update will enter a reviewing and drafting phase focused on crafting the updated code, combined with broad public outreach. This will include information sessions and follow-up with community stakeholders. A complete draft is anticipated for council consideration in 2026.
Council proclamation for Small Business Saturday
The council also proclaimed this coming Saturday, Nov. 29 as Small Business Saturday, encouraging people to shop at local and small-scale businesses, which make up 97% of the business in Bellevue. The owner of Bellevue restaurant Monserrate Colombian Cuisine was on hand to accept the proclamation on behalf of all small businesses in the area.