Published October 18 2017
On Monday night, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance permanently banning safe injection sites, also referred to as community health engagement locations (CHELs), in Bellevue. The vote follows a temporary emergency ordinance passed by councilmembers on Aug. 7. The permanent ban goes into effect citywide on Oct. 26.
Additional information is available in an earlier news release.
Downtown Livability Initiative
Also at the regular session, the council voted 6-0 to adopt a major update to the Downtown area’s Land Use Code. The project, referred to as “Downtown Livability Initiative,” is aimed at making Bellevue’s fastest growing neighborhood more viable, livable and memorable. It is the first overhaul to the Downtown area in over 35 years.
More details can be found in an earlier news release.
Diversity Advantage program update
Earlier during the study session, councilmembers were briefed on the work being done through the city’s Diversity Advantage Initiative. Given Bellevue’s increasing diversity, the program seeks to better communicate, connect and serve residents. In 2014, the council adopted the Diversity Advantage Plan, a list of 60 recommendations covering six focus areas.
Staff touched on a number of highlights through 2017. These range from the continued support of the Bellevue Diversity Advantage Network, a group of 21 community members who provide valuable counsel to the city on a variety of issues, to the wider incorporation of language access resources and gauging local need. The city has also made significant strides in educating its workforce through cultural competence training and enacting a workforce diversity talent hiring initiative.
Moving forward, the team hopes to hire a ADA/Title VI Coordinator in the next year to bolster accessibility efforts. In addition, further tools are being explored to better assist and communicate with a variety of cultural communities.
A full list of accomplishments and goals are available in council agenda materials.