Published June 3 2020
Plus, King County update on COVID-19, Great Neighborhoods, proclamations of support
The City Council Monday received an update from Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett on the looting and public disturbances that took place in downtown Bellevue on Sunday.
The chief drew a distinction between peaceful protestors and those committing vandalism and looting of local businesses. He addressed the police response to the situation, including criticism that the response was too slow or inadequate.
Chief Mylett spoke about the planned attack, which impacted several regional cities and limited backup support available through mutual aid from other area departments. The chief detailed the activities of the groups who were looting, noting they appeared to have worked together to spread law enforcement resources thin across multiple cities including Seattle and Bellevue.
The chief concluded his remarks by reviewing police training procedures in crowd control and de-escalation.
The full discussion is available on Bellevue Television.
King County COVID-19 update
King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci presented an update to the council detailing activities at the county level in response to COVID-19. During the crisis, the county has spent funds to support public health as well as the business community, small businesses, culture, tourism and lodging.
The county recently received $260 million through the CARES Act. Chair Balducci said 50 percent to 60 percent of those funds are needed to support the county's ongoing COVID response through public health. The remainder will be used first in high-priority areas for survival including shelter and food and then to support economic recovery and mental and behavioral health and safety programs.
Great Neighborhoods
The council received an update from Community Development staff on the Great Neighborhoods program. Working collaboratively through the program, city staff and residents create neighborhood plans that serve as a roadmap to the future. With the city’s vision as a guide, each neighborhood area plan will identify unique priorities about what to preserve and what to improve.
The planning process runs in 18-month cycles, and the first two neighborhood areas are Northeast and Northwest Bellevue. Residents in those neighborhoods are invited to attend an informational session to learn more about Great Neighborhoods and how to get involved:
• Tuesday, June 16th at 11:30 a.m. Register at https://great-neighborhoods-daytime-launch.eventbrite.com
• Wednesday, June 17th at 5:30 p.m. Register at https://great-neighborhoods-evening-launch.eventbrite.com
Proclamations of support for key groups
The council recognized the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Pride Month, declared continued support and recognition for the critical contributions of Essential Workers, who put themselves at risk every day to serve the community, and recognized the achievements and resilience of the city’s 1,450 graduating seniors as they completed their coursework and held graduation ceremonies virtually.
Special Meeting
The city will not hold a council meeting on Monday, June 8. There will be a special council meeting Thursday, June 4, to consider ratifying recently enacted emergency orders. Click here for agenda details and meeting access instructions for the virtual meeting.