Published November 4 2026
Fellow long-term city staffer Nick Whipple to serve as deputy director
The City of Bellevue announced Jake Hesselgesser has been selected following a competitive hiring process as development services director for the city.
Hesselgesser has been with the city for more than a decade in a variety of development services leadership roles. The development services department covers functions including permitting, inspections, land use codes and development, code enforcement, and small business consulting.
“Jake has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to serving the Bellevue community, delivering exceptional public service through strong leadership and collaboration, and embracing innovative approaches to city services,” said City Manager Diane Carlson.
Hesselgesser served Bellevue as building supervisor and business services director before being named acting department director. He is professionally certified in several development functions through the International Code Council and brings more than 25 years of local government and construction related experience to the position. Prior to working for the city, he was a senior inspector and plans examiner for Brown & Associates Certified Inspection Service and a designer at civil engineering firm Willdan.
“I am honored to continue serving the Bellevue community through this role,” said Hesselgesser. “The people and functions of development services contribute to a thriving future in Bellevue and I’m grateful to be part of helping shape tomorrow as the city grows and evolves.”
Whipple brings 14 years of planning and development experience, including 12 years with Bellevue as a planner, planning manager and assistant director. He has led complex land use and policy initiatives and brings a collaborative leadership approach, strategic perspective and deep understanding of Bellevue's development environment to the role.
“Jake’s leadership and operational expertise, together with Nick's experience in planning and development policy, brings complementary strengths to the department's leadership team,” added Carlson. “I look forward to seeing them build on the department's success and continue advancing responsive, effective service delivery.”
Together, Hesselgesser and Whipple bring experience across the department's operations, permitting, inspections, planning and policy functions, positioning Development Services to continue improving service delivery and supporting Bellevue's growth.
Hesselgesser starts his role as director immediately, and Whipple will assume the deputy director position later this month. More information about development in Bellevue can be found on the city website.