Published August 17 2022
Bellevue has won a 2022 Governor’s Smart Communities Award from the state Department of Commerce for its Mobility Implementation Plan, a new long-range planning framework that will help city officials decide on project investments in the transportation system based on all the ways people get around town.
The award recognizes local governments for outstanding work in creating vibrant and livable communities by achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act. The project was recognized in the “smart projects” category for successful implementation of a comprehensive plan.
“We are honored to receive this award as we look towards an increasingly multimodal future where our community has many transportation modes to choose from,” said Transportation Director Andrew Singelakis. “Thanks to Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Department of Commerce for recognizing the work of our Transportation Commission and our talented planners. The vision and support of our City Council has been crucial.”
The Mobility Implementation Plan will be especially important when prioritizing investments based on what people want in their transportation system, the quality of life they expect and what users of all ages and abilities need to reach their destinations, whether walking, biking, driving or taking transit. Developed by the Transportation Commission with public input, the plan has four main goals: improve safety; consider equity; support growth; and improve access and mobility.
This is the first time Bellevue Transportation has been honored with the Governor’s Smart Communities Award. The MIP also nabbed the VISION 2050 – Planning Ahead Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council this past May.
The Smart Communities award presentation will take place at a City Council meeting in the fall. More information is available at Mobility Implementation Plan.