Bellevue is known as a hub for local and global business. We attract the best – a highly educated, entrepreneurial and talented workforce – and the best choose Bellevue. We are home to headquarters for global businesses and innovative start-ups moving beyond the garage. Innovation is key to our future. Economic Development Performance
Through Economic Development, the city provides an attractive business environment. Infrastructure is ample and in excellent condition, including roads, rails, high-speed data, reliable electricity and clean water. Business regulation is fair, and the tax structure is attractive. The city, region and state offer appropriate incentives to locate businesses in Bellevue. Affordable and flexible workspaces nurture start-ups and entrepreneurial businesses.
We provide the lifestyles, amenities and institutions that attract the next generation of business leaders and innovators: high-end entertainment, outdoor recreation, exceptional K-12 and higher education, high-capacity transit, and a green and sustainable environment. Our educational institutions inspire innovation and train the talent needed to support our diverse industry sectors.
We foster a diversified suite of business activities. We support our existing and traditional sectors, including retail, neighborhood centers, auto sales, financial services, aerospace and light industrial businesses. We are a growing center for a broad range of technologies – including software, mobile communications, 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, eco-districts, interactive media and entertainment, and medical devices and services. Our arts and cultural opportunities, shopping and proximity to major recreational activities make us a premier destination for tourism and conventions.
Bellevue College, the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) and our other institutes of higher learning are connected physically and digitally from Eastgate to BelRed, downtown and the University of Washington in Seattle. We’ve leveraged our commitment to higher education into some of the most successful new companies of the future.
Three-Year (2021-23) Priorities
1. Implement the direct strategies of the Economic Development Plan, addressing:
- Capacity building and partnerships
- Small business and entrepreneurship
- Workforce
- Retail
- Creative Economy
- Tourism