Over the past few decades, Bellevue has grown into a vibrant, multicultural and diverse community. As Bellevue continues to grow, the city is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment that values and respects all individuals. We constantly work to affirm the City Council’s vision statement that “Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past.”
We recognize that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act are important tools as we strive towards equity for all. The city has worked to embed these compliance-based laws firmly in the diversity and inclusion work happening across the city. Many city projects go beyond minimum compliance standards. For more information about the ways the city supports inclusion and diversity, see the pages in the sidebar to the left.
We operate our programs and services in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or limited English proficiency. The city also works to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access and opportunities to our programs and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA modifications for disabilities
If you have a disability and need a modification to access city physical or digital infrastructure, we encourage you to make a request on MyBellevue under ADA Requests. The city can assist you with a wide variety of issues including curb ramps, sidewalk obstructions, city website accessibility and building access.
If you have a disability and need a modification to access city programs, we encourage you to contact the person managing the event to make a reasonable modification request. If you need support in locating the appropriate individual, please contact Service First, 425-452-6800.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the designated ADA coordinator (adatitleVI@bellevuewa.gov).
Inclusion and respect for every individual in Bellevue is at the heart of the city’s mission. We take our responsibility to comply with the ADA seriously. To ensure compliance, we have completed a comprehensive ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.
Requests or complaints regarding private businesses
The ADA coordinator is only responsible for requests or complaints regarding Bellevue facilities and programs, including:
- City government buildings such as City Hall, community centers and fire stations
- Bellevue parks
- The City of Bellevue website
The ADA Coordinator cannot act on requests or complaints regarding private businesses, including:
- Hotels
- Private business parking lots
- Interactions with private business owners
Modification requests regarding private businesses or landlords must be addressed to those businesses.
ADA complaints regarding private businesses should be addressed directly to that business, or you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. To file a complaint, visit the Department of Justice and follow the steps listed there.
A complaint alleging disability discrimination with respect to house accommodations (e.g., refusal to make reasonable modifications) may be referred to the city's Code Compliance Office or the State Human Rights Commission.
ADA Complaints
Qualifying individuals with disabilities have the right to file a complaint that alleges discrimination on the basis of disability in relation to the city's services, activities, programs or benefits. To file a complaint, fill out the ADA complaint form and mail it to the address on the form. Prior to filing a formal ADA complaint, you are encouraged to work directly with the city to resolve the issue. Please contact adatitleVI@bellevuewa.gov with questions or to discuss concerns.
Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident and must be provided in writing. While the city is happy to work with residents over the phone or email, official complaints must be made in writing. If you need support in filing the complaint, please contact adatitleVI@bellevuewa.gov. Additional guidance can be found in the ADA Complaint guide.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
The city is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. As part of this commitment, the city complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, to ensure that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any city program or activity on the grounds of race, color, national origin or limited English proficiency.
We take Title VI compliance very seriously. To learn more about the city's Title VI compliance and efforts to build a more equitable community, please refer to the following documents:
- Title VI Annual Report
- Title VI Plan Update
- Title VI brochure
- Title VI Federal Transit Administration compliance
- Title VI Notice to the Public
- Title VI assurances statement
- Transportation Specific Complaint Procedures
Title VI Complaints
If you believe that you have not been treated equally by the city because of your race, color, national origin or limited English proficiency, then you have the right to file a discrimination complaint with the city. To file a complaint, print and fill out the Title VI complaint form, then mail it to the address on the form. Please ensure you sign the form. Prior to filing a formal Title VI complaint, you are encouraged to work directly with the city to resolve the issue. Please contact adatitleVI@bellevuewa.gov with questions or to discuss concerns.
Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident and must be provided in writing. While the city is happy to work with residents over the phone or email, official complaints must be made in writing. Additional guidance can be found in the Title VI complaint guide.
Modifications in languages other than English
If you have difficulty understanding or speaking English, you have the right to request free language assistance to participate in any city programs or services. If you require interpretation or translation to participate in or get information about any city services, please contact the city staff member associated with the service. If you need support locating the appropriate individual, email Service First or call 425-452-6800.