Bellevue operates under a council-manager form of government, in which city council members are elected by residents to set policy and give direction to the city.
The council selects a city manager to implement policy and oversee all city operations, according to the city's mission and core values.
In addition to overseeing city operations through departments, the city manager directly supervises communications, homelessness outreach, intergovernmental relations and the Diversity Advantage program. To help ensure Bellevue interests are considered at the state and federal level, the Intergovernmental Relations team communicates with the state Legislature and Congress each year (2025 state legislative agenda, 2024–2025 federal agenda).
The city employs approximately 1,300 people, driven by core values of exceptional public service, stewardship, commitment to employees, integrity and innovation. As an award-winning organization, we routinely challenge ourselves to improve our operations and do the best job possible with the resources available.