Newcomers Guide- (new page)

Your Newcomers Guide

"We Welcome the world... Our diversity is our strength."

Bellevue, Washington is the Eastside’s dynamic, high-tech, and retail gathering place with gleaming, downtown high-rises, a growing, diverse population of approximately 150,000, our schools rated among the best in the country. With its vast network of parks and trails, Bellevue is known as a “City in a Park.” Our neighborhoods have preserved their distinctive character, natural beauty, safe environment, amenities, and offer opportunities to all for a high quality of life. This guide, with links to key services, information, and resources, will help get you settled here. All newcomers to Bellevue are most welcome, whether from another country, state, or neighborhood. We look forward to your active engagement in our friendly community and to your contributions to our inclusive, diverse city.

Your New Home

Housing

Federal law prohibits discrimination against people seeking housing based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, disability, or national origin.

Renting: Here are organizations that will help you find housing at prices you can afford. Rental agreements may be month-to-month or by lease – get agreements in writing.

A Rental Coalition for Housing (ARCH)
- archhousing.org | 425-861-3676
King County Housing Authority (KCHA)
- kcha.org | 1-206-574-1140, eastside office
Tenant/Landlord responsibilities:
- atg.wa.gov/residential-landlordtenant-resources

Buying a home: There are organizations & real estate companies that will help you find housing at prices you can afford.

A Rental Coalition for Housing (ARCH)
- archhousing.org | 425-861-3676
Homebuyer Education Classes
- wshfc.org | 1-800-767-4663, ext. 775

Alarm Registration

Alarms in homes & businesses that alert the police must be registered with the city through Public Safety Corporation.

bellevuewa@publicsafetycorporation.com | 1-255-694-8280

Phone

Select a service provider based on your needs. Call charges vary for local, long-distance, or international calls. Other options include public telephones or prepaid phone cards. Dial 411 to find numbers – you will be charged a small fee for the service.

Internet, Cable

Determine local availability & the right fit in speed & delivery method. You may have numerous providers, plans & deals to compare before selection.

Mail

When you settle in an apartment or house, you are eligible to receive mail at that address from the United States Post Office (USPS). Register your name & address with the USPS. usps.com 1-800-275-8777

Utilities

Electric & Gas: Puget Sound Energy 
- BellevueWA.gov/utilities-service | 425-455-5120
- Note: In the U.S., use electronic plug type A/B, 120V, 60Hz
Water, sewer & stormwater drainage Bellevue Utilities (city
- BellevueWA.gov/utilities-service | 425-452-6973
Garbage & Recycling: Republic Services
- BellevueWA.gov/utilities-service | 425-646-2492

Your Schools

Children 8-18 years old must attend school in the state of Washington. Public education is free for children 5 years old through high school. Private education options are also available at your cost.

Kindergarten – High School: Determine which school district & school your child or children will be attending. Contact the district about school lunch programs, learning English, required immunizations, parents’ expected involvement in a child’s education.
Bellevue School District
- BellevueWA.gov/public-schools
- 425-456-4000
Neighboring school districts
- Lake Washington School District lwsd.org
- Renton School District rentonschools.us
- Issaquah School District issaquah.wednet.edu

◼ Learning English (ESL): English is the primary language in the U.S. There are many organizations that offer free classes for all levels of proficiency. Community Colleges, the library (KCLS), social service organizations such as Hopelink & Jewish Family Services offer free classes. TalkTime groups offer conversational English in a variety of settings as well.

Your Finances

Banking

Your money is protected in a bank. The FDIC, a federal government agency, insures each depositor, per bank, up to $250,000 if the bank fails. Note: some items, such as stocks, bonds, & other investment products, are not FDIC-insured even if bought in a bank. It is your responsibility to learn if it is FDIC insured. There are many banks available in the city. Select one that can do the transactions you want & has the products & services you need. (i.e. checks, credit and/or debit cards, ATM, online banking, wire transfers, etc)

Credit & Ratings

It is important to maintain a good financial record. Pay your bills on time – you will be charged late fees or interest if the delinquent. Credit ratings determine whether you receive good loan terms or whether you are qualified to receive loans or credit cards at all.

Your Healthcare

The state of Washington opted to expand Medicaid. Its Healthplanfinder program, offers Affordable Care Act options to all who qualify.

Public Health

Provides equal access to health care regardless of income, ethnicity, language & immigration status. kingcounty.gov/CHAP | 1-800-756-5437

International Community Health Services:

Determines general eligibility for health care coverage including Medicaid ichs.com/ichs-locations/bellevue/ | 1-206-788-3774

SHIBA

Provides free, unbiased & confidential help with Medicare (65+) & assesses health care coverage needs.

insurance.wa.gov/about-shiba-services | 425-452-2800 for appointment

Your Business

Here are government agencies & resources willing to help you start a business.

WA state Master License and EIN#

dor.wa.gov | 1-360-705-6741

access.wa.gov | 1-360-704-5221

City License

Taxation Office, City of Bellevue BellevueWA.gov/business-taxes | 425-452-6851

Startup425

An initiative of 5 communities on the Eastside, formed to support creativity, innovation & entrepreneurship. Startup425.org

SCORE

Free & confidential 1-on-1 business mentoring in the Greater Seattle area. seattle.score.org/eastside | 1-206-553-7320

Your Neighborhoods

Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center

A dispute resolution program offering free & confidential services. Situations may involve neighbors, parents & teens, rent negotiations, etc. BellevueWA.gov/conflict-resolution

Community Centers

Bellevue’s five community centers & other facilities offer plenty of activities & classes. BellevueWA.gov/community-centers

Fun Stuff

Swimming, theater, art classes, golf, youth & adult sports, berry picking, sheep shearing, cultural festivals, skateboarding & much more. BellevueWA.gov/things-to-do

Libraries

The King County Library System has libraries in downtown Bellevue, on Newport Way & Lake Hills, along with Crossroads Library Connection. Library cards are free. kcls.org

Mini City Hall in Crossroads Shopping Center

Mini City Hall is a satellite service center specializing in outreach to Bellevue’s diverse population. We offer quick information & referral services in several languages. Language Line (240+ languages) is also available. BellevueWA.gov/mini-city-hall | 425-452-2800

Neighborhood Services

Bellevue values & supports its neighborhoods. Learn why Bellevue is ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.

Programs offered: Bellevue Essentials, Engaging Bellevue, Arts and Culture, Block Parties, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Conversations, Neighborhood Liaisons, Neighborhood Enhancement, Leadership Conferences. BellevueWA.gov/neighborhoods | 425-452-6836

Parks and Recreation

Bellevue boasts 2,700 acres of parks, including the Botanical Garden, Downtown Park, Kelsey Creek Farm & others. BellevueWA.gov/parks-and-trails

Volunteer Opportunities

Bellevuewa.gov/volunteering

Your City of Bellevue

Bellevue by the Numbers

A community calling guide, “Bellevue by the Numbers” is translated in multiple languages, & has contact information for city services, resources, & other organizations. BellevueWA.gov/bellevue-by-the-numbers

City Government

The city manager oversees daily operations; policy direction comes from our elected city council, with recommendations from resident boards & commissions. 13 departments provide essential services. BellevueWA.gov/city-government

City Jobs

governmentjobs.com/careers/bellevuewa

Diversity Advantage Initiative

Bellevue’s diversity work informs and fuels new citywide efforts to grow as a culturally competent organization & to broaden resident engagement. Language Line (240+ languages) available at all city facilities. BellevueWA.gov/diversity-advantage-initiative

MyBellevue Mobile app

Request services & check out city news, events & jobs. Free download to your smartphone. BellevueWA.gov/mybellevue

Police & Fire

Protecting you from crime & fire as well as helping with medical emergencies. For an emergency, call 911. For other issues, call 425-577-5656 BellevueWA.gov/police OR BellevueWA.gov/fire

Public Transportation

Our area’s extensive transit network makes traveling car-free a snap. chooseyourwaybellevue.org/transit

Traffic and Advisories

Maps, traffic cameras & advisories. BellevueWA.gov/traffic-conditions