OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting Summary: January 27, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, January 27, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, January 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:38:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Several other staff people here who are volunteering their time.

0:03

Huge thank you to those staff people.

0:06

And we also have a couple members of senior leadership.

0:10

So Linda Abe and Bianca Siegel are also here with us tonight.

0:16

And I think I saw some planning commissioners and maybe a human service commissioner in the room.

0:22

Any of you are border commission members, you just want to raise your hand or give a little wave.

0:26

Thanks for joining us.

0:32

So for today's agenda, we're going to be setting some context on some commonly defined terms that are used in affordable housing, as well as talking about some of the affordable housing work that the city has already done.

0:47

And then the main event for tonight is talking about the upcoming work in 2025.

1:55

Welcome everyone.

1:57

Thank you for being here and taking the time to engage with our city and with the work we do here.

2:05

Your voice matters, and we are super glad to hear from you.

2:11

With that, City Claire, are you ready for the roll call?

2:16

Yes.

2:17

Mayor Melakutian?

2:18

Here.

2:19

Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

2:21

Here.

2:21

Councilmember Breyer.

2:23

Here.

2:23

Councilmember Bargava.

2:24

Here.

2:25

Councilmember Newman House.

2:26

Here.

2:26

Councilmember Sumadoria.

2:28

And Councilmember Robinson is joining us remotely.

2:31

Councilmember Robinson, can you hear us?

2:34

Yes, I'm here.

2:36

Thank you.

2:37

Great.

2:38

Deputy Mayor Hamilton, would you please lead us in the flag salute?

2:42

Please rise if you're able.

2:43

I plug the leaders to the United States.

2:51

One agent.

3:02

So I want to begin tonight by acknowledging the fear, uncertainty, and concern.

3:11

Many people in our community are feeling right now in light of recent federal immigration activities in our region and across the country.

3:22

Federal immigration enforcement actions are outside the control of local cities.

3:28

The city of Bellevue does not participate in those activities, and our local police officers do not have a role in federal civil immigration enforcement.

3:41

What is our responsibility is to uphold our community's values of integrity, respect, and care in the work we do locally.

3:53

Bellevue remains committed to being a welcoming and safe city, one that serves and supports all who call this community home, including the many immigrants and refugees who contribute so much to our city.

4:10

We have shared resources on our website at BelleviewWA.gov, including a message from our police chief that explains how the Belleview Police Department operates in relation to federal activities.

4:57

And now we have two uh proclamation.

5:00

The first one is international Holocaust Remembrance that Councilmember Newenhause are going to read.

5:09

And then we have Regina Friedland here to receive that.

5:15

Councilman Newenhaus, please.

5:19

So whereas January 27th marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration in extermination camp, and to honor the memory of those who perished.

5:38

And whereas January 27, 2026 marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, serving as a solemn reminder of the passage of time and the enduring responsibility to remember and to bear witness.

5:54

And whereas on this day and every day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions of other innocent victims, including people with disabilities, political dissidents, and others targeted for persecution.

6:12

And whereas anti-Semitism is defined as a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred towards Jews, including rhetorical and physical acts directed at Jews at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities.

6:30

And whereas anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise and represent an assault on the humanity of all people, underscoring the urgent need to remember the millions of men and women and children who were killed because of their beliefs and because of their heritage.

6:47

And to reaffirm our collective commitment to those to the atrocities, that the atrocities and the genocide of the Holocaust are never repeated.

6:56

Now, therefore, I, Jared Newenhouse, on behalf of Mo Malikutian, Mayor Bellevue Washington and the City Council to hereby proclaim January 27th, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Bellevue, and I encourage all residents to join in solemn remembrance of the victims, educate themselves about the Holocaust, and work together to confront and eradicate anti-Semitism in all its forms.

7:23

Thank you so much.

7:24

Regina, please.

7:26

On behalf of American Jewish Committee, AJC, we want to thank Mayor Malakutian, Bellevue City Council, and especially call out Councilmember Jared Newenhouse for your proclamation and recognizing the importance of marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

7:45

Today we remember six million Jews and the millions of others Hitler deemed worthy of elimination, murdered by the Nazi regime.

7:54

We honor their lives, their stories, and their humanity, and we reaffirm that the Holocaust was not inevitable, nor was it an accident of history.

8:05

It was the result of choices, choices to dehumanize, to remain silent, and to allow hatred to harden into policy.

8:14

Commemorations like this matter because remembrance is not only about the past, it's a commitment to vigilance in the present, to recognizing warning signs, to pushing back against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred, and to ensure that no community is ever again isolated or targeted without a response.

8:38

On behalf of our Jewish community, thank you for standing with survivors, their descendants, and with the truth.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Human Services███████████████████████████████████████39%
Procedural████████8%
Educational Funding████████8%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Public Engagement████4%
Immigrant and Refugee Services███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting Summary: January 27, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on January 27, 2026, starting at 1:45 PM (time inferred from agenda). The meeting included proclamations, oral communications, and action on several items, including supporting school district levies, receiving the human services needs update and funding recommendations, an update on the safe speeds program, and final approval of a rezone. Councilmembers present: Mayor Melakutian, Deputy Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Breyer, Councilmember Bargava, Councilmember Newman House, Councilmember Sumadaveria, and Councilmember Robinson (remote). Mayor Melakutian opened with remarks acknowledging community concerns about federal immigration enforcement, reaffirming Bellevue's commitment to being a welcoming and safe city.

Proclamations

  • International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27, 2026): Councilmember Newenhaus read the proclamation. Regina Friedland of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) accepted, thanking the council and emphasizing the importance of remembrance.
  • Americans of Chinese Descent History Month (January 2026): Councilmember Sumadaveria read the proclamation. Former Councilmember Lee accepted, accompanied by two youth speakers (Gideon and Yulan Wang) who spoke about the importance of recognition and inclusion. A motion to approve the agenda passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent calendar was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony (Oral Communications)

Pre-registered speakers and one additional speaker addressed the council. Speakers and positions:

  • Eric Fourner (representing OMA Construction): Urged council to reject a motion to award a construction contract to Johansson Construction (4th lowest bidder) and instead award to OMA (low bidder), citing a $1.275 million savings and arguing the bid rejection based on missing information was unwarranted.
  • Arlen Nordhorn (disabled veteran, Bellevue resident since 1990): Requested the city establish assistance programs for 100% disabled veterans, such as utility relief, noting the high cost of living in Bellevue.
  • Michael Huffman (formerly homeless, now resident of Plymouth Crossing): Described his experience with homelessness and supportive housing, criticized organizations (Discovery Institute, Jonathan Chow) he said blame the poor, and urged the council to address the growing unhoused population.
  • Lisa Pierce (Plymouth Crossing resident, Eastgate neighborhood): Expressed gratitude for the foundation provided by Plymouth Crossing, asked the council to match residents' efforts to build community, and noted that positive outcomes at Plymouth were not celebrated in prior council discussions.
  • Paul Rood (Bellevue resident): Spoke on noise pollution, presented a draft resolution and red-line of noise regulations (BCC 9.18), including a ban on gas-powered lawn equipment and limiting noise hours. Urged council to act without concessions to profit margins.
  • Liz McKinney (contracted dining worker at Meta Cafes, Spring District): Urged council to support unionization efforts, requested a public forum and letter of support, expressed frustration with council inaction, and highlighted the vulnerability of immigrant co-workers.
  • Adam Coke (line cook, Lavish Roots at Meta Kitchens): Described unsafe working conditions (broken equipment, smoke, carbon monoxide hazards), punishment for calling out sick, and asked council to support their unionization efforts.
  • Juliet Ducher (cook at Meta): Spoke about health issues (carpal tunnel), high insurance costs, and the threat of homelessness, asking for council support.
  • Maria Hudson (parent): Alleged police misconduct and demanded a criminal investigation into Bellevue police officers, claiming false reports and interference with reporting her daughter's sexual assault.
  • Additional speaker (unscheduled): Mentioned Tanzania visa issues, asked city to pay for gravel on a right-of-way, and complimented traffic light improvements.

Discussion Items

School District Levies (Resolution 10579)

Council considered taking a collective position on two Bellevue School District propositions on the February 10 special election: Proposition 1 (Educational Programs & Operations Levy) and Proposition 2 (Technology & Capital Projects Levy). City Clerk Charmaine Arradon outlined the process, noting the safe harbor clause.

  • Pro presentation (Mindy Carroll, co-treasurer Bellevue Quality Schools): Urged council approval, stating the levies are replacement renewals with the same rate as 2026, funding essential programs (arts, music, nurses, counselors, 7-period day, transportation, special education, technology) that the state does not fully fund. She noted Bellevue levies have among the lowest property tax rates in the county.
  • Supporting speakers: Phil Block (Bellevue School Board president): Shared personal testimony about his daughter's success, urged support. Maggie Wong (PTSA president, real estate broker): Spoke in favor, citing importance for language programs and property values. Steve Miller (former school board member): Emphasized that losing levy revenue (24% of budget) would be devastating.
  • No opposition speakers were pre-registered or called.
  • Council discussion: Motion by Deputy Mayor Hamilton to adopt Resolution 10579 supporting both propositions, seconded by Councilmember Newenhaus. Passed 7-0. Mayor and Councilmember (likely Councilmember Sumadaveria) expressed strong support for schools as key to community.

Human Services Needs Update & Funding Recommendations

The Parks and Community Services Department presented data from the 2025 Human Services Needs Update and the Human Services Commission's preliminary 2027-28 funding recommendations.

  • Presentation (Michael Shiasaki, retiring; Tony Esparza; Angela Fan, Commission Chair):
    • Needs update: Data from over 700 respondents (79% Bellevue residents, 62 service providers). Cross-cutting themes: cultural/language barriers, provider strain, stigma/mistrust. Top critical needs: financial assistance, food/basic needs, shelter.
    • Key statistics: 32% of Bellevue residents are cost-burdened (spending >30% income on housing). 23.8% of households are low/moderate income. 54% of residents can access services when needed; same percentage can access culturally/linguistically appropriate services.
    • Homelessness: 123 people living in vehicles in Bellevue (40% children). 651 Bellevue school students experienced homelessness (3x since 2021-22). Graduation rate for homeless students: 51% vs 94% overall.
    • Behavioral health: 30% of students feel sad/hopeless; 15% considered suicide. Therapy waitlists average 6+ months.
    • Food insecurity: 1 in 4 BSD students qualify for food assistance.
    • Funding recommendations: The Commission proposed percentage allocations for 9 service areas (e.g., shelter, financial assistance, food, mental health, etc.) with a contingency plan allowing up to 2% adjustment without council approval. Also set targets: 23% for youth programs, 26% for culturally/linguistically specific programs.
  • Council discussion:
    • Councilmember Robinson proposed changing the target category from "culturally and linguistically specific programs" to "programs and services designed to serve the needs of marginalized communities" and increasing the contingency to 5%. She argued consistency with the recently adopted Diversity Advantage Plan.
    • Councilmember Bargava supported increased flexibility (5% contingency).
    • Deputy Mayor Hamilton and others preferred to adopt percentage allocations now and discuss definitional changes later, citing the need for transparency and time to review.
    • After parliamentary maneuvering, the council voted first to direct staff to prepare a resolution approving the Commission's percentage allocations (passed unanimously).
    • The proposal to increase contingency to 5% failed (only Councilmember Bargava voted in favor).
    • On the language change, Councilmember Robinson modified her motion, requesting that the definition of culturally/linguistically specific programs be made consistent with the Diversity Advantage Plan. The council agreed by unanimous consent to have staff bring back revised language for consideration before the RFP is published (March 2).

Safe Speeds Program Update

Transportation staff (Chris Long, John Murphy, Benjamin Wright) presented an update on the citywide safe speed study, part of the Vision Zero initiative.

  • Background: Speed limits on four corridors were lowered July 2025; results showed a 42% reduction in high-end speeding (e.g., on a Factoria corridor).
  • Proposed speed limits: Based on conflict and activity analysis (context-sensitive). 60% of streets would drop 5 mph, 20% drop 10 mph, 20% unchanged. Downtown core at 25 mph, some areas (Downtown Park, Old Bellevue) at 20 mph.
  • Implementation plan: Phased: start with urban core/high-injury network, then remainder. Plans include more signage, signal timing adjustments, radar signs, speed safety cameras, traffic calming (narrow lanes, speed cushions, raised crosswalks).
  • Council questions:
    • Councilmember Newenhaus asked about enforcement metrics and escalation to other tools if speed limit alone doesn't change behavior.
    • Councilmember Bargava inquired about coupling enforcement with design and about prioritizing implementation by high-injury locations rather than geographic area.
    • Councilmember Sumadaveria expressed appreciation for shifting to survivability-based speed setting.
    • Deputy Mayor Hamilton noted strong community agreement (75% say speed impacts safety) and praised the evaluation results.
  • Staff responded that enforcement (e.g., police safer roads initiative) and future engineering will support new limits. Implementation prioritization will be refined based on budget and further council input. No vote taken; staff will return in June with draft speed limits for approval.

Land Use: Rezone Approval (Ordinance 6899)

Quasi-judicial item: final action on rezone of 4.55 acres at 999 118th Ave SE from OLB (Office Limited Business) to NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use).

  • City Attorney Trisna Tannis reviewed the hearing examiner recommendation and criteria (consistent with comprehensive plan, related to public health/safety/welfare, warranted, no harm, community merit).
  • No ex-parte disclosures. Motion to adopt the ordinance by Deputy Mayor Hamilton, seconded by Councilmember Bargava. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
  • School District Levies: Resolution 10579 supporting Propositions 1 and 2 adopted 7-0.
  • Human Services Funding: Council directed staff to prepare a resolution approving the Human Services Commission's percentage allocations for 2027-28. The contingency increase from 2% to 5% failed. Staff will bring back revised language for the definition of culturally/linguistically specific programs, consistent with the Diversity Advantage Plan.
  • Safe Speeds: Informational update; staff to return in June 2026 with draft speed limits for council approval.
  • Rezone (999 118th Ave SE): Ordinance 6899 adopted unanimously.
  • Oral Communications: All 10 speakers were heard. No formal action taken on their requests.

Meeting Transcript

Several other staff people here who are volunteering their time. Huge thank you to those staff people. And we also have a couple members of senior leadership. So Linda Abe and Bianca Siegel are also here with us tonight. And I think I saw some planning commissioners and maybe a human service commissioner in the room. Any of you are border commission members, you just want to raise your hand or give a little wave. Thanks for joining us. So for today's agenda, we're going to be setting some context on some commonly defined terms that are used in affordable housing, as well as talking about some of the affordable housing work that the city has already done. And then the main event for tonight is talking about the upcoming work in 2025. Welcome everyone. Thank you for being here and taking the time to engage with our city and with the work we do here. Your voice matters, and we are super glad to hear from you. With that, City Claire, are you ready for the roll call? Yes. Mayor Melakutian? Here. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Breyer. Here. Councilmember Bargava. Here. Councilmember Newman House. Here. Councilmember Sumadoria. And Councilmember Robinson is joining us remotely. Councilmember Robinson, can you hear us? Yes, I'm here. Thank you. Great. Deputy Mayor Hamilton, would you please lead us in the flag salute? Please rise if you're able. I plug the leaders to the United States. One agent. So I want to begin tonight by acknowledging the fear, uncertainty, and concern. Many people in our community are feeling right now in light of recent federal immigration activities in our region and across the country. Federal immigration enforcement actions are outside the control of local cities. The city of Bellevue does not participate in those activities, and our local police officers do not have a role in federal civil immigration enforcement. What is our responsibility is to uphold our community's values of integrity, respect, and care in the work we do locally. Bellevue remains committed to being a welcoming and safe city, one that serves and supports all who call this community home, including the many immigrants and refugees who contribute so much to our city. We have shared resources on our website at BelleviewWA.gov, including a message from our police chief that explains how the Belleview Police Department operates in relation to federal activities. And now we have two uh proclamation. The first one is international Holocaust Remembrance that Councilmember Newenhause are going to read. And then we have Regina Friedland here to receive that. Councilman Newenhaus, please. So whereas January 27th marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration in extermination camp, and to honor the memory of those who perished. And whereas January 27, 2026 marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, serving as a solemn reminder of the passage of time and the enduring responsibility to remember and to bear witness. And whereas on this day and every day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions of other innocent victims, including people with disabilities, political dissidents, and others targeted for persecution. And whereas anti-Semitism is defined as a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred towards Jews, including rhetorical and physical acts directed at Jews at Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities. And whereas anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise and represent an assault on the humanity of all people, underscoring the urgent need to remember the millions of men and women and children who were killed because of their beliefs and because of their heritage.

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