OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026: Housing Strategy, Innovation, and Code Amendments

City Council — Tuesday, February 3, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:09:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:13

Welcome everyone.

0:15

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

0:22

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

0:27

I wanted to note that Councilmember Robinson is not with us this evening.

0:32

Do I have a motion to excuse her absence?

0:36

So moved.

0:36

Second.

0:37

It has been moved and seconded.

0:39

Any discussion?

0:41

All those in favor say aye.

0:42

Aye.

0:43

Aye.

0:44

There is no oppose.

0:46

Uh city cleric are the let me just go back.

0:51

Okay, great.

0:52

We have one uh proclamation here, uh black history.

0:56

Oh, flag salute.

0:57

Councilmember Breyer, uh, would you please lead us in the flag salute?

1:03

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:11

One nation, one indivisible with liberty and justice role.

1:18

Thank you.

1:19

Now roll call.

1:20

City color, are you ready for the rule of call?

1:23

Of course.

1:24

Mayor Malikuti and Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

1:27

Here, Councilmember Bargava.

1:29

Here, Councilmember Breyer.

1:30

Here.

1:31

Council Member New and House.

1:32

Council Member Robinson is absent.

1:36

Councilmember Zimidouria.

1:39

Thank you.

1:40

Great.

1:40

Now we have a proclamation, Black History Mons Proclamation.

1:46

We have Jerry Lee.

1:48

Please come and sit on the table.

1:49

We have Jerry Lee, MG2 Foundation, Executive Director and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition.

1:56

We have Shaw Lise Jackson, MG2 Executive Administrator.

2:00

We have Jay Taylor, MG2 Architect and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition, and we have Fancy Wargos, Elevate CEO and Creative Director and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition, and Deputy Mayor Hamilton will read the proclamation.

2:20

Whereas the story of Black History Month traces back to 1926, when historian Carter G.

2:27

Woodson established Negro History Week to address the absence and misrepresentation of Black history in the American narrative.

2:37

And whereas in 1970, Black students and educators expanded this observance into a month-long celebration, and in 1976, the President of the United States formally recognized February as Black History Month to honor the central role of Black history in the American experience.

2:59

And whereas Black and African Americans have made profound and enduring contributions to our nation, shaping its social, artistic, cultural, political, and economic foundations and enriching the lives of all Americans.

3:15

And whereas the City of Bellevue recognizes the ongoing need to confront racial injustice and inequity as persistent disparities and continued instances of violence and discrimination against black Americans remind us that more work remains.

3:34

And whereas the observance of Black History Month calls on us to reflect honestly on our shared history, including the experiences of Caribbean, African, and other Black immigrants who have shaped American society, and to recognize the contributions of black immigrants, including students, refugees, and those with temporary protected status as part of our shared history and resilience.

4:02

Now, therefore, I, Dave Hamilton, on behalf of Mo Malicoutian, mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in Bellevue, and encourage all community members to join in honoring the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our community and nation while recommitting to the work of addressing racism and advancing equity so that Bellevue remains a place where everyone can belong and thrive.

4:36

Thank you, Deputy Mayor.

4:38

Please.

5:01

Um is just uh amazing.

5:04

So thank you for all of us, and especially your early uh introduction into inclusion and diversity.

5:12

Thank you.

5:13

Thank you.

5:15

Thank you, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and members of council, city and city staff for this honor and recognizing Black History Month.

5:24

As a community organizer, I'm rooted in the belief that culture is essential.

5:28

When we invest in artists, storytellers, and community builders, we create space for healing, opportunity, and belonging.

5:36

I'm grateful to be part of that work, and I'm happy to accept this honor on behalf of those who continue to shape this city every day.

5:43

Thank you.

5:44

Thank you.

5:45

Good evening.

5:46

Good evening.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████████████████████████39%
Technology and Innovation███████████████████████23%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Procedural██████6%
Land Use and Zoning██████6%
Arts And Culture███3%
Environmental Protection███3%
Youth Programs██2%
Racial Equity█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on February 3, 2026, to issue a Black History Month proclamation, hear public comments on the Affordable Housing Strategy and Civic Innovation Challenge, receive updates on the Innovation Forum, discuss the draft Affordable Housing Strategy, and initiate work on the 2026 Omnibus Code Amendments. Councilmember Robinson was excused with a unanimous vote.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent calendar was approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sahara Meaney (Habitat for Humanity) : Expressed strong support for the Affordable Housing Strategy, particularly homeownership prioritization and expanded affordable housing requirements. Recommended pairing mandates with development incentives like the multifamily tax exemption.
  • Nikki Stuck (Bellevue Chamber PLUSH Committee) : Generally supported many proposals but cautioned against over-reliance on taxing housing, opposed inclusionary mandates, rental registration/inspection programs, and broad tenant protections. Called for greater clarity on several draft strategies.
  • Daniel Landis (King County Housing Authority/East Side Affordable Housing Coalition) : Strongly supported the strategy, especially mandatory inclusionary zoning and creating new local resources for deeply affordable housing.
  • Claire Sew (Youth Resident) : Urged council to incorporate youth voices in housing decisions, noting that 651 Bellevue School District students experienced homelessness last school year and that housing instability directly impacts education and well-being.
  • Brady Nordstrom (Housing Development Consortium/East Side Affordable Housing Coalition) : Supported the comprehensive strategy, emphasizing the need for supply, subsidy, and stability. Thanked staff for including those most impacted in decision-making.
  • Kunal Chopra (CEO of Certivo, Civic Innovation Challenge participant) : Voiced strong support for the Civic Innovation Challenge, describing how the pilot approach with city staff protects taxpayer resources and attracts talent. Urged council to expand and make the program permanent.
  • Barb Wilson (Microsoft) : Supported updates to the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, citing success in the Wilburton sub-area. Encouraged replicating the "supercharger" incentive and cautioning against aggressive inclusionary mandates.
  • Neil Kumar (Bellevue High School student, Civic Innovation Challenge participant) : Described how his AI-powered lost-and-found pilot at Bellevue College directly improves quality of life. Praised the program for trusting youth and connecting government with residents.
  • Patience Malaba (Housing Development Consortium/East Side Housing Roundtable) : Applauded council’s leadership on MFTE updates and urged parallel progress with land use code updates. Supported the Affordable Housing Strategy.
  • Tim Hay (Resident) : Spoke about an 8.5-acre wetland near Bellevue Square, urging council to protect it from incremental encroachment.

Discussion Items

Innovation Forum Update (Information Only)

  • Staff reported significant progress since June 2025: attendance at the Innovation Exchange grew from 50 to 275; a Civic Innovation Challenge launched with four pilot projects (Certivo, Juganu, Legislate, Find It AI); and a living innovation lab is planned at Bellevue College. Digital equity efforts include a pilot distribution of 60 laptops with connectivity via PCs for People. The next exchange is scheduled for June 3, 2026.
  • Councilmembers praised the program’s growth, focus on equity, and engagement of youth. Questions touched on AI policy implementation, outreach strategies for device distribution, and potential private-sector partnerships.

Affordable Housing Strategy (Discussion - No Vote)

  • Staff presented the draft strategy, which includes five goal areas (Affordable Housing, Housing Equity, Housing Stability, Housing for Unique Needs, Supply & Diversity) and 81 actions, with 20 identified as high priority. Estimated production of over 4,000 affordable units in 10 years, including up to 1,600 units for households under 50% AMI. The strategy emphasizes income-restricted units and leverages local funds to attract state/federal investment.
  • Council feedback included:
    • Deputy Mayor Hamilton: Generally supportive but urged more engagement with housing suppliers and use of a “can it be built? can it be built quickly?” test. Expressed concern about rental registration, tenant protection expansions, and actions exceeding the state legislative agenda. Requested removal of HS.1.4 and HS.2.3.
    • Councilmember Smotovirio: Thanked staff for including lived-experience stakeholders. Supported further study of rental registration but wanted to see data before proceeding. Asked about streamlining permits for affordable projects.
    • Councilmember Bargava: Praised focus on homeownership, funding, and inclusivity. Requested more analysis on mandatory vs. incentive-based policies, and suggested early action on land acquisition near transit. Favored expedited permitting for all housing types.
    • Councilmember Newinhouse: Cautioned against over-regulation, especially rental registration, inspections, and rent stabilization. Opposed local rent control and urged emphasis on proven incentives: MFTE, FAR bonuses, fee waivers, vouchers, and faster permitting. Recommended outreach to Rental Housing Association and Washington Multifamily Housing Association.
    • Councilmember Breyer: Supported using a levy but opposed new taxes without private partnership. Asked for clarity on inclusionary zoning paired with bonuses, and for metrics on current housing funding effectiveness. Favored visitability design but only with careful code review.
  • Mayor Malekoutian summarized shared goals but noted tension between protection and feasibility. Staff will conduct two additional information sessions and return with refined plan.

Omnibus Code Amendments 2026

  • Staff proposed a package of cleanups, state law compliance updates, and small policy adjustments (e.g., tree code revisions, removing single-family as permitted use in high-density residential zones, adding critical area enforcement tools). No controversial items included. Purpose is administrative efficiency.
  • Council moved to direct staff to initiate work and have the Planning Commission review the land use code amendment portion. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Excused Absence: Councilmember Robinson’s absence was excused (unanimous).
  • Agenda Approved: Unanimous.
  • Consent Calendar Approved: Unanimous.
  • Black History Month Proclamation: Adopted for February 2026.
  • Innovation Forum: No action required; staff to continue implementation and report back.
  • Affordable Housing Strategy: No vote taken; council directed staff to conduct additional stakeholder engagement and return with a revised draft for adoption. Semi-annual reporting on metrics will begin.
  • Omnibus Code Amendments: Council voted unanimously to initiate work and refer the land use code portion to the Planning Commission for review, with a target completion by July 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone. Thank you for being here and taking the time to engage with our beautiful city work. Your voice matters, and we are glad to hear from you. I wanted to note that Councilmember Robinson is not with us this evening. Do I have a motion to excuse her absence? So moved. Second. It has been moved and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. There is no oppose. Uh city cleric are the let me just go back. Okay, great. We have one uh proclamation here, uh black history. Oh, flag salute. Councilmember Breyer, uh, would you please lead us in the flag salute? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, one indivisible with liberty and justice role. Thank you. Now roll call. City color, are you ready for the rule of call? Of course. Mayor Malikuti and Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here, Councilmember Bargava. Here, Councilmember Breyer. Here. Council Member New and House. Council Member Robinson is absent. Councilmember Zimidouria. Thank you. Great. Now we have a proclamation, Black History Mons Proclamation. We have Jerry Lee. Please come and sit on the table. We have Jerry Lee, MG2 Foundation, Executive Director and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition. We have Shaw Lise Jackson, MG2 Executive Administrator. We have Jay Taylor, MG2 Architect and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition, and we have Fancy Wargos, Elevate CEO and Creative Director and Curator for the Black History Art Exhibition, and Deputy Mayor Hamilton will read the proclamation. Whereas the story of Black History Month traces back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to address the absence and misrepresentation of Black history in the American narrative. And whereas in 1970, Black students and educators expanded this observance into a month-long celebration, and in 1976, the President of the United States formally recognized February as Black History Month to honor the central role of Black history in the American experience. And whereas Black and African Americans have made profound and enduring contributions to our nation, shaping its social, artistic, cultural, political, and economic foundations and enriching the lives of all Americans. And whereas the City of Bellevue recognizes the ongoing need to confront racial injustice and inequity as persistent disparities and continued instances of violence and discrimination against black Americans remind us that more work remains. And whereas the observance of Black History Month calls on us to reflect honestly on our shared history, including the experiences of Caribbean, African, and other Black immigrants who have shaped American society, and to recognize the contributions of black immigrants, including students, refugees, and those with temporary protected status as part of our shared history and resilience. Now, therefore, I, Dave Hamilton, on behalf of Mo Malicoutian, mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in Bellevue, and encourage all community members to join in honoring the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our community and nation while recommitting to the work of addressing racism and advancing equity so that Bellevue remains a place where everyone can belong and thrive. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Please. Um is just uh amazing. So thank you for all of us, and especially your early uh introduction into inclusion and diversity.

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