OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026: Proclamations, Development Plans, Human Services Funding, and Interim Ordinance for Old Bellevue

City Council — Tuesday, February 10, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:33:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:33

Welcome, thanks for being here, a full house.

0:37

Thank you for taking the time to engage with our work.

0:41

We love to hear your voices and be glad you are here.

0:46

With that city clear, uh, are you ready for a roll call?

0:51

Thank you.

0:51

Mayor Malakitian.

0:53

Here.

0:54

Uh Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

0:55

Here.

0:56

Councilmember Bargava.

0:57

Here.

0:57

Councilmember Briar.

0:59

Here.

0:59

Councilmember New in House.

1:00

Here.

1:01

Councilmember Sumataria.

1:03

And Councilmember Robinson just uh is joining us virtually.

1:07

I'm gonna promote her right now, but she is here.

1:10

I can verify that.

1:11

Sounds great.

1:12

Councilmember New Enhouse, would you please lead us in the flag salute?

1:16

My pleasure, please rise if you can.

1:20

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

1:27

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:37

Thank you so much.

1:38

We have uh two proclamation.

1:42

The first one is Lunar New Year Week proclamation.

1:47

I am inviting uh JJ Leen and Tai D.

1:51

Fong, Seattle Chinese Culture and Art Association.

1:55

Uh please come and sit on the table, and uh Council Mr Bargawa is going to read the proclamation.

2:02

Please join the join us at the table okay.

2:09

Thank you, Mayor, and good evening, everyone.

2:13

Whereas across the globe, more than a billion people from diverse cultures, including many residents of Bellevue, come together to honor and celebrate the Lunar New Year, a cherished tradition that spans borders and generations.

2:28

And whereas the beginning of February 17, 2026, the Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, hope, and anticipation for the arrival of spring as families and friends gather to strengthen bonds, honor cultural traditions and lack, and take part in vibrant celebrations.

2:46

And whereas 2026 is a year of the horse, a symbol of energy, perseverance and forward momentum, encouraging optimism, determination, and collective progress in the year ahead.

3:00

And whereas Bellevue comes alive during the lunar new year with cultural performances, community gatherings and celebrations made possible by local organizations whose creativity and leadership enrich the city's shared experience.

3:13

And whereas Bellevue takes pride in its diverse and dynamic community and recognizes the invaluable contributions of its Asian American residents and the cultural heritage they bring to the city.

3:27

Now, therefore, I, Vishal Bahargava, on behalf of Mayor Mo Malakuchian of Bellevue, Washington and the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, and the following week as Lunar New Year Week in Bellevue, and encourage all residents to join in community festivities, explore the cultural richness of this time-honored tradition, and celebrate the year of the horse with hope, prosperity, and unity.

4:02

Now, please uh now please you are ready for your remarks.

4:07

Thank you.

4:15

Thank you to the mayor and the city of Bellevue for this proclamation.

4:29

Our organization is dedicated to the exchange of Chinese culture with our community.

4:34

This is the 15th year we have partnered with the Bellevue Collection to celebrate Lunar New Year, and we invite you to come to Bellevue Square Mall on Saturday, February 21st, from 11 a.m.

4:45

to 6 p.m.

4:46

to enjoy diverse and exciting performances.

4:48

We also want to thank our longtime partner, the overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China.

4:54

Thank you.

4:55

Thank you so much.

5:00

So please stay in the audience.

5:03

And if any of anyone else wants to talk, please great.

5:09

So we have the second proclamation, Day of Action and Remembrance for Japanese American incarcerated during World War II.

5:20

We have Amy Hirotaka and Doug Ito, a board member of Eisson Bellevue, are here to receive these proclamations.

5:32

And we have another young guest also.

5:36

I think he's the son of Amy.

5:40

Councilmember Samodovirio, can you please read the proclamation?

5:44

Thank you, Mayor.

5:45

Whereas February 19th Marks said anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signing Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which authorized the United States government to create military exclusion area that led to the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans living in the West Coast.

6:06

And whereas more than 120,000 Japanese Americans, including American citizens and individuals born in the United States, were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps located in remote inland areas of the country.

6:22

And whereas the impacts of this incarceration were profound and enduring, resulting in the loss of homes, businesses, property, savings, and generational wealth, as well as lasting emotional psychological harm.

6:38

And whereas Bellevue lost a generation of Japanese American residents during the World War II, with only 11 of the 60 families returning to the area after 1945.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use and Zoning████████████████████████24%
Economic Development██████████████████18%
Historic Preservation██████████10%
Human Services█████████9%
Community Engagement████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on February 10, 2026, for a regular meeting that included two proclamations, public comments, and multiple study sessions. Key actions involved adoption of a human services funding plan with a contentious definitional amendment, passage of an Interim Official Control (IOC) for Old Bellevue, and direction to prepare a 2026-2031 Economic Development Plan. Presentations covered the Land Use Planning Initiatives (LUPE) work plan, Development Services continuous improvement, and the economic development strategy.

Consent Calendar

  • The agenda was approved by voice vote with no opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Monique Martinez (For Tomorrow) urged the council to retain the original, measurable definition of “culturally and linguistically specific services,” arguing the proposed new definition introduced subjectivity and was not community-driven.
  • Jesse Franklin (Rainier Athletes) stated that representation builds trust and supported the Human Services Commission’s original definition.
  • Rev. Lisa Horst (First Congregational Church) described witnessing federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and stressed that linguistically appropriate services staffed by community members are critical in times of fear.
  • Karen Armstead and another neighbor from Vassa Park spoke in favor of affordable housing but expressed safety concerns about traffic and infrastructure in their already dense neighborhood.
  • Robert Perkins (online, Main Street property owner) opposed Ordinance 6903 (Old Bellevue IOC), citing a lack of outreach, potential conflicts with state law limiting historic designations without owner consent, and requesting recusal of council members living in the neighborhood.
  • Heidi Dean questioned the city’s unequal support for different neighborhood business districts, noting that Newport Hills was not offered a business district organization.
  • Gordon Rainey (Main Street business/property owner) opposed the IOC, stating he learned of it only that afternoon and criticized the lack of outreach, arguing that the character of Old Main has already changed.
  • Jerry Croon (Eastside Legal Assistance Program) supported the proposed new definition, recounting how his organization lost 50% of Bellevue funding despite exceeding metrics because they could not prove services were “delivered by individuals from that community.”
  • Ron Zulski (Recovery Navigator Program) introduced his co-responder program for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges and offered to collaborate with the city.
  • Jonathan Solanus (resident/worker) described a February 6 incident where three men in unmarked vests forcibly stopped a man on 148th Avenue NE, calling it a kidnapping. He urged the council to create zoning restrictions to prevent ICE from leasing space in Bellevue.

Discussion Items

  • Land Use Planning Initiatives (LUPE) Work Plan (Information)
    • Staff presented accomplishments from 2024-2025 (e.g., adoption of Bellevue 2044 Comprehensive Plan, tree canopy code overhaul, Crossroads and Newport subarea plans, middle housing, critical areas ordinance) and the proposed 2026-2027 work plan. Priorities include parking reform (state mandate), Bell-Red LUCA, Housing Opportunity and Mixed Use Areas (HOMA), Sustainable Bellevue, Downtown Livability 2.0, Great Neighborhoods, and annual comp plan amendments.
  • Development Services Activity and Continuous Improvement Update (Information)
    • Development Services reported processing over 18,000 applications in 2025 (a spike), improved permit timelines from 70% to 80% on time, and launched a single-family permit pilot. The 2026-2027 work plan includes AI tools (GovStream AI partnership), a pre-approved DADU program, small business concierge service, digitizing records, and customer service training. Council members praised the team’s responsiveness and transparency.
  • 2026-2031 Economic Development Plan (Direction to Prepare for Adoption)
    • The recommended plan focuses on four themes: small business support, maintaining competitiveness, AI transformation, and raising Bellevue’s global profile. Key strategies include a paid media campaign to target emerging industries, developing affordable commercial space on city-owned land, advocating for tax competitiveness, workforce upskilling/reskilling (including a Start-up 425 program for displaced workers), and a feasibility study for an outdoor event venue. Metrics include adding 3,100 net new jobs and 1,400 new businesses annually. Council members expressed strong support; Councilmember Newenhouse called it the strongest plan he has seen. Councilmember Bargava asked about AI preparedness (dual approach of reskilling and attracting AI firms). All members consented to bring the plan back for adoption on the consent calendar. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Human Services Funding Percentage Allocation (Resolution 10585)
    • Staff presented the Human Services Commission’s recommendation: ~50% to life safety critical needs, with target areas for youth programs and culturally and linguistically specific services. A revised definition for the latter had been included at council’s prior request. After discussion, Councilmember Hamilton moved to amend the resolution to restore the original commission definition: “programs and services that are designed for a particular linguistic or cultural community and delivered by individuals from that community.” The amendment passed, and the amended resolution was adopted with the original definition.
  • Interim Official Control (IOC) for Old Bellevue (Ordinance)
    • Staff presented an IOC for part of Main Street (100th to Bellevue Way) to require preservation of historic facades and enhanced design compatibility. The IOC is temporary (six months, extendable) while permanent regulations are developed via Downtown Livability 2.0. Council debated urgency, precedent, outreach, and alignment with state law. Councilmember Robinson, Bargava, and Mayor Mo supported the IOC as a protective pause; Councilmembers Newenhouse, Hamilton, and Briar opposed due to lack of emergency, insufficient public input, and precedent concerns. The IOC passed 4-3. Separately, the council unanimously directed staff to address Old Bellevue through Downtown Livability 2.0. A motion to exclude Old Bellevue from the HOMA process was introduced but later withdrawn for fuller discussion at a later date.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved.
  • LUPE Work Plan: Received as information.
  • Development Services Update: Received as information.
  • Economic Development Plan: Council directed staff to prepare the plan for adoption at a future meeting on the consent calendar (motion passed unanimously).
  • Human Services Funding (Resolution 10585): Adopted including the original definition of culturally and linguistically specific services (amendment to restore commission language passed, then main motion passed).
  • Interim Official Control for Old Bellevue: Adopted on a 4-3 vote (Councilmembers Robinson, Bargava, Briar? – tally from transcript indicates 4 ayes, 3 nays).
  • Downtown Livability 2.0 for Old Bellevue: Council unanimously directed staff to include Old Bellevue in Downtown Livability 2.0 for permanent regulations.
  • HOMA Exclusion: Motion to exclude Old Bellevue from HOMA was withdrawn; decision deferred to the HOMA agenda item later this month.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome, thanks for being here, a full house. Thank you for taking the time to engage with our work. We love to hear your voices and be glad you are here. With that city clear, uh, are you ready for a roll call? Thank you. Mayor Malakitian. Here. Uh Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Bargava. Here. Councilmember Briar. Here. Councilmember New in House. Here. Councilmember Sumataria. And Councilmember Robinson just uh is joining us virtually. I'm gonna promote her right now, but she is here. I can verify that. Sounds great. Councilmember New Enhouse, would you please lead us in the flag salute? My pleasure, please rise if you can. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. We have uh two proclamation. The first one is Lunar New Year Week proclamation. I am inviting uh JJ Leen and Tai D. Fong, Seattle Chinese Culture and Art Association. Uh please come and sit on the table, and uh Council Mr Bargawa is going to read the proclamation. Please join the join us at the table okay. Thank you, Mayor, and good evening, everyone. Whereas across the globe, more than a billion people from diverse cultures, including many residents of Bellevue, come together to honor and celebrate the Lunar New Year, a cherished tradition that spans borders and generations. And whereas the beginning of February 17, 2026, the Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, hope, and anticipation for the arrival of spring as families and friends gather to strengthen bonds, honor cultural traditions and lack, and take part in vibrant celebrations. And whereas 2026 is a year of the horse, a symbol of energy, perseverance and forward momentum, encouraging optimism, determination, and collective progress in the year ahead. And whereas Bellevue comes alive during the lunar new year with cultural performances, community gatherings and celebrations made possible by local organizations whose creativity and leadership enrich the city's shared experience. And whereas Bellevue takes pride in its diverse and dynamic community and recognizes the invaluable contributions of its Asian American residents and the cultural heritage they bring to the city. Now, therefore, I, Vishal Bahargava, on behalf of Mayor Mo Malakuchian of Bellevue, Washington and the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, and the following week as Lunar New Year Week in Bellevue, and encourage all residents to join in community festivities, explore the cultural richness of this time-honored tradition, and celebrate the year of the horse with hope, prosperity, and unity. Now, please uh now please you are ready for your remarks. Thank you. Thank you to the mayor and the city of Bellevue for this proclamation. Our organization is dedicated to the exchange of Chinese culture with our community. This is the 15th year we have partnered with the Bellevue Collection to celebrate Lunar New Year, and we invite you to come to Bellevue Square Mall on Saturday, February 21st, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to enjoy diverse and exciting performances. We also want to thank our longtime partner, the overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China. Thank you. Thank you so much. So please stay in the audience. And if any of anyone else wants to talk, please great.

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