OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting: Affordable Housing & HOMA Updates - February 24, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, February 24, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:52

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Hello and welcome everyone.

0:05

Thank you for being here.

0:07

Full room.

0:08

I'm so excited you're all here.

0:10

You are engaging in the work that our city is doing.

0:14

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

0:21

Are you ready for the roll call?

0:24

Thank you, Mayor Melanchti.

0:26

Here.

0:27

Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

0:28

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Barkavan.

0:30

Here.

0:30

Councilmember Breyer.

0:31

Here.

0:32

Councilmember Newman House.

0:33

Here.

0:33

Councilmember Robinson.

0:35

Here.

0:35

And Councilmember Simidoria.

0:37

Here.

0:37

Thank you.

0:37

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

0:41

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

1:00

We do have a proclamation on human rights in Iran and everywhere.

1:07

Councilmember Sumadeverio is going to read that.

1:11

I invite Negin Conlu and Oresh Nasibi, uh Bellevue community members to come and sit here to receive this proclamation.

1:22

Councilmember Somodaveria, please.

1:24

Thank you.

1:27

Whereas the city of Bellevue affirmed that human rights are universal and transcend borders.

1:33

And whereas the people of Iran are courageously taking to the streets to advocate for economic opportunity, human rights, dignity, and democratic freedom.

1:44

And whereas reports indicate that protests have been met with violence, repression, civilian death, and restrictions on access to information and communication.

1:56

Whereas Iranian immigrants and refugees are an important part of Bellevue's diverse community and are deeply affected by the events impacting their families, friends, and loved ones.

2:08

And whereas the city of Bellevue condemns the use of force against peaceful protesters and supports access to free expression, open information, and uncensored communication as fundamental human rights.

2:22

And whereas thousands of community members have gathered in downtown Bellevue to peacefully demonstrate in solidarity with the people of Iran and on to come affirm their support for human rights.

2:35

And whereas Bellevue stands in support of human rights and dignity for the people of Iran.

2:41

Now therefore, I Claire Summa de Raria, on behalf of Mo Malkutian, Mayor and Bellevue Washington and the City Council do hereby proclaim Bellevue support for human rights in Iran and everywhere and condemn the use of violence to suppress the ability to peacefully demonstrate for human rights.

2:59

Thank you, Councilmember Summodaria.

3:01

Please.

3:02

Hello, Mayor Malin Kutian.

3:06

My name is Negin Khanlo, and this is R.S.

3:08

SCB.

3:09

We are proud American and resident of Bellevue, deeply grateful for the liberties and opportunity afforded to us by this great country and state.

3:22

While Arish family fled Iran when he just was a baby.

3:26

Do our path defair.

3:28

We share a homeland where much of our family still remains.

3:32

We appear before you today to speak for those silent by Iranian regime that has turned its own streets into the killing field, brutalizing citizens for demanding their most basic human rights.

3:47

Since the Islamic regime took power 47 years ago, millions of Iranian families have fled in search of basic freedoms.

3:54

Negan and I are part of an Iranian diaspora that hails from a long and rich culture that shares many values and pursuits with the West.

4:01

We are not political actors.

4:03

We are everyday citizens that work hard and contribute to our communities.

4:07

Neggin is a senior manager at Google with a PhD, who also teaches at Northwestern University just up the road.

4:24

The vast majority of people back in Iran are not all that different from Neggin and I in their hopes and aspirations or other Iranian Americans that you may know as neighbors and colleagues here in Bellevue.

4:36

The only difference is that they are unlucky to have remained locked in a half-century-long battle for their basic human rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4:45

Over the decades, the people of Iran have tried to make their voices heard through peaceful protests time and time again, only to be crushed by their own government through brutality and violence.

4:55

This January, the people of Iran rose up again, demanding change, and this time the response was not different.

5:02

But except for an unbelievable scale and degree of the killing in the spam of the just few days.

5:15

More than 364,000 people have been severely injured.

5:19

More than the twice the entire population of Bellevue.

5:23

The individuals' stories are too horrific to share in detail.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing█████████████████████████████████████████████57%
Procedural█████████11%
Land Use and Zoning███████9%
Public Engagement█████6%
Immigrant and Refugee Services████5%
Homelessness██3%
Transportation Safety██2%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Community Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting: Affordable Housing & HOMA Updates - February 24, 2026

The Bellevue City Council met on February 24, 2026, to address a wide range of topics, with a primary focus on affordable housing funding, the Housing Opportunities for Middle-class Affordability (HOMA) framework, and community concerns. The meeting included a proclamation on human rights in Iran, public comments on HOMA and other issues, and a series of votes on funding allocations for affordable housing projects.

Proclamation & Consent Calendar

  • Proclamation on Human Rights in Iran: Councilmember Sumodaveria read a proclamation declaring Bellevue's support for human rights in Iran and everywhere, condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters. Community members Negin Khanlo and Oresh Nasibi spoke in support, highlighting the ongoing repression in Iran and the plight of the Iranian diaspora.
  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lex Winnicki (representing Northtown Shopping Center ownership): Expressed support for HOMA but urged a higher grocery FAR bonus (3.5:1 to 5:1 rather than 1:1) and inclusion of the MFTE supercharger to make projects financially viable. Also noted that requiring a grocery covenant for the life of the building creates capital risk.
  • Alan Dodderman (TWG Development, Eastside Affordable Housing Coalition): Expressed strong support for the Planning Commission's HOMA recommendations, praising the well-calibrated affordable housing requirement and opposing the MFTE supercharger in HOMA areas.
  • Carl Vanderhoek (representing Old Bellevue property owners): Supported HOMA but requested Old Bellevue be removed or subjected to a specific design review, arguing that HOMA's stepback elimination incentive would threaten the area's character.
  • Robert Tam (Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, Habitat for Humanity homebuyer): Asked the council to fund the Orchard Gardens project, sharing his personal story of how stable housing through Habitat has enabled him to better serve the community.
  • Mark Villwalk (D.R. Horton, Master Builders Association): Supported HOMA but requested clarification on pedestrian-oriented development requirements, suggesting a revision for areas with one-way traffic or no through connection.
  • Troy Dawes (Imagine Housing): Requested support for the Forest Edge Apartments project, the first affordable housing complex under the city's C1 land use code, which will create 100 units on St. Andrew's Lutheran Church land.
  • Hal Ferris (St. Andrew's Lutheran Church): Thanked the council for the C1 funding and highlighted the long-term effort to enable affordable housing on faith-based properties.
  • Sue Baugh (Newport Community Coalition): Expressed strong support for HOMA, emphasizing the need to redevelop the Newport Hills shopping center, which she described as unsafe. Noted that the planning commission's final product is good for Bellevue.
  • Layla Kademi (attorney for Woodlands at Bellevue): Supported HOMA but urged a blended apartment-townhouse model and inclusion of the MFTE supercharger to preserve feasibility. Noted that townhomes face greater financing hurdles.
  • Al Diedeman (resident): Delivered a visual presentation on dangerous road conditions on West Lake Sammamish Parkway and 164th Avenue, urging the city to build sidewalks and shoulders for pedestrian safety.
  • Colleen Dunfeet (former city employee, natural resources): Criticized the director of natural resources for eliminating part-time positions, stating that the work will not go away but the personnel will. Asked why services are being reduced and what is happening with the budget.
  • Ted Middle Stad (retired city employee, parks and community services): Expressed gratitude for the council's support over 43 years, encouraged the city to take more risks, and thanked staff for a send-off.

Discussion Items

  • Arch Housing Trust Fund Awards: The council heard a presentation from Nathan McCommon (Deputy City Manager, Arch Executive Board Chair) and Lindsay Masters (Arch Executive Director) on funding recommendations. The Arch Trust Fund will award $1.3 million from Bellevue to support seven projects across the Eastside, creating or preserving 505 homes, including 271 in Bellevue. Projects include Bothell Urban (200 units), Altair at East Main (146 units), Forest Edge (100 units), Orchard Gardens (25 townhomes), Kirkland House (3 bedrooms), Family Village Redmond (20-unit preservation), and Leo at Trailhead (7 condos).
  • City Housing Stability Program and Affordable Housing Fund: The council reviewed recommendations from Bianca Siegel (Office of Housing Director) and Sabrina Villarde (Housing Stability Program Coordinator) for $37.6 million in total awards. The Housing Stability Program (funded by 0.1% sales tax) will provide $22.5 million in capital and $637,852 annually for operations and services. The Affordable Housing Fund (new, from fees and prior appropriations) will provide $11.3 million. Four projects were recommended: Bellwether TOD (pre-development award for 127 units on city-owned land), Orchard Gardens (25 townhomes), Altair at East Main (146 units, including 37 for homeless or domestic violence survivors), and Forest Edge (100 units, 25 for disabled).

Key Outcomes

  • Motion to Approve Arch Housing Trust Fund Awards: Passed unanimously (7-0) to direct staff to prepare legislation approving Bellevue's $1,301,200 contribution for the fall 2025 Arch Housing Trust Fund awards.
  • Motion to Approve City Housing Funding Awards: Passed unanimously (7-0) to direct staff to prepare legislation approving $37.6 million in project funding awards, including $22,544,778 in capital and $637,852 in annual OMS (operations, maintenance, and services) from the Housing Stability Program, and $11,303,621 from the Affordable Housing Fund. The council also approved bringing the legislation back on consent.
  • Public Hearing for Utility Easement Release: The council opened and closed a public hearing for the release of a utility easement at 200 112th Avenue Northeast, then voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 16904, authorizing the release.

Meeting Transcript

Hello and welcome everyone. Thank you for being here. Full room. I'm so excited you're all here. You are engaging in the work that our city is doing. Your voice matters, and we are glad to hear from each of you. Are you ready for the roll call? Thank you, Mayor Melanchti. Here. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Barkavan. Here. Councilmember Breyer. Here. Councilmember Newman House. Here. Councilmember Robinson. Here. And Councilmember Simidoria. Here. Thank you. Councilmember Robinson, would you please lead us in the flag salute? Yes, please, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. We do have a proclamation on human rights in Iran and everywhere. Councilmember Sumadeverio is going to read that. I invite Negin Conlu and Oresh Nasibi, uh Bellevue community members to come and sit here to receive this proclamation. Councilmember Somodaveria, please. Thank you. Whereas the city of Bellevue affirmed that human rights are universal and transcend borders. And whereas the people of Iran are courageously taking to the streets to advocate for economic opportunity, human rights, dignity, and democratic freedom. And whereas reports indicate that protests have been met with violence, repression, civilian death, and restrictions on access to information and communication. Whereas Iranian immigrants and refugees are an important part of Bellevue's diverse community and are deeply affected by the events impacting their families, friends, and loved ones. And whereas the city of Bellevue condemns the use of force against peaceful protesters and supports access to free expression, open information, and uncensored communication as fundamental human rights. And whereas thousands of community members have gathered in downtown Bellevue to peacefully demonstrate in solidarity with the people of Iran and on to come affirm their support for human rights. And whereas Bellevue stands in support of human rights and dignity for the people of Iran. Now therefore, I Claire Summa de Raria, on behalf of Mo Malkutian, Mayor and Bellevue Washington and the City Council do hereby proclaim Bellevue support for human rights in Iran and everywhere and condemn the use of violence to suppress the ability to peacefully demonstrate for human rights. Thank you, Councilmember Summodaria. Please. Hello, Mayor Malin Kutian. My name is Negin Khanlo, and this is R.S. SCB. We are proud American and resident of Bellevue, deeply grateful for the liberties and opportunity afforded to us by this great country and state. While Arish family fled Iran when he just was a baby. Do our path defair. We share a homeland where much of our family still remains. We appear before you today to speak for those silent by Iranian regime that has turned its own streets into the killing field, brutalizing citizens for demanding their most basic human rights. Since the Islamic regime took power 47 years ago, millions of Iranian families have fled in search of basic freedoms. Negan and I are part of an Iranian diaspora that hails from a long and rich culture that shares many values and pursuits with the West. We are not political actors.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com