The Bellevue City Council met on May 5, 2026, to issue four proclamations, hear public comments, and conduct study sessions on the Grand Connection Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Downtown Livability 2.0 land use code update, and the 2026-2027 Federal Agenda. The council approved several items including a consent calendar, easement releases, and directed staff on key initiatives.
Great. We can start the meeting. Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for being here. You're spending your time with us, and we love that. We love to hear from you. City Clerk, can you please do the roll call? Thank you. Mayor Malikutian? Yes, here. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Bargava? Here. Councilmember Bryan. Here. Councilmember Newman House. Councilmember Robinson? Here. And Councilmember Simon DeWarria. Thank you. Councilmember Sumoderio, would you please lead us in the flag salute? Thank you. Thank you so much. We have four proclamation. I am definitely not going to pronounce all of our guests who are receiving these their name or last name right, so please forgive me. But the first proclamation is Jewish American Heritage Month, is going to be read by Councilmember Neuenhaus. I will invite Regina of Friedland and Stephanie Schujman on the table. You guys are receiving the proclamation, and after Councilwoman Ewenhaus is done, we would love to hear your comments. Councilman Newhouse, please. Thank you, Mayor. Honored to read this proclamation this evening. Thank you both for being here. Whereas Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation and to our state and our community. And whereas for generations, Jewish Americans have contributed to the cultural, economic, scientific, and civic life of the United States, including right here in Bellevue. Through leadership in education, business, the arts, public service, and social justice, and whereas Jewish Americans have demonstrated resilience in the face of discrimination, anti-Semitism, and violence, and continue to advance the values of equality of religious freedom and human dignity. And whereas the city of Bellevue stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in condemning anti-Semitism and all forms of hate and remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and a welcoming city for all. And whereas Bellevue is strengthened by its diverse faith and cultural communities, including Jewish organizations, congregations, and families who contribute to interfaith understanding, civic engagement, and community life. And whereas Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate these contributions and to reaffirm our shared commitment to inclusion, to respect, and to belonging. Now, therefore, I, Councilmember Newmanhouse, on behalf of Mo Malikutian, Mayor of the City of Bellevue, Washington, on behalf of the City Council to hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Bellevue and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Jewish Americans to our community and to our nation. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Newhouse. Welcome, please. Thank you, Mayor Malakutian and members of the Bellevue City Council with special mention to Councilmember Jared Newenhouse on behalf of AJC, American Jewish Committee, and part of the Jewish community. This recognition matters every year, but this year, as our country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, it feels especially meaningful. The Jewish story of America is not separate from the American story. It's woven into it. Jewish Americans have helped build our cities, serve our country, strengthen our democracy, advance civil rights, support the arts, create businesses, care for neighbors, and give back to the communities that we all call home. And from the beginning, America offered a promise that was extraordinary in world history that Jews would not merely be tolerated, but would belong. In 1790, President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island.