OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting – May 5, 2026: Proclamations, TIF, Downtown Livability, Federal Agenda

City Council — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:37:56

Transcript — Verbatim
0:27

Great.

0:28

We can start the meeting.

0:29

Good evening, everyone.

0:30

Thank you so much for being here.

0:33

You're spending your time with us, and we love that.

0:35

We love to hear from you.

0:37

City Clerk, can you please do the roll call?

0:41

Thank you.

0:41

Mayor Malikutian?

0:43

Yes, here.

0:43

Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

0:44

Here.

0:45

Councilmember Bargava?

0:46

Here.

0:47

Councilmember Bryan.

0:48

Here.

0:48

Councilmember Newman House.

0:50

Councilmember Robinson?

0:51

Here.

0:52

And Councilmember Simon DeWarria.

0:54

Thank you.

0:54

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

1:06

Thank you.

1:18

Thank you so much.

1:19

We have four proclamation.

1:24

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.

1:33

But the first proclamation is Jewish American Heritage Month, is going to be read by Councilmember Neuenhaus.

1:41

I will invite Regina of Friedland and Stephanie Schujman on the table.

1:48

You guys are receiving the proclamation, and after Councilwoman Ewenhaus is done, we would love to hear your comments.

1:55

Councilman Newhouse, please.

1:56

Thank you, Mayor.

1:58

Honored to read this proclamation this evening.

2:01

Thank you both for being here.

2:06

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.

2:17

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.

2:28

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.

2:45

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.

2:59

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.

3:12

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.

3:23

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.

3:45

Thank you.

3:46

Thank you, Councilmember Newhouse.

3:48

Welcome, please.

3:52

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.

4:13

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.

4:26

The Jewish story of America is not separate from the American story.

4:31

It's woven into it.

4:33

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.

4:49

And from the beginning, America offered a promise that was extraordinary in world history that Jews would not merely be tolerated, but would belong.

5:01

In 1790, President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island.

5:07

In that letter, he said that the United States gives to quote, to bigotry, no sanction, to persecution, no assistance.

5:15

He went on to describe a country where people of all faiths could live safely under their own vine and fig tree, with none to make them afraid.

5:24

That promise has often been realized, and generations of American Jews have found safety, opportunity and belonging in this country, but today that promise is being tested in ways we cannot ignore.

5:38

Rising anti-Semitism, growing extremism, and the normalization of hatred are threatening the sense of security that every community deserves.

5:48

America's promise remains powerful, but it depends on people and leaders who are willing to defend it clearly, consistently, and without hesitation.

5:59

Jewish American Heritage Month reminds us that America is strongest when it lives up to its highest ideals.

6:06

It reminds us that pluralism is not just a nice idea, it is a civic responsibility.

6:13

It's how we build trust across communities.

6:16

It's how we make sure that every person can bring their full identity into public life.

6:22

Here in Bellevue, this declaration sends a clear message.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development██████████████████████22%
Land Use and Zoning███████████████15%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Active Transportation██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Meeting – May 5, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

  • Ordinance 6915 – Approved a funding agreement with KidsQuest Children's Museum for up to $10 million over two biennia to open a new downtown facility, and amended the 2025-2026 general fund budget to increase appropriation by $4.5 million from the long-range planning reserve.
  • All other routine consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tim Carr (CEO, Bellevue Convention Center Authority) expressed strong support for the Grand Connection Crossing project and TIF as a funding tool, citing economic competitiveness and livability.
  • Catherine Hollis (Executive Director, Eastrail Partners) supported the crossing, emphasizing its role in connecting affordable housing, employment, and transit via a car-free pathway.
  • Armand Bilga (Eastside Urbanism/Complete Streets Bellevue) celebrated Bike Everywhere Month and urged continued investment in bicycle infrastructure.
  • Peter Burt (President/CEO, KidsQuest Children's Museum) thanked the council for supporting the museum's relocation to downtown Bellevue.
  • Kevin Willis (Lakemont resident) supported TIF, praising staff for the complex proposal and noting it frees up funds for other transportation projects.
  • Jessica Rowe (attorney, McCullough Hill, on behalf of the Plus Committee) expressed support for Downtown Livability 2.0 and urged specific code provisions for pedestrian connections, parking, and weather protection.
  • Matt Jack (Bellevue Downtown Association) supported the Downtown Livability 2.0 launch, promoting clarity, predictability, flexibility, and periodic code updates.
  • Paul Rood (resident) criticized noise regulation enforcement over 30 years, alleging regulatory capture and lack of police action on construction noise; urged council to update noise regulations.
  • Arlene Northhorn (resident) raised concerns about lack of progress on discount programs for 100% disabled veterans, noting no follow-up from utility staff or Environmental Services Commission.

Discussion Items

Grand Connection Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

  • Staff presented a proposal to establish a TIF area for the Grand Connection Crossing, a half-mile pedestrian/bike bridge over I-405. The TIF would capture property tax growth from 33 parcels (64.5 acres) over 25 years, using a conservative $84.4 million revenue estimate.
  • All six overlapping taxing districts (King County, King County EMS, King County Flood Control, King County Library System, Port of Seattle, Sound Transit) voted to participate, contributing a total of ~$67.7 million.
  • Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the project's regional benefits, no new taxes, and the staff's successful coordination with other jurisdictions.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously to direct staff to prepare the TIF ordinance for final action.

Downtown Livability 2.0 (DTL 2.0)

  • Staff introduced the land use code amendment process to refine downtown regulations, focusing on evening vitality, housing production, Main Street character, streamlined code, and pedestrian environment.
  • Council discussed the need for measurable outcomes, incentivizing small businesses, preserving Old Bellevue's character, and proactive engagement with residents, businesses, and developers.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously to initiate the DTL 2.0 code amendment and direct the Planning Commission to review and process it.

2026-2027 Federal Agenda

  • Staff presented the draft federal agenda covering key priorities (transportation, water infrastructure, housing, safety net) and policy statements. The city has one new congressional funding request: $1 million for the Safer Signals Program (real-time traffic signal safety).
  • Council discussed amendments: adding language on energy ratepayer impacts from data centers, water infrastructure cost increases, responsible data sharing for public safety, and strengthening municipal bond and financing tools. Several amendments were added.
  • Outcome: Motion passed to adopt the 2026-2027 Federal Agenda as amended, with minor adjustments.

Key Outcomes

  • TIF Direction: Council directed staff to prepare the ordinance establishing the Grand Connection TIF area for future adoption.
  • DTL 2.0 Initiation: Council directed staff to begin the Downtown Livability 2.0 land use code amendment process, with Planning Commission review.
  • Federal Agenda Adoption: Council approved the 2026-2027 Federal Agenda with amendments, including a new funding request for the Safer Signals Program.
  • Appointment: Council appointed Carolyn Bassana to the Human Services Commission for a partial term.
  • Easement Releases: Council approved two resolutions authorizing the release of portions of easements at 1425 120th Avenue NE (sidewalk/utility) and 12835 NE Bel-Red Road (water easement).

Meeting Transcript

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.

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