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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2026: Budget Deliberations and Land Use Decisions

City Council — Tuesday, October 6, 2026

BodyBellevue, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, October 6, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:05:49

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:07

Good evening and welcome.

0:09

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

0:18

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

0:24

City Clerk, are you ready for a roll call, please?

Unassigned speaker

0:28

Thank you.

Speaker 2

0:28

Mayor Melton.

Speaker 1

0:29

Here.

Speaker 2

0:29

Deputy Mayor Hamilton.

0:31

Here.

0:31

Councilmember Barkaba.

0:32

Council Member Breyer.

0:33

Here.

0:34

Council Member New in House.

0:35

Councilmember Robinson.

0:37

Councilmember Suma DeWoria.

Speaker 1

0:39

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

Speaker 3

0:43

With pleasure.

0:44

Please rise if you're able

Unassigned speaker

0:45

to.

Speaker 3

0:47

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.

Speaker 1

1:04

Thank you so much.

1:39

And after our deputy mayor is done, we would love to hear from you.

Unassigned speaker

1:46

Thank you.

Speaker 4

1:47

Whereas indigenous people have lived in the Pugetown region since time immemorial.

Speaker 1

1:55

If you wanted to transfer, you can

Unassigned speaker

1:57

go.

Speaker 4

2:05

And whereas we acknowledge the land we are on as the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish tribe, Mucklechute Indian tribe, and Snoqualmi Indian tribe.

2:20

And whereas native communities and tribal nations across the country have endured centuries of displacement, assimilation, violence, and erasure, yet continue to per persevere and sustain their cultures.

2:39

And whereas we express our deepest respect to the original caretakers of this land who continue to live here today and honor their heritage.

2:51

And whereas indigenous people have made and continue to make vital contributions to our region through stewardship of the environment, advancements in science and technology, leadership in the arts and literature, and countless other areas.

3:12

And whereas the city of Bellevue reaffirms its commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity, and to strengthening relationships with Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and all indigenous communities.

3:30

Now, therefore, I, Dave Hamilton, on behalf of Mo Malikutian, Mayor of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, to hereby proclaim October 12th, 2026 as Indigenous People's Day

Unassigned speaker

3:46

in

Speaker 4

3:46

Bellevue, Washington, and urge all residents to reflect on the history, contributions, and resilience of indigenous people.

3:56

Bellevue further commits to building stronger relationships with our tribal neighbors and honoring the heritage and ongoing contributions of indigenous communities.

Speaker 5

4:33

Very good evening, everyone.

5:01

The meaning of our group means the consciousness of four elements.

5:32

And our teacher Juan Araceli Granados.

6:22

And also Yakima, which is a big nation with many elements and foundations.

6:33

We pray with every one of them, all the groups of our brothers of these lands

Speaker 6

6:38

and to us different ceremonias

Speaker 5

6:41

and all the different ceremonies that they hold.

6:50

And we're here with our whole heart to share it with everyone in the city.

Speaker 1

7:59

Please go ahead.

Speaker 7

8:30

And whereas parents and caregivers play an important role in teaching students about safety when traveling to school and in encouraging healthy habits that will last a lifetime, and whereas choosing to walk to or role as modes of transportation can help reduce traffic congestion and provide environmental benefits for the entire community.

8:52

And whereas this year's walk and roll event is coordinated by Bellevue School Pool, a partnership between City of Bellevue, King County Metro, and the Bellevue School District, encouraging families and students to explore safe, healthy and sustainable transportation options.

9:09

Now therefore I, Vishal Bargva, on behalf of Mo Malakutian, Mayor of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, to hereby proclaim October 6th, 2026 as walk and roll to school day, and encourage everyone to coordinate to consider the safe, healthy and well-being of safe health, safety, health and well-being of all students traveling to and from school every day.

9:32

Thank you.

Speaker 1

9:33

Thank

Speaker 7

9:33

you.

9:34

Welcome.

Speaker 8

9:35

Thank you.

9:36

Thank you.

9:44

Walk and roll to school day is about much more than how students get to school.

9:48

It promotes student health, independence, safety, environmental stewardship, and stronger connections within our neighborhoods and our community.

10:14

On behalf of the Bellevue School District, thank you very much for this recognition and for your commitment to creating a community where every student can travel to and from school safely.

Speaker 9

11:06

And whereas planners bring professional expertise, data-driven insights, and long-term perspective to decisions about housing, transportation, parks, utilities, economic development, and many other elements that shape our community.

11:19

And whereas community planning creates opportunities for residents, businesses, and other community members to participate in decisions about Bellevue's future and helps ensure that growth and change to reflect the needs and priorities of the community.

11:32

And whereas planners across the city of Bellevue, including in community development, development services, transportation, parks and community services, utilities, finance, and asset management, and information technology help address challenges such as housing availability, climate adaption, access to public services and facilities, and sustainable transportation while supporting equitable access to housing, services and amenities and continued economic growth.

Unassigned speaker

12:00

And

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Transportation Safety██████████████████████████████████34%

Land Use and Zoning██████████10%

Public Engagement████████8%

Community Engagement███████7%

Budget Equity Analysis██████6%

Transportation Facilities Plan██████6%

Procedural████4%

Historic Preservation███3%

Youth Programs███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Bellevue City Council held a regular meeting on October 6, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public oral communications, staff reports, approval of the consent calendar, a study session on the 2027-2028 Preliminary Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program focusing on the Safe & Efficient Transportation System strategic target area, and initial consideration of two site-specific rezone applications. The council heard from numerous community members, debated transportation investment scenarios, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance to assume the Transportation Benefit District.

Proclamations

Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 12, 2026): Deputy Mayor Hamilton read the proclamation, acknowledging the ancestral homelands of Coast Salish peoples and committing to stronger relationships with tribal neighbors. A representative from a local indigenous group offered a prayer.
Walk & Roll to School Day (October 6, 2026): Councilmember Bargava read the proclamation, highlighting safety, health, and environmental benefits. A representative from the Bellevue School District thanked the council.
Community Planning Month (October 2026): Councilmember Newenhouse read the proclamation, recognizing planners' contributions and encouraging resident participation. A city staff member thanked the council.

Consent Calendar

The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included:
- Minutes of September 15 and September 22, 2026.
- Resolution 10673 authorizing a three-year lease extension for the Bellevue Police Community Substation at Factoria Mall.
- Resolution 10674 authorizing settlement of the Becker v. City of Bellevue lawsuit.

Public Comments & Testimony

Oral communications totaled 30 minutes. Speakers addressed the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) and other topics.

Maria Frost (Vice President, Kemper Development Company): Urged the council to put any new transportation tax package to a public vote, arguing it is a significant change. Stated that if council moves forward without a vote, funding must prioritize traffic congestion relief and vehicular travel.
Tony Sprague (Public Policy Manager, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce): Supported scenario three of the TBD revenue package on four conditions: sufficient funding for Spring Boulevard Zone 3, 120th Ave NE Stage 4, and the Grand Connection; increased intersection fund focused on growth corridors; no reduction of vehicular capacity for bike facilities except as last resort; sales tax revenue not shifted to neighborhood programs meant for car tab funds.
Heidi Dean (Bellevue Resident): Opposed the tax package, stating residents are absent from hearings because they are working. Called the Grand Connection a "vanity project" and requested a public vote.
Catherine Hollis (Eastrail Partners): Voiced support for increased transportation investment, emphasizing Eastrail connections to Bellevue neighborhoods.
Carolyn Ferrez (Friends of the Grand Connection): Supported the Grand Connection, describing it as an iconic park-in-the-air that will connect assets and boost economic development.
Tony Andrews (Bellevue Resident): Opposed the proposed Spring Boulevard connection through the new Bell-Red Park, calling it a solution to a nonexistent problem. Suggested a pedestrian/bike path instead.
Dr. Janice Clark (Indigenous Women Veteran): Supported the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation but expressed disappointment that the Human Service Commission did not recommend a $20,000 investment for counseling services for eight indigenous women veterans in Bellevue.
Julie Cobb (Bellevue Resident): Opposed infill development that triples density in her neighborhood, stating new townhomes are unaffordable and urging council to see the impacts firsthand.
Alex Zimmerman (self-identified resident): Made aggressive comments criticizing the council and Mayor, claiming loss of free speech and corruption. He received a warning for disrespect.
Karen Armstead (VASA Neighborhood): Expressed concern that sidewalk construction in VASA is not scheduled until 2034 under scenario three, citing safety issues for children and seniors.
Pamela Johnston (Bridal Trails Neighborhood): Opposed tax increases, noting families are struggling. Argued the Grand Connection and other bike-ped projects should not be prioritized, and the city should explain existing unspent funds.

Reports of the City Manager

Bellevue Youth Theatre Overview: Staff presented a report highlighting the theater's history since 1990, serving 936 participants last school year, including record auditions (253) in the current fall. The program is inclusive, placing 100% of interested participants. 92% of participants reported increased confidence, community connection, or improved mental health. The theater sold over 5,700 tickets last year and offers sensory-friendly performances.
Experience Bellevue 2026: Staff reported on the annual event held in late September, which attracted over 2,000 visitors and offered 32 activities. The event was combined with Welcoming Week to foster community connections. Staff thanked council and Amazon for support.
City Manager also announced: The state auditor gave an unmodified clean opinion with no findings for FY2025, and S&P Global affirmed the city's AAA stable long-term rating.

Study Session: Safe & Efficient Transportation System - Budget Deliberations

Staff presented three scenarios for transportation capital investments (2027-2032 CIP) and sought direction on assuming the Transportation Benefit District.

Scenario 1 (Base): No new revenue; maintains current funding, partially funds Spring Boulevard Zone 3 and Westlake Sammamish Parkway Phase 3.
Scenario 2: Adds a 0.1% sales tax (~$100M over 10 years); completes Spring Blvd Zone 3, adds sidewalks (including VASA and SE 8th St), intersection widening, and bike network phases.
Scenario 3: Adds both 0.1% sales tax and a $20 vehicle registration fee (~$120M over 10 years); includes scenario 2 projects plus ~$11M more for neighborhood mobility (traffic calming).
Grand Connection Crossing: Total cost ~$265M, with existing commitments (~$45M) plus partner funds and $10M grant gap. Scenario 2/3 would free up $10M of general fund cash for other uses.
Community Engagement: Over 800 survey responses; top priorities: maintaining sidewalks/bridges, improving travel times, increasing transit access, and adding bike lanes. Two-thirds of open-ended responses supported multimodal improvements.

Council discussion covered project timing, impact on residents (average $77–$97 per household per year for scenarios 2/3), safety prioritization (especially safe routes to school), neighborhood equity, and the need for balanced investment. Several council members emphasized the difficulty of tax increases given resident financial strain.

Land Use Reports (Initial Consideration)

Council received the hearing examiner's recommendations for two rezone applications. No action was taken; final action is scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Bellewood Townhomes Rezone (2233 & 2229 112th Ave NE): Request to amend a Concomitant Zoning Agreement to allow multi-family (42 townhomes) on 3.2 acres without changing the Office zone. Hearing examiner recommended approval with no conditions.
EverGlen Village Rezone (12500 NE 10th Place): Request to rezone 0.62 acres from Professional Office to Mixed Use Residential-Midrise to align with the Wilburton subarea plan. Hearing examiner recommended approval subject to a condition clarifying that rezone does not approve other entitlements; design review will be required for future development.

Councilmember Newenhouse disclosed an ex parte communication (email from a resident expressing concern about the EverGlen project) and stated she could still hear the matter fairly.

Key Outcomes

Transportation Benefit District Assumption: Council voted (6 in favor, 2 opposed, 1 abstention per transcript notation "6-2-1") to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to assume the Transportation Benefit District for final action on consent at a future meeting. This does not set revenue levels but allows the council to act as the governing body.
No final decision on transportation funding scenarios or tax increases was made; additional council deliberations are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Land Use: No final decisions; council will take final action on both rezones on October 20, 2026.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome. Thank you for being here and for taking the time to engage in our city work. Your voice matters, and we are glad to hear from you. City Clerk, are you ready for a roll call, please? Thank you. Mayor Melton. Here. Deputy Mayor Hamilton. Here. Councilmember Barkaba. Council Member Breyer. Here. Council Member New in House. Councilmember Robinson. Councilmember Suma DeWoria. Councilmember Briar, would you please lead us in the flag salute? With pleasure. Please rise if you're able to. 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. And after our deputy mayor is done, we would love to hear from you. Thank you. Whereas indigenous people have lived in the Pugetown region since time immemorial. If you wanted to transfer, you can go. And whereas we acknowledge the land we are on as the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish tribe, Mucklechute Indian tribe, and Snoqualmi Indian tribe. And whereas native communities and tribal nations across the country have endured centuries of displacement, assimilation, violence, and erasure, yet continue to per persevere and sustain their cultures. And whereas we express our deepest respect to the original caretakers of this land who continue to live here today and honor their heritage. And whereas indigenous people have made and continue to make vital contributions to our region through stewardship of the environment, advancements in science and technology, leadership in the arts and literature, and countless other areas. And whereas the city of Bellevue reaffirms its commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity, and to strengthening relationships with Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and all indigenous communities. Now, therefore, I, Dave Hamilton, on behalf of Mo Malikutian, Mayor of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, to hereby proclaim October 12th, 2026 as Indigenous People's Day in Bellevue, Washington, and urge all residents to reflect on the history, contributions, and resilience of indigenous people. Bellevue further commits to building stronger relationships with our tribal neighbors and honoring the heritage and ongoing contributions of indigenous communities. Very good evening, everyone. The meaning of our group means the consciousness of four elements. And our teacher Juan Araceli Granados. And also Yakima, which is a big nation with many elements and foundations. We pray with every one of them, all the groups of our brothers of these lands and to us different ceremonias and all the different ceremonies that they hold. And we're here with our whole heart to share it with everyone in the city. Please go ahead. And whereas parents and caregivers play an important role in teaching students about safety when traveling to school and in encouraging healthy habits that will last a lifetime, and whereas choosing to walk to or role as modes of transportation can help reduce traffic congestion and provide environmental benefits for the entire community. And whereas this year's walk and roll event is coordinated by Bellevue School Pool, a partnership between City of Bellevue, King County Metro, and the Bellevue School District, encouraging families and students to explore safe, healthy and sustainable transportation options. Now therefore I, Vishal Bargva, on behalf of Mo Malakutian, Mayor of Bellevue, Washington, and the City Council, to hereby proclaim October 6th, 2026 as walk and roll to school day, and encourage everyone to coordinate to consider the safe, healthy and well-being of safe health, safety, health and well-being of all students traveling to and from school every day. Thank you. Thank you.

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