The Bellevue City Council is reviewing multiple transportation budget scenarios for 2027-28, including options that could be funded by a potential Transportation Benefit District (TBD). These scenarios range from maintaining current funding levels to significantly increasing investments in walking, biking, and traffic calming measures.
The proposed budget outlines three distinct funding levels. The first assumes no additional funding, meaning no new projects would be built to address future transportation needs. The other two scenarios incorporate potential funding generated by Bellevue’s Transportation Benefit District, which the council established in 2023. These higher funding levels could allow for expanded investments in active transportation, more robust traffic calming in neighborhoods, and improvements to congested intersections.
Councilmembers discussed the possibility of completing construction projects sooner to realize long-term cost savings. Delaying multiple projects by 10 to 15 years could increase their total cost by 50% to 75% due to inflation in construction expenses. The council expressed a desire to prioritize improved traffic safety within neighborhoods, safer routes for students traveling to school, and the construction of long-delayed sidewalk projects.
Transportation Benefit District Next Steps
A key administrative step is underway to allow councilmembers to fully review and act on matters related to the Transportation Benefit District. The council voted 6-1 to approve the preparation of an ordinance. This ordinance, if passed at a future meeting, would allow the council to assume the powers of the TBD. Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis cast the sole dissenting vote.
Assuming the district’s powers would enable the council to explore revenue options available through the TBD. These options are intended to provide the necessary funding for critical infrastructure projects. Potential revenue sources include a 0.1% increase to the city sales tax rate and an annual $20 fee for vehicles registered in Bellevue. Decisions or guidance on these supplemental revenues have not yet been provided but are scheduled for discussion at a later meeting.
Community members can access a replay of the council meeting discussion online. Further discussions about the budget are planned as the council prepares to make decisions on all budget elements later this fall. The next public hearing for the budget is scheduled for October 27. More details on the schedule and opportunities for community engagement are available on the Budget Public Involvement page.
In other council business, an update was provided on the Bellevue Youth Theatre, a program within the Parks and Community Services department. The theatre uses live productions at its Crossroads Park facility to foster self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership skills among young people. While it focuses on middle and high school students, the program offers performing and volunteer opportunities to all community members, irrespective of age, income, ability, or experience.
During the last school year, the Bellevue Youth Theatre served 936 participants and sold nearly 6,000 performance tickets. For the 2026-2027 period, the theatre plans to stage 11 mainstage productions and conduct 10 weeks of day camps. It will also offer services such as a teen writing program, theatre for very young audiences, historical performances, improv workshops, and sensory-friendly performances.
The council also received results from the biennial Experience Bellevue! celebration held in September. The event drew a record attendance exceeding 2,000 people. This free event aims to connect the Bellevue community with its local government, strengthen neighborhood ties, and celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. Attendees participated in live performances and family-friendly activities, including a City Hall scavenger hunt, salsa lessons, discovery tours, and workshops on subjects like tai chi and mahjong. Additional features included guided tours of city facilities, a city resource fair, a KidsQuest Kid Zone, and a storytelling showcase titled Voices of Bellevue.
The meeting commenced with a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring the Coast Salish peoples as original stewards of the land and acknowledging the ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities. Councilmembers also proclaimed Walk & Roll to School Day, emphasizing the importance of safe, healthy, and sustainable travel for students, and designated October as Community Planning Month.
