The City of Bellevue has named Emil King as the new honcho for the city's Community Development Department, taking the reins on June 1, just as the city prepares to embark on a critical growth spurt. A stalwart of urban development with more than two decades under his belt at the city, King has been the mastermind behind the department's planning division for the last five years. There, he's been the guiding hand in updating the Bellevue Comprehensive Plan, steering the city towards goals like environmental stewardship and affordable housing that aim to place the community on a path to a more vibrant, equitable, and liveable future.
Before serving the city, King was hatching growth management plans and implementation codes for cities and counties across Washington as a consultant, reported the City of Bellevue. The seasoned planner also boasts academic chops, holding a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Washington alongside an undergrad degree in economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, preparing him for the gauntlet of city planning ahead.
In a quote that underscores his readiness for duty, Acting City Manager Diane Carlson lauded King, saying, "I am very pleased Emil will be leading Bellevue’s Community Development Department, especially as we plan for the next 20 years of growth and change in our community." In the same breath, Carlson noted that his deep well of knowledge and experience in planning, alongside his robust connections to the Bellevue community, prime him for success.
The Community Development Department, a team of 75 staff strong, wraps in the planning, cultural and economic development and neighborhood services divisions. Moreover, it props up the Planning Commission, Arts Commission, and Belleville-Redmond Tourism Promotion Area Board. King is stepping into big shoes left by Michael Kattermann, who hung up his hat on May 15 after leading the department since his return in 2022 and previously churning a decade of work as a senior planner in Bellevue. Until King takes over, Mike McCormick Huentelman, the assistant director, is keeping the captain's chair warm.
