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Published on January 19, 2025
Bellevue City Council Votes to Update Downtown Plan, Aiming to Secure Federal Funds and Regional Growth Center StatusSource: City of Bellevue

In a recent move to maintain its competitive edge and ensure a steady flow of federal funds, Bellevue City Council has unanimously voted to update its Downtown Subarea Plan. According to the City of Bellevue's official news release, this step is deemed crucial for downtown Bellevue to retain its designation as a regional growth center. This status, originally secured in 1995 and reaffirmed in 2020, unlocks eligibility for federal transportation funding, essential for the city's development.

The Subarea Plan update is to be included in the 2025 Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle, focusing on new growth targets set for the year 2044. By aligning with these targets and the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2050 plan, the city aims to both accommodate growing demands and adhere to rigorous parameters surrounding equity, environmental concerns, and displacement risk.

Another key development, the 2025 State Legislative session, kicked off on January 13 with a 105-day agenda already brimming with crucial budgetary and policy discussions. Bellevue, alongside other jurisdictions, must navigate a pronounced state budget shortfall projected to be between $10-12 billion, as per the City of Bellevue news post. With an eye on balancing the books, legislators will be deliberating on diverse issues such as tax reform, environmental sustainability, and crucially, funding mechanisms for transportation and education.

The Bellevue School District (BSD) also featured prominently in recent discussions. BSD Superintendent Kelly Aramaki reported an uptick in student enrollment and delved into the district's efforts towards enhancing programs in language learning, technical education, mental health support, and safety. Aramaki's updates, which included insights into sustainability, accessibility, and special education funding challenges, were spotlighted during the council briefing made available via Bellevue Television replay. The BSD currently relies on two property tax levies for funding, both set to expire at the end of 2026, details shared in the City of Bellevue's release.