The Bellevue City Council has approved funding for two major affordable housing initiatives, allocating over $1.8 million to support housing accessibility for individuals below the area median income (AMI).

During a recent meeting, the Council designated $1,432,000 for the Larus Senior Housing project in Kenmore, creating 175 new homes for seniors in the 40%, 50%, and 60% AMI brackets. Additionally, Bellevue’s Aventine Apartments will receive $378,000 to assist veterans experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and families with children in the Bellevue School District. Units in this development will be available to those earning at the 30%, 50%, and 80% AMI levels, according to the City of Bellevue.

The Council also moved to support the Housing Stability Program, directing staff to draft legislation granting $1,643,748 to Amani Home, a project led by the Congolese Integration Network. This funding includes $1,305,798 in one-time capital for property acquisition and $67,590 annually for operations, maintenance, and on-site services. The investment will secure a residence to be converted into five transitional housing units, providing culturally and linguistically informed case management services. Amani Home will primarily serve asylum seekers and single-parent families experiencing homelessness with incomes below 30% of the AMI.

In addition to these funding measures, Councilmember Janice Zahn shared reflections on her transition to her new role as State Representative for Bellevue’s 41st Legislative District, an appointment made by the King County Council. She expressed gratitude to her colleagues and noted that she would briefly continue her Bellevue civic duties while transitioning to her responsibilities in Olympia.