Bellevue City Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Bellevue City Council meeting on March 17, 2026, included significant procurement-related discussions primarily focused on land use and development policies. The council adopted two ordinances related to the Houma land use code amendment and rezoning, aimed at expanding housing opportunities and affordable housing in mixed-use areas consistent with the comprehensive plan. The meeting also featured a public hearing and approval of a resolution to release a portion of a sidewalk and utility easement adjacent to the Bellevue Transit Center, facilitating a two-tower office building development with retail space. Additionally, the council discussed a proposed land use code amendment to establish a development agreement pathway for public-private partnerships, particularly for city-owned or city-funded projects, to allow greater zoning flexibility and secure public benefits such as affordable housing and sustainability. The council approved moving forward with this amendment and scheduling a public hearing. A study session with Sound Transit representatives provided updates on the upcoming opening of the two line light rail crossing Lake Washington and addressed the Sound Transit enterprise initiative to address a $34.5 billion funding gap, including potential project delays or scope reductions. The council emphasized the importance of subarea equity in Sound Transit's funding and project delivery. Motions were passed to direct staff to prepare a letter to Sound Transit based on Bellevue's guiding principles for the enterprise initiative. Overall, the meeting focused on advancing housing development policies, managing public easements for transit-oriented development, and engaging with regional transit planning and funding challenges.