During a recent city council meeting, Bellevue City Manager Carlson sought approval for the reappointment of John and Roger Anderson to the Bellevue Convention Center Authority (BCCA) board for another four-year term, effective January 1, 2025. Both Andersons have extensive experience in venue management, with John Anderson having served on the board since 2000 and as vice chair from 2019 to 2022. The council unanimously concurred with the reappointments.

The meeting also addressed the city's response to a historic windstorm that struck on November 18, caused by a bomb cyclone off the Washington coast. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, affecting approximately 90% of Bellevue and leaving around 475,000 customers in the region without power at its peak. Tragically, one life was lost due to the storm.

Emergency Manager Carl Lunak provided an overview of the city's response efforts, highlighting the mobilization of multiple city departments to assist residents during the crisis. Within the first 24 hours, the fire department responded to 543 calls for assistance, significantly higher than the typical volume. The police department also experienced a surge in calls, responding to 202 incidents.

City staff worked around the clock to clear roadways, deploy generators, and provide temporary power to key intersections. Community centers were opened to offer residents a warm place to recharge devices and receive updates. The city’s communication team played a crucial role in disseminating safety information and resources to the public.

As of the meeting, less than 100 homes remained without power, with 99% of Puget Sound Energy customers having their service restored. Cleanup efforts for storm debris are expected to continue for several weeks. The city expressed gratitude for the community's resilience and cooperation during the emergency, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impacts of such disasters.