During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical legislative priorities for the upcoming session, emphasizing the urgent need for funding to address affordable housing challenges in Bellevue. City representatives highlighted that without long-term dedicated funding, it will be difficult to meet the growing demand for affordable housing, urging the legislature to provide adequate resources while allowing time for the implementation of recent housing legislation.

The meeting also introduced the 2025 state policy statement, which is designed to align with strategic target areas and aims to be more accessible by avoiding complex acronyms. Key topics included water and wastewater infrastructure investments, which have been elevated in priority due to feedback from city officials. The city is committed to working collaboratively with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to strengthen their legislative agenda, particularly in areas such as maintaining aging wastewater and stormwater systems.

Next steps outlined include advancing key legislative priorities and budget requests in the coming months, with a focus on engaging local legislators. A meeting is scheduled for December 2nd at Bellevue City Hall to discuss these priorities with representatives from the 41st and 48th districts.

Additionally, the discussion touched on workforce development, with officials noting the importance of aligning local initiatives with state and federal programs. There is a concerted effort to advocate for investments in workforce development, particularly in technology and green industries, to support the city's economic goals.

The legislative session is set to commence on January 13, with AWC City Action Days scheduled for February 19-20, providing further opportunities for local officials to advocate for Bellevue's needs.