[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6158892,"mediaKeyId","5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2","parentId",5457173,"title","Sustainable Bellevue update: staff says city can meet municipal targets but community goals need larger state, federal and local actions","audioSeconds",977,"startMs",10487000,"endMs",11464000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2&start=10487&end=11464","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2/thumbnail_10487000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6158892/Bellevue/King-County/Washington/Sustainable-Bellevue-update-staff-says-city-can-meet-municipal-targets-but-community-goals-need-larger-state-federal-and-local-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158892-6d17bb4ee7de5c502ff50c0d166db0cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770404547&Signature=UYd7~5P3H2sMfSjX4Vhs2mJ2GUSnrUruP25ZF33AYL0TzDl02Ywspn5KosRtUlaEq34OldarMJ56cDro3DjPdT3vb3xVpMFh-UMX~OxLDDO7lWRm3CCvXSu1ikrw8uZSpT0LDqDrV~6OBWLasH5fFSSLYdgUvzDNZM4uxcR9cquZ2O3rgvTKb2jbS9E2uKOx7SRY-xLtuzHWMbkgPZ5bzQt2EALERmfJ~2D1bNrbk5kZs-XVihGHDhckHOIrJNwDZbUgSeYH3z-iLKwIK~TcStGQX2aJzdnR2C9MCTD5mjVRh6pw1aCG8OoIL92iLNMLf3FUZnrx9jiAQazMyefuSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellevue City, WA","date","2025-07-24T03:29:59.787Z","article","City staff told the Council on July 22 that Bellevue has exceeded its municipal greenhouse gas reduction goal for 2030 but that community‑wide targets will require more aggressive local action paired with state and federal measures.

Jennifer Ewing, the city’s sustainability manager, reported that municipal operations have achieved a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to the 2011 baseline, surpassing the city’s 2030 municipal target. On community emissions, staff said that most local greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings and transportation and that the updated analysis shows Bellevue is not on track to meet its community 2030 emissions target on current trajectories.

Staff outlined the “high‑impact” strategy areas the draft plan will emphasize: decarbonizing existing commercial and multifamily buildings, accelerating residential heat‑pump conversions through the Energy Smart Eastside program, and reducing vehicle miles traveled by expanding high‑quality transit, active‑transportation infrastructure and shared mobility options. The presentation also highlighted climate resilience strategies, including tree canopy preservation, stormwater and heat‑wave preparedness measures, and community resilience hubs.

Staff said the updated modeling indicates the 50% reduction community goal may be achievable by 2035 with scaled local programs plus state and federal actions, and noted that the plan will include cost estimates and strategy packages. The city plans to release a draft plan for public comment in mid‑August, return to council with a recommended draft in October, and pursue adoption later in the year. Staff also said they will provide more granular, strategy‑level metrics to function as leading indicators tied to future budget decisions.

Council members urged clearer links between strategy packages and budget choices, requested more resilience metrics for frontline communities, and asked staff to provide cost‑and‑benefit and implementation timelines. Deputy Mayor Malakoutian and others requested that the plan include measurable, budget‑linked targets so council can review progress more frequently and adjust funding in subsequent biennia.

No council action was required; the presentation was informational and staff will continue community outreach ahead of the draft plan release.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellevue City Council Meeting - July 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reported progress on municipal emissions reductions, said Bellevue has already met its municipal 2030 target, and previewed draft community strategies focused on building electrification and reducing vehicle miles traveled. Staff will release a draft plan for public comment in August and return in October with a recommended plan.","taxTitle","Bellevue, King County, Washington","taxId",2544,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158897,"Republic Services work stoppage ends; Bellevue resumes collection and receives credits, city says",331,3541000,3872000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2&start=3541&end=3872","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2/thumbnail_3541000.jpg","/articles/6158897/Bellevue/King-County/Washington/Republic-Services-work-stoppage-ends-Bellevue-resumes-collection-and-receives-credits-city-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158897-05c035ddc6a770939299b9e9a67e5722/orig.mp4?Expires=1770404547&Signature=DkBmMTP1jCbxjFPcNL4DSjsbgzIZnsvOUIGTgFXzvBCtCHdWsrmtSrjcLEM8yUGm23PzJ2xOOvGL7GQn3XIPImcIg2081nYq96FD9y~fcqG6Fso6hUlRj4xEgGzOXyeHxoH3KqBrtMYpv4Lp6hzQYzKKLVvlzgbMOuTnaT94A~WqLWxpkiHNPNOQR3OLYCAUItnjBC3fnPlMb3DiVfbkr2cTGzYQrhOHn3TacTGjRO-lk~RNEWlWkN-4L8J3ha94M9Y3eV6i8MBqRBnKNDzFh7PldPmoCKejACNYmR5PhLSkwijy3DA2rZeCURbNPgtg5sOrjBsVYly6MngS7nhx1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Republic Services resumed residential garbage, recycling and compost collection for Bellevue on July 21 after an eight‑day suspension prompted by an out‑of‑state labor action, city officials and the company told the council on July 22.

City Manager Diane Carlson reported the stoppage disrupted service and that city staff worked with Republic to organize free waste drop‑off events and to arrange automatic service credits for customers. Wendy Weicker, municipal relationship manager for Republic Services, told council the stoppage started July 9 and continued through July 18 and that federal‑area solidarity action created the disruption. Republic said it deployed regional relief drivers and staffed four free drop‑off events in Bellevue that collected about 223 tons of material.

Weicker told the council, “As of yesterday, July 21, we are back to normal collections operations and collecting all accumulated material at no additional charge,” and said Republic would issue billing credits automatically to affected customers for the service portion of their rates. The company asked residents to limit drop‑off items to typical household waste during the two‑week catch‑up period and thanked city staff for operational support.

City staff described a multi‑department response that included Utilities, Transportation, Police, Parks and the Bellevue School District to stand up drop‑off events and communicate with residents. Republic said the company would continue to collect accumulated material through August 8 and that credits will appear automatically on customers’ next bills.

Council members thanked staff and Republic for restoring service and for the outreach and drop‑off events. Republic apologized for the inconvenience and said it expects to return to its usual reliability levels.

","After an eight‑day suspension of collection tied to an out‑of‑state labor disruption, Republic Services resumed garbage, recycling and compost collection for Bellevue residents; the company and city staff described free drop‑off events and automatic billing credits for affected customers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158902,"Council approves BRTPA advisory board’s 2026 strategic plan and budget for Bellevue zone",1373,2137000,3510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2&start=2137&end=3510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2/thumbnail_2137000.jpg","/articles/6158902/Bellevue/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-BRTPA-advisory-boards-2026-strategic-plan-and-budget-for-Bellevue-zone","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158902-1f597cb4c2108a92725683043f6229dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770404547&Signature=RK80zKyC--cIbthO-FmZsZs0KsIc93wLvgC6Wm0XbfxJdQX3MMIQwOxq31cfq-8h~jYigFmgCjr7eK~9j6jL~YMEn3rMcGQVFUtqD-lGH81QlxJv4Z8WYzOHIbQCeqvtRtxPuMOhnw-UWaBWS78JNhEUvcqORT2cRfweDjiCpw~pXwaQPJXDIeymJGxrBRlpOcC08ECDVd5bRKopgm1JykEzPXpbP-5vP9u0JpLOqbPODdpyfxz26l4C9DXMRbyS03HpN7FJs4IRad3BPd7TAFBI0876mZiy7hiBxpQ-H9pLGkxlpfHCi1-j0tzaY3NvEi3dnXaS3L8dohHAhUZ6YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellevue City Council on July 22 voted to direct staff to prepare legislation so the city can implement the Bellevue‑Redmond Tourism Promotion Area (BRTPA) advisory board’s recommended 2026 budgets and strategic plans.

City staff and the BRTPA chair, Carolyn Durmakarian, presented the proposed 2026 strategic priorities and the expected revenue and reserve positions for both the Bellevue and Redmond zones. The TPA is funded by a $2.50 per‑night lodging fee collected by lodging businesses and remitted to the Washington Department of Revenue for allocation to the cities. The BRTPA advisory board, composed of hospitality stakeholders from both zones, recommended programmatic spending to support destination marketing, culinary and walking tours, hotel amenity programs (Bellhop and BikeHop), sustainability planning and targeted sales efforts.

Staff said Bellevue welcomed more than 2.2 million overnight visitors in 2024 and projects a goal of 2.5 million visitors in 2026, producing an estimated $2.1 billion in local economic impact. Visit Bellevue’s 2026 plan calls for expanding culinary tours, walking and self‑guided experiences, and a sustainability plan for destination stewardship. Redmond’s program aims to increase overnight visitors by 5% and to expand capacity building and niche marketing.

Council members asked about the size and purpose of reserves and contingencies, festival and event selection criteria, and how the TPA will support FIFA 2026 and other large events. Staff said Visit Bellevue and 1Redmond manage festival applications and have selection committees; the city holds zone reserves in separate accounts and maintains a contingency (~10%) within contracted scopes of work for the zone administrators.

Council action: a motion to direct staff to return with mid‑biennial technical adjustment legislation to support expenditures consistent with the BRTPA advisory board’s recommended 2026 budget passed by voice vote.

Visit Bellevue intends to maintain roughly $256,000 in reserves and Redmond about $480,000 after 2026 projections. Staff said the final scopes of work and contracts with Visit Bellevue and 1Redmond will come to council during the contracting process later this year.

","Bellevue’s council voted to direct staff to return legislation incorporating the Bellevue‑Redmond Tourism Promotion Area advisory board’s recommended 2026 budgets and strategic plans for the two TPA zones.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158907,"Council approves code changes to allow e‑scooters, directs staff to prepare shared micro‑mobility pilot",2105,8412000,10517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2&start=8412&end=10517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2/thumbnail_8412000.jpg","/articles/6158907/Bellevue/King-County/Washington/Council-approves-code-changes-to-allow-escooters-directs-staff-to-prepare-shared-micromobility-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158907-57bd3178bec5f0a2443c1a6e35365d4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770404547&Signature=ZPsnWuaSsowceSwkJ8ghN0vxVj7ptqX91ytFVsqcVSXX~khgEj8CfNcW3CFlCbkVZftMKUbBiSISAkVS2YzPZ7UFGOYQDdBb1vxcHjplFE1wce4Iw~klH~AWtDecUZrWEhc2DwY6O8v6t8PjO22ODKSlfDIKGfHWhWgLN3EQIsaW7JX4HYq4nGPMzL8kyDvulsAAxKk7rlfdz6-NPNB0pjXZrUq1v4oR6bCRLg-sK0pc-KysB0fLCmW2zVgSPMzeWxlQX4RmMpGaohlN8HXY8uMAaXt-qzuGg418YP9g0giUI6myynxOdun2z1oGmpwfdS0uwJDa3~v~xFUfRqiw8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellevue City Council agreed on July 22 to advance a code amendment that updates city rules for motorized foot scooters and paves the way for a future shared micro‑mobility pilot.

City staff presented an ordinance modernizing Bellevue City Code Chapter 11.48.210, which was originally adopted in 2007 for gas‑powered scooters and is inconsistent with today’s electric scooters and state law. The Transportation Commission recommended the changes and asked staff to permit scooters on roadways, in bike lanes, on paved shared‑use paths and in parks except where explicitly restricted, while prohibiting scooters on unpaved trails and limiting sidewalk use to places with no safe alternative.

Franz Lowenhurst of the Transportation Department summarized the commission’s recommendations and noted the panel’s advice to remove a blanket helmet requirement while continuing city efforts to encourage helmet use. Director Andrew Singalakis said the ordinance aligns Bellevue with neighboring jurisdictions and state statutes.

Council members asked about enforcement, operator response times, parking and curb management, equity in payment options, multilingual outreach, data sharing, and how the pilot would protect pedestrians. Staff said they expect to seek a permit‑based pilot that could launch in spring 2026 if the ordinance and permit design proceed on the proposed timetable. Staff described likely program elements: fleet and parking rules, geofencing and speed controls, data sharing requirements, rider education, equity measures and staffing/permitting fees to underwrite city oversight.

Members of the business community and mobility operators told the council there is local demand for shared micromobility and urged a pilot timed to link with East Link opening and large regional events such as FIFA 2026. Several commenters from the Bellevue Chamber, Lime and others urged a permit approach, data requirements and an emphasis on safety and curb management.

Council action: by voice vote the council directed staff to finalize the code amendment and return the ordinance for final action as part of a future consent agenda and to continue developing a possible shared program permit. The council did not approve a specific pilot plan or contract tonight.

Staff will return with ordinance language for adoption and continue inter‑departmental work with police, parks, the city attorney and parking/curb managers to design the operational permit and pilot program.

","The council agreed to bring forward an ordinance aligning Bellevue code with state law to allow motorized foot scooters and directed staff to draft rules and a potential pilot permit for shared e‑scooters and e‑bikes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158911,"Bellevue council directs staff to pursue state approval, outline funding options for Grand Connection crossing",1050,3934000,4984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2&start=3934&end=4984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457173-85d11950f706a7e3288451a8a51cf6e2/thumbnail_3934000.jpg","/articles/6158911/Bellevue/King-County/Washington/Bellevue-council-directs-staff-to-pursue-state-approval-outline-funding-options-for-Grand-Connection-crossing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158911-b46b3387edecf3afe613ff7e53fcdbfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770404547&Signature=llLbArSfY5EIRtPznZIskXf22biN9J5OqIpJTjt6QFfck-xqlfvkgxGv4LdyYGv61zHESYdSnfG2ZH9Ez17TBxa6nghg~wD7OL0ve9swx2nsd8WTL7yIRRQxZPoBcLfQsdwiuIDf8A29jbHmurlUYGRRktCxhkFm6QMFeyKqkINBDhN40QbSiC0Dkd-pC9bPmA9SNnZQq2UEnw21pv71fy~rjlic5NRJKSHGF6GGemDnPhPHugvhWcG6PcJRP9hn7FC5k9z1KDaWzcuv5oa6huCKMrl7IKBU9Z5JUThJCtv-Jj7s5innNhTbTA6ljTtOi1yQ-oDQs4kRrwqIfqa1dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellevue City Council on July 22 directed staff to pursue state approval to use an alternative construction delivery method for the Grand Connection crossing and to prepare funding options for the project’s next phase.

The action, approved by voice vote, lets the city submit an application this fall to the state committee that reviews alternative delivery methods and continue preparing a “funding stack” showing how the roughly $150 million–$200 million capital cost could be paid for.

The council’s decision follows a staff presentation that laid out a three‑tier funding menu: (1) tools the city controls now, such as a potential tax‑increment financing (TIF) district or use of Transportation Benefit District (TBD) revenues; (2) cash and grant sources including private philanthropy, state and federal grants and potential local improvement districts; and (3) last‑resort local revenue like banked property tax capacity or local B&O tax revenue. Chief financial officer John Risha summarized the scale: “We’re targeting a project that is, roughly speaking, a $150 to $200 million project.”

City staff stressed that tonight’s vote does not commit the council to any tax or revenue source. Staff asked only for permission to include a high‑level funding plan in the application required to pursue a General Contractor‑Construction Manager (GCCM) procurement model. Nathan Torgelson, director of the Office of the Grand Connection, said staff will return this fall with a detailed TIF analysis and with formal outreach to other taxing jurisdictions that would need to consent to participation under the special TIF authority the state gave Bellevue this year.

Members of the project’s private advocacy group, Friends of the Grand Connection, testified in support of moving the project forward and said they will continue pursuing private philanthropy and other non‑city contributions. Staff said they are also seeking competitive state and federal grants; the city has secured a $2 million congressional earmark to date for the crossing. City Manager Diane Carlson and staff emphasized that the council will see multiple decision points, financing scenarios and “off‑ramps” before any long‑term city revenue commitments are finalized.

Council members asked for clarity about sequencing, public engagement and safeguards. Several members noted the project’s role in mobility, placemaking, housing access in Wilburton and tourism; others reiterated concerns raised during public comments about using TBD revenues or TIF proceeds for a project some view primarily as placemaking rather than congestion relief.

Staff outlined next steps: complete a consultant analysis of potential TIF district boundaries and revenue capacity by late summer, initiate formal outreach to affected taxing districts, submit the GCCM application to the state in mid‑August, and return to council in the fall with detailed financing recommendations before any revenue measures or ordinances are proposed.

Council action: motion to direct staff to move forward with the state approval process and to prepare funding steps was made and approved by voice vote. No council member roll‑call vote was recorded on the public audio.

The council’s direction begins a compressed timetable to prove to the state that the city has a realistic delivery plan and funding path; it does not authorize specific taxes, fees or borrowing. Staff and the Friends group said they will continue parallel fundraising and grant efforts to reduce any potential need for new local revenue.

The Office of the Grand Connection will lead design, procurement and partnership tasks going forward, with continued briefings to the council at major decision points.

","The Bellevue City Council voted to let staff apply for state approval of an alternative delivery method for the Grand Connection crossing and to prepare funding options, while continuing parallel work on private, state and federal funding sources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sustainable Bellevue update: staff says city can meet municipal targets but community goals need larger state, federal and local actions

Republic Services work stoppage ends; Bellevue resumes collection and receives credits, city says

Council approves BRTPA advisory board’s 2026 strategic plan and budget for Bellevue zone

Council approves code changes to allow e‑scooters, directs staff to prepare shared micro‑mobility pilot

Bellevue council directs staff to pursue state approval, outline funding options for Grand Connection crossing