Residents urge Bellevue council to approve middle‑housing zoning to boost affordability and revenue

Several residents and local leaders used the council’s oral‑communications period to urge support for the Planning Commission’s proposed middle‑housing land‑use code amendments.

Speakers asked the council to permit duplexes, triplexes and other “middle housing” near transit and job centers to address housing affordability, increase municipal revenues and stabilize long‑term public finances as infrastructure replacement needs grow.

Valentina, a Bellevue resident, said 81% of residents already support middle housing near transit and jobs and argued new construction would expand the city’s tax base and utility revenue to pay for required infrastructure work. “New units also mean collecting additional utility fees and utility taxes, which will allow the city to limit rate increases for existing residents,” she said.

Cameron Cass, who lives in a middle‑housing unit built decades ago, told the council that without existing middle housing he and his family likely could not afford to live in Bellevue. “Allowing choices and availability of homes of all shapes and sizes will provide more affordable homes for people with jobs here,” Cass said.

Speakers framed middle housing as both fiscal and social policy: supporters said more units near transit would help preserve school enrollment and sustain local businesses by keeping workers and families in the city. Commenters also urged the council to consider affordability, workforce and climate resilience goals when finalizing code language.

Discussion vs. decision: These comments were part of the public comment period. No council vote on the land‑use amendments occurred during this meeting; council members did not take formal action on the topic at this session.