Bellevue council directs mid‑biennium budget finalization, allocates $600,000 for food, legal and housing aid

Bellevue Mayor Lynn Robinson and council members on Nov. 12 directed city staff to finalize legislation to adopt the 2025–26 mid‑biennium budget and the 2025–30 capital improvement program and approved a $600,000 allocation from the council contingency for urgent human‑services needs.

The council motion, made by Deputy Mayor McCutson and approved by the body, divides the $600,000 equally among food assistance, immigrant and refugee legal assistance, and financial assistance for rent and mortgage needs, each receiving $200,000. Evan Phillips, the city—s budget manager, told council that staff were bringing options for how contingency dollars could be used and urged action before year‑end deadlines tied to property tax and biennial timing. "The first is considering directing us as staff to provide the appropriate legislation as part of the mid‑biennium update budget package on November 18 for its final adoption," Phillips said during the presentation.

City staff earlier told council the city and its contractors already invest heavily in human services: approximately $17 million for the biennium across general fund and housing stability program dollars, plus Community Development Block Grant support. Tony Esparza, speaking for Parks and Community Services and human services administration, summarized options to split contingency funding and described how the city would amend existing contracts or subcontract to ensure funds reach providers quickly.

Council members framed the allocation as an emergency response to rising demand from food‑insecure households and immigrants concerned about enforcement actions. "Deploying the council contingency fund for these purposes is what exactly I think it's designed for," Council Member Hamilton said, urging the larger $750,000 option; the council settled on the $600,000 split and approved it without recorded opposition.

Mayor Robinson also announced an outside contribution: Amazon agreed to contribute a $250,000 matching gift to local partners, to be divided among Bellevue LifeSpring, Hopelink, and Renewal Food Bank, supplementing the city allocation.

What happens next: staff will amend existing contracts or execute short, targeted contract amendments with vetted nonprofit providers to implement the awards. Agencies would begin services immediately after contract amendments are completed and would report quarterly to the city on service units and spending.