Published June 25 2026

Also, electric grid assessment and new speed limits

At Tuesday's meeting, the City Council received an update on Bellevue's long-range financial forecast, with staff reporting that revenue growth is expected to remain relatively flat through 2028 before beginning to grow again in 2029.

The outlook reflects factors largely outside the city's control, including inflation driving higher service delivery costs and reduced consumer confidence that contributes to lower sales tax and business and occupation tax revenues. Councilmembers and staff also noted that recent state legislative actions may be affecting revenue growth.

The council also held a public hearing on the 2027-2028 preliminary budget, which will come forward for consideration this fall. Staff shared additional ways for the community to learn about and participate in the budget process, including public meetings, surveys and information sessions.

Councilmembers also reviewed results from the latest budget survey, a statistically valid measure of community perceptions regarding city services and priorities. The findings were consistent with 2024 results: residents continue to give high ratings on the quality of life in Bellevue and the quality of city services. The council asked staff to ensure the community's top-rated priorities are reflected in the proposed budget.

Development Services and Utilities presented their proposed rates and fees for the upcoming biennium. Both departments structure rates to recover the cost of providing services. Staff noted that Bellevue's rates remain competitive within the region.

For more information, view the meeting details.

Grid capacity assessment findings

The council also heard a presentation on the recently completed Electric Grid Capacity Study. Staff reviewed findings and recommendations from the report during Tuesday's meeting and will seek direction from the council at a subsequent meeting.

In collaboration with Puget Sound Energy, the study assessed the ability of Bellevue's electric grid to serve current and future needs. The council requested the assessment due to the city's Comprehensive Plan targets of adding 35,000 housing units and 70,000 jobs by 2044.

With planned infrastructure improvements, the study anticipates that local electricity substations will have enough capacity to serve the expected needs of Bellevue over the next 10 years. The report also highlighted new methods for the city and Puget Sound Energy to work on ensuring clean, reliable electricity is delivered to our communities now and into the future.

For more information including the final report, view the meeting details.

New speed limits coming to Bellevue

The council also adopted a reduction to the speed limit on the majority of streets in Bellevue where the allowed limit is currently 30 mph or higher. Implementation of new speed limit signs will begin in 2027, complementing the city's initiative to reduce neighborhood speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on local streets beginning later this summer. Both programs help the city achieve its Vision Zero goals to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on Bellevue streets by 2030.