Council Roundup: Revenue forecast update and Capital Improvement Program review

Published September 25 2026

Plus, Sustainable Bellevue Plan update and Domestic Violence Action Month

On Tuesday, the City Council continued its review of the Preliminary 2027-2028 Operating Budget and the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program, following the city manager's initial overview of the preliminary budget on Sept. 15. This week councilmembers received information on the foundations of the proposed budget, including revenue forecasts, economic conditions and a new structure for the city's long-term capital investments.

Like all communities, Bellevue continues to navigate national and regional economic shifts, including inflationary pressures, interest rate impacts and cautious consumer behavior. Even so, development interest in Bellevue remains strong. The city anticipates moderate near-term development activity, with growth predicted to accelerate over the next six years as global economic conditions are expected to stabilize.

Staff financial experts anticipate the local economy will experience a slow and cautious recovery over the next two years, with continued global instability along with supply chain and regulatory uncertainty influencing revenue forecasts and fiscal planning during that time.

The proposed budget has updated projections for major tax revenues for the city through 2032 and plans no new rate increases for sales, business & occupation, or excise taxes beyond the 1% property tax growth. The property tax increase is limited to 1% or inflation, whichever is lower, per state law. For the median Bellevue home valued at $1.63 million, a 1% city property tax increase, which is applied only to Bellevue's share of the total property tax amount, equals about $15.70 per year. Bellevue's share of the property tax bill is approximately 13% of the total bill.

In addition, the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan adopts a new standardized structure, grouping projects into key areas called portfolios to improve clarity and accountability.

The capital investment portfolios are:

• General Government Facilities: City Hall remodel, technology system replacements, sustainability upgrades
• Grand Connection and Mobility Projects: Interstate 405 non-motorized crossing, speed management, neighborhood mobility
• Parks & Community Services: park development, renovations, trails, Meydenbauer Bay Park Phase 2
• Public Safety Facilities: fire station improvements, facility resilience upgrades
• Utilities: water storage, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, operational efficiency

Budget deliberations will continue throughout the fall. All available budget materials and background information are available at Preliminary 2027-2028 Budget. The full discussion is available through Bellevue Television and additional details can be found in the meeting agenda.

Sustainable Bellevue Plan advances new and continuing climate investments

The council also received an update on implemention of the 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan. The presentation highlighted new and expanded programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, strengthening climate resilience and advancing cleaner transportation, buildings, natural systems and waste reduction.

Since plan adoption in late 2025, the city has launched six new programs, including the Better Buildings Hub, Climate Leaders Initiative, ChargeReady Bellevue and Pedal Forward Eastside. Efforts to expand Energy Smart Eastside and other initiatives have also advanced, including the city's ongoing work to lead by example through energy-efficiency improvements, fleet electrification and sustainable design of city facilities as seen in the city's Fire Station 10.

Staff also outlined the proposed 2027-2028 workplan, which sustains existing programs, continues major capital improvement projects and facility improvements, and launches a new partnership with Washington Builds, a green bank that offers financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The full presentation and discussion are available in the meeting replay through Bellevue Television.

October proclaimed Domestic Violence Action Month

In other business, the council proclaimed October Domestic Violence Action Month in Bellevue and urged all residents to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to end abuse in our communities.