Council Roundup: Budget discussions include safety, economy and utility rates, relief programs

Published October 16 2026

Plus, Transportation Benefit District assumption, Parks system plan update, local sales tax to help children and families and Arts Commission appointment

The City Council continued its 2027-2028 budget deliberations Tuesday, reviewing proposed investments in the Community Safety and Health, Vibrant Economy, and High-Performance Government strategic target areas, as well as proposed utility rates. The discussion was the second of three budget study sessions that will guide council deliberations ahead of budget adoption later this fall.

The preliminary budget continues investments in police, fire and utility services to maintain Bellevue's high level of public safety and service reliability. Highlights include support for a civilian position focused solely on police accreditation and operational readiness, which allows the police department to shift a police sergeant to managing the upcoming Drone as a First Responder pilot program. Additional highlights include expanded fire and EMS staffing and planning for future fire stations and utility system improvements.

Staff also presented proposed utility rates, including combined water, sewer and storm and surface water rate increases of 8.5% in 2027 and 8.6% in 2028. The proposed rates reflect higher wholesale costs from King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Cascade Water Alliance, along with local investments in critical operations and aging infrastructure. Staff also proposed expanding the Utility Bill Assistance Program to support more community members facing affordability challenges.

The proposed budget also advances projects and programs designed to strengthen Bellevue's economy and city operations. Investments include support for economic diversity, small businesses and entrepreneurship, arts and cultural planning, public space activation, and tourism and feasibility studies for future event and performing arts venues. Additional funding would support financial management, human resources, cybersecurity, public website improvements, digital equity, innovation and new customer service technologies aimed at delivering efficient, accessible and responsive services for residents and businesses.

Additional information is available in the meeting materials.

Transportation Benefit District assumed

In related business, councilmembers voted 6-1, with Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis voting no, to assume the powers of a Transportation Benefit District in Bellevue. The district was formed by the council in 2023 and is now being considered as a potential funding mechanism in the 2027-2028 preliminary budget discussions to support transportation projects that will better prepare the city for expected future growth and infrastructure demand.

The act of assuming the district is an administrative step that gives the council the authority to discuss district funding options and take further action if desired during regular council meetings. It does not authorize any amount of funding. The council will discuss further and may take action on funding the TBD at a later meeting as part of the budget process.

Parks and Open Space Plan update

City staff provided an overview of the upcoming update to Bellevue's Parks and Open Space Plan, which describes the community's vision for parks, trails, facilities and open space conservation and directs the long-term growth and development of Bellevue's parks and open space system. The plan will guide future capital projects, inform funding strategies such as voter-approved levies and city budget decisions, and support grant applications and partnerships. Broad community engagement is expected to begin in January, with a recommendation to the City Council anticipated in late 2027.

Local sales tax will fund services for children and families

The council adopted a local sales and use tax ordinance that will direct revenue from a countywide tax back to the city of Bellevue. The tax is exclusively dedicated to supporting children and families. While county residents will begin paying on Jan. 1, Bellevue's action does not create a new tax. Instead, it simply directs the county to distribute Bellevue's share of the revenue back to Bellevue for local distribution.

By law, the revenue can only be used for programs and services that support children and families. Potential investment areas include childcare and early learning, shelter and rental assistance, before- and after-school programs, and youth behavioral, social and physical health services.

The council will consider funding priorities as part of the 2027-2028 budget process. Those decisions may be guided by the city's Human Services Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, Affordable Housing Strategy and other council priorities.

Arts Commission member appointed

Councilmember Claire Sumadiwirya, liaison to the Arts Commission, recommended Laura Crisp to serve on the commission for a partial term ending May 31, 2027. The council unanimously approved the appointment.

Proclamations for Diwali, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Arbor Day

The council issued proclamations celebrating Diwali, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Arbor Day.