Bellevue City Council 2024-2026 PrioritiesCouncil Priorities
Council Priority #1: Customer Service, Access and TransparencyCouncil Priority #2: Brand IdentityCouncil Priority #3: Arts FundingCouncil Priority #4: Affordable Housing Strategy UpdateCouncil Priority #5: City-Owned PropertyCouncil Priority #6: Accessory Dwelling Unit PermittingCouncil Priority #7: Old Bellevue PreservationCouncil Priority #8: EastrailCouncil Priority #9: Diversity Advantage Plan UpdateCouncil Priority #10: Community EngagementCouncil Priority #11: Human ServicesCouncil Priority #12: Homelessness Prevention and Support Programming
On Track
Council Priority #7: Old Bellevue Preservation
Council Priorities

City of Bellevue’s Council Priorities

Description

Council Priority #7: Develop policy tools to preserve the architectural character of Old Bellevue and support the retention of existing businesses as redevelopment occurs. 

Period

Q4-25

Priority Status

On Track

Priority Status Legend

On Track |   Completed | Delayed/On hold | Not Started

Priority Icon

Staff Contact

Progress Updates

  • Maintained this priority in the 2025–26 Land Use Planning Initiatives (LUPI) workplan and advanced readiness work in 2025, with Downtown Livability Amendments 2.0 LUCA identified as the primary vehicle to incorporate this Council priority once previously initiated code amendments are completed and resources are available.
  • Continued preparing for Downtown Livability 2.0 by assembling the team and developing the project scope and outreach plan, recognizing the work is sequenced to begin after completion of the Housing Opportunities in Mixed-Use Areas (HOMA) LUCA.
  • In Q4, began evaluating and scoping policy tools to preserve the architectural character of Old Bellevue as part of Downtown Livability 2.0 LUCA (with discussion/initiation anticipated after Council action on HOMA).
  • At the direction of Mayor Robinson and City Council, initiated preparation of an Interim Official Control (IOC) on Part 20.25A of the Land Use Code to ensure new development is compatible with established character in the Downtown–Old Bellevue (DT-OB) district and along Main Street between 100th Avenue and Bellevue Way.
  • Continued the related small business retention focus by planning for Economic Development staff engagement with Old Bellevue businesses regarding displacement and affordability challenges as part of the Economic Development Strategic Plan implementation. 

Look Ahead

  • Staff will present the proposed IOC to the City Council at the February 3, 2026 meeting for discussion and potential action. In addition, the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the HOMA LUCA is anticipated to be shared with Council in late February or early March. Following Council review and action on HOMA, staff will prepare to initiate Downtown Livability 2.0, through which this Council priority will be addressed via permanent changes to the Land Use Code related to the Old Bellevue (DT-OB). 

Milestones

On Track
Downtown Livability Amendments 2.0 LUCA
Council Priorities | 10/1/25 - 12/31/26
On Track
Pre-launch phase
Council Priorities | 10/1/25 - 3/31/26
On Track
Execution phase (code drafting)
Council Priorities | 1/1/26 - 12/31/26

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