Council Roundup: Transportation budget scenarios reviewed, including potential transportation benefit district funding

Published October 9 2026

Plus, a year of impact from the Bellevue Youth Theater and a record- breaking Experience Bellevue! crowd

During Tuesday's meeting, the City Council received an overview of the Transportation Department's proposed 2027-28 budget, which included three funding levels for the council to consider. The first proposal assumes no additional funding to build key projects for future transportation system needs in Bellevue. The other two funding options incorporate potential funding from Bellevue's Transportation Benefit District, established by the council in 2023.

Additional funding would provide deeper investments for walking, biking and rolling, more robust traffic calming measures in Bellevue neighborhoods, and address bottlenecked intersections. Councilmembers reviewed the additional projects that could be delivered with higher funding levels, and discussed long-term project cost savings by completing construction sooner. For example, delaying multiple projects by 10-15 years could increase the price tag of that same project package by as much as 50-75% given the inflationary costs of construction.

Councilmembers expressed interest in prioritizing improved traffic safety in Bellevue neighborhoods, safer pathways to school, and delivery of long-deferred sidewalks.

Next steps for the Transportation Benefit District

Councilmembers approved the preparation of an ordinance that would be voted on at a future meeting and allow the council to assume the powers of the Transportation Benefit District. The act of assuming the district is purely an administrative step to allow councilmembers to fully review, discuss, and take actions related to the TBD. The vote was 6-1 with Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis voting no.

If the district is assumed, the council would then be able to discuss revenue options available through the TBD that would provide the funding levels needed to build critical projects. Those options include a 0.1% increase to the city sales tax rate and a $20 annual fee for vehicles registered in Bellevue. No decision or guidance on supplemental revenues was provided but will be discussed at a later meeting.

Community members can watch a replay of the meeting discussion and follow upcoming council meeting discussions about the budget as the council prepares to take action on all elements of the budget later this fall. The next budget public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27. The Budget Public Involvement page has more details on the schedule and opportunities to engage.

A year of impact from the Bellevue Youth Theatre

The council also received an update on the work of the Bellevue Youth Theatre, a recreational youth development program through Bellevue's Parks and Community Services department that uses live theatre productions from their facility in Crossroads Park to develop self-esteem, teamwork and leadership skills.

The theatre has a focus on providing theatre and enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students but offers performing and volunteer opportunities to all community members regardless of age, income, ability or experience. BYT served 936 participants in the last school year and sold almost 6,000 performance tickets.

In 2026-2027, the theatre will produce 11 mainstage productions, hold 10 weeks of day camps, and provide services including a teen writing program, theatre for very young audiences, historical performances, improv, sensory-friendly performances and more.

Record-breaking Experience Bellevue! crowd

The city held its biennial Experience Bellevue! celebration in September and delivered event results to the council, including a record attendance number exceeding 2,000 people. The free event is designed to welcome the Bellevue community to experience their local government, strengthen neighborhood connections and highlight Bellevue's rich cultural diversity.

Attendees enjoyed live performances and family-friendly activities, including a City Hall scavenger hunt, salsa lessons, discovery tours and workshops such as tai chi and mahjong. Additional features included guided city facility tours and a city resource fair, a KidsQuest Kid Zone and a storytelling showcase called Voices of Bellevue which highlighted how different community members have built belonging in Bellevue. More information is at Experience Bellevue!

Proclamations honor Indigenous communities and promote safe, active travel for students

The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, honoring the Coast Salish peoples as the original stewards of the land and acknowledging the enduring contributions of Indigenous communities. Councilmembers also proclaimed Walk & Roll to School Day, highlighting the importance of safe, healthy and sustainable travel options for students, and Community Planning Month.