Published May 8 2026

Plus, Downtown Livability update kicks off, Federal Legislative Agenda approved and city supports KidsQuest museum

The city council received an update on plans to establish a tax increment financing district to help fund the Grand Connection Crossing. The presentation detailed how TIF is a state-authorized tool that uses a portion of new property tax revenue from future redevelopment in a designated area to help pay for local improvements-in this case, the Crossing.

During their remarks, both councilmembers and staff highlighted the partnership of the six taxing jurisdictions that chose to participate in Bellevue's TIF district. This partnership reflects a shared vision for a regional asset that will support affordable and workforce housing in Wilburton, create new construction jobs and generate new sales tax revenue.

Staff highlighted how a TIF district does not create a new tax; property owners in the district boundary pay what they normally would, with only future increases in assessed value staying in Bellevue to help fund the project.

The TIF district boundary is designed to include commercial development sites and exclude, where possible, properties that are likely to use the city's multifamily tax exemption to provide affordable and workforce housing.

Over 25 years, Bellevue's TIF district is projected to generate nearly $68 million, covering about 15-20% of project costs. Additional project funding decisions about the Crossing will follow this fall in connection with the biennial budget process.

The council directed staff to prepare an ordinance establishing the district boundary for consideration at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at 4:30 p.m. in the council chamber. More information is available in the meeting materials.

Downtown Livability 2.0 launches

The council also initiated the Downtown Livability 2.0 effort, an update to Bellevue's downtown land use code adopted in 2017. This work will take look at how the code is functioning today and propose targeted updates to maintain support for a vibrant, welcoming and livable downtown as the area continues to grow.

The update will focus on reinforcing existing policy guidance-maintaining downtown's emphasis on open space and pedestrian activity, supporting historic development patterns along Main Street in Old Bellevue and addressing code challenges identified over the past several years.

Additional areas of focus for the update include supporting the Grand Connection, refining the amenity incentive program and continuing to encourage housing in the heart of the city.

To support this work, the city will launch a robust community engagement process this summer. Outreach will include formal kickoffs for the project, tabling throughout downtown, attendance at local events and meetings with community groups. Additional details are available in the meeting materials, and the full presentation is available on Bellevue Television replay.

KidsQuest to receive funding to build new museum

City Manager Diane Carlson announced that the city has reached a council-approved funding agreement with KidsQuest Children's Museum to deliver $10 million to build a new museum.

The new children's museum will be in the heart of downtown in the former Bellevue Arts Museum building. The agreement includes a range of public and economic benefits, including increasing access to cultural opportunities for all ages.

2026-2027 Federal Agenda approved

Councilmembers unanimously approved the city's 2026-2027 Federal Agenda, which outlines Bellevue's top priorities for Congress and federal agencies and guides future federal funding requests.

Their priorities include transportation and mobility, essential water infrastructure, and housing and human services programs. Because federal budgets and legislation change throughout the year, the agenda also includes policy statements on areas such as immigration, innovation and emerging technology, fiscal sustainability and governance, economic workforce, resilient infrastructure and energy.

Staff also provided an update on the city's federal funding request for the Safer Signals program, which provides real time traffic signal safety interventions.

Councilmembers will travel to Washington, D.C., in June to meet with federal representatives and share these priorities along with the specific work the city hopes to advance.

Proclamations for Jewish American heritage, affordable housing, Bike Everywhere Month and building safety

The council issued proclamations celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, Affordable Housing Week, Bike Everywhere Month and Building Safety Month.