Council Roundup: Cascade proposes water rate increases

Published July 17 2026

Plus, interim official control continues for Old Bellevue development, new zoning for Bellevue College growth and business improvement areas

The City Council received a briefing from Bellevue's wholesale water provider, Cascade Water Alliance, on the agency's proposed 2027-2028 budget and rates, and their long-term regional water supply program.

Cascade is proposing general annual rate increases of 9.5% across alliance members, which would result in an estimated 9.19% increase to Bellevue's wholesale water costs in 2027 and 8.87% in 2028. These wholesale cost increases would lead to a 3% per year increase in water rates for Bellevue Utilities customers in the next two years. That translates to about $2.50 per month in 2027 for a typical residential household.

During the discussion, the council emphasized the importance of balancing the need for reliable, long-term regional water with keeping utility services affordable. The briefing also highlighted Bellevue Utilities' continued commitment to affordability, including expanding utility bill assistance to help more households manage utility costs. The full council discussion can be viewed on Bellevue Television's replay of the meeting.

Interim regulations renewed for Old Bellevue

The council also unanimously voted to continue and adopt amendments to temporary changes to the city's land use rules for Main Street in Old Bellevue. These development regulations, extended for another six months, are intended to ensure that new projects fit the area's small-scale, pedestrian-oriented character and respect existing older building façades that contribute to Old Bellevue's cultural and historic identity.

Community feedback received during the initial adoption of the interim official control for six months in February highlighted concerns about development costs and clarity of design standards. In response, the amended temporary development regulations clarify requirements and offer incentives for façade preservation.

The updated ordinance extends these temporary regulations through February 2027. More details are available in the meeting materials.

New zoning for Bellevue College

The council also voted unanimously for the creation of a new "institutional" land use district for Bellevue College. This change will bring the college's zoning in line with the city's Comprehensive Plan, which already identifies the campus area as suitable for institutional use.
These changes will also provide clear guidelines to Bellevue College for future growth and how the campus may evolve. It will include regulations to ensure future development at the college transitions appropriately to nearby neighborhoods. The city will offer multiple opportunities for community members to learn more and provide input as the land use code is amended. Details and background materials are available in the agenda materials; updates will be posted at Bellevue College Land Use Code Amendment.

Business improvement areas

In other business, the council received a presentation on the formation of business improvement areas in Bellevue.
Business improvement areas are common in many cities, allowing businesses and property owners in a defined area to collectively fund neighborhood services and improvements such as maintenance projects, placemaking efforts or public space activations.
The Bellevue Downtown Association is evaluating feasibility for creating the first BIA in Bellevue and may begin engaging property owners about it in the coming months. City policy outlines the process of forming a BIA and how the city would evaluate BIA requests and provide ongoing administration.
The council provided feedback on the first draft of the policy and instructed staff to continue refining it. View the meeting details for more information.

Proclamations

The council issued proclamations for Disability Pride Month, Park and Recreation Month, and Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.

Written updates submitted

In addition, two written reports were submitted to the council, including the Intergovernmental Affairs team's monthly update and the Office of Housing's six-month update concerning the Eastgate Housing Campus.