Council Roundup: Cultural arts and facilities funding to move forward

Published April 26 2024

Plus, Sound Transit 2 Line opening celebration, affordable housing construction ordinance and construction noise code

On Monday, the City Council supported the establishment of an arts and cultural facility grant program. The new program will provide funding for arts and cultural organizations to acquire land, purchase or construct facilities, or maintain existing facilities. The grant program will focus on an equitable approach to funding organizations, including supporting organizations with less traditional access to capital.

The Arts Commission's role will be expanded to review applications and make recommendations to the council on which organizations should receive funding. Read more about the new grant program in the meeting materials.

Community invited to Sound Transit 2 Line opening celebration

Staff briefed the council on the details of the Sound Transit 2 Line celebration Saturday, April 27. Opening day events are open to all, with community-led activities and entertainment along the route at the eight brand-new stations. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., shuttle buses will connect riders from the South Bellevue Station to the celebration (which starts at 10 a.m.) and official ribbon-cutting (at 11) planned at the Bellevue Downtown Station. Activations at all stations will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Appointments to Human Services Commission approved

The council unanimously approved the appointments of Delfina Medina, Edmund Wong and Angela Phan to serve on the Human Services Commission.

Affordable housing construction temporary ordinance extended

Following a public hearing, the council modified and extended a temporary ordinance intended to incentivize and promote housing and affordable housing construction downtown. The ordinance was one of the several "Next Right Work" affordable housing actions prioritized by the council.

The council originally approved the temporary change to the land use code in May 2023 and then extended it in October. Four shovel-ready projects that include both market-rate and affordable housing have moved forward using the temporary code provisions. The council extended the temporary ordinance for four months and modified the vesting language, which determines which version of the city's code applies to a project. The council voted unanimously to extend the temporary ordinance; an amendment to shorten the time period in the proposal from six months to four passed 6-1, with Councilmember Conrad Lee dissenting.

The city is developing regulations that would permanently replace the provisions of the temporary measures as part of the Next Right Work action to incentivize residential over commercial development. More information about the proposal is available in the meeting materials and the full discussion is available on the Bellevue Television YouTube channel.

Noise code changes approved

The council also approved changes to the city's noise code to expand hours when construction noise is allowed and expand and clarify the activities that qualify for extended construction hours. The council discussed the code changes during a study session in February. The amendments are designed to balance the needs to minimize excessive noise exposure for the community while still supporting development in Bellevue. The code was also changed to modify the allowed decibel limits for sleeping areas to be consistent with federal guidance and neighboring cities.

The council voted 5-2 to approve changing exempt hours for construction noise to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, with Mayor Lynne Robinson and Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian dissenting.

Details on the proposal are in the council materials.

Proclamations for National Week of Action, Global Youth Service Day and Building Safety Month

The council issued a proclamation acknowledging National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which occurs this year from April 29-May 5. They also issued proclamations celebrating Global Youth Service Day and Building Safety Month.