Bellevue releases complete draft Comprehensive Plan

Published May 2 2024

May 6 information session will cover steps to adoption

The City of Bellevue Thursday released its complete draft "Bellevue 2044" Comprehensive Plan, which offers a bold vision for addressing growth and development here over the next 20 years, with new policies related to housing, sustainability and equity.

The public is invited to learn more about the plan, including how community input was used and the remaining steps for adoption, at an information session at City Hall on Monday, May 6, 6:30-8 p.m. This will be a hybrid event with an option for attendance via Zoom. For more information or to register, please visit information session.

The draft plan was informed by feedback from over 7,000 community members who were able to contribute at in-person events, a statistically valid survey, online and at community events. They had opportunities to weigh in on environmental review and proposed vision statements and policies for the plan.

The overall growth strategy in the new plan directs most of the city's growth in housing and jobs to mixed use centers - downtown, BelRed, Crossroads, Wilburton, Eastgate and Factoria - where there is good access to transit and other amenities. This is coupled with a focus on enhancing neighborhood centers throughout the city to support greater walkability and access to goods and services. Updates support diverse housing choices in all neighborhoods by encouraging and allowing middle-scale housing.

The Planning Commission will review the draft this summer and issue a recommendation for the City Council. Any further changes to the plan would have to be recommended by the commission and approved by the council when it adopts the plan in the fall.

Bellevue's Comprehensive Plan outlines a vision for the future and sets policy direction to get there. It's used by the council, boards and commissions, and staff to make decisions around topics including housing, transportation, parks and economic opportunities.

To view and download the draft or to learn more and sign up for updates, visit Comprehensive Plan.