Sharing Bellevue’s budget approach, future focus

Published August 28 2024

Budget process includes hearings and information sessions to involve community members in investment strategies

The City Council is holding a series of public hearings and information sessions about the preliminary 2025-2026 operating budget and 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan for the city. Community members can share their thoughts and learn how the city invests for the future, including where it plans to prioritize spending during the next budget cycle.

The first hearing, on July 9, allowed the council and community to review budget priorities and new financial policies. The city is holding a second public budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and will host three interactive budget information sessions. At the sessions, community members can learn how the city budgets for its investments and ask questions about the preliminary budget and the process.

They will also get a better understanding of how the city is making strategic investments for Bellevue today and into the future with a budget that supports continued financial stability, resilience in a variety of areas, and equitable investments and policies. The proposed budget includes investments to help support small businesses, improve climate resilience, address housing and human services needs, provide neighborhood-level improvements and more.

Attendees will learn all the ways they can provide feedback to the council as councilmembers prepare to take action on the city's biennial budget later this fall. No registration is necessary for the information sessions. Food will be provided.

Budget Information Sessions

• Crossroads Community Center, Monday, Sept. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
• North Bellevue Community Center, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1-2:30 p.m.
• South Bellevue Community Center, Thursday, Sept. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.

Several updates were made to the budget process this year, including adoption of guiding principles related to financial strategy emphasizing stewardship, transparency, balanced risk and flexibility. Additionally, the city now has a budget equity toolkit, which tracks department diversity, equity and inclusion resourcing while assessing opportunities to grow in this area.

Learn more at Budget Public Involvement.

For alternate formats, interpreters or reasonable accommodations please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-7881 (voice) or email [email protected]. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact Bellevue's ADA/Title VI administrator at 425-452-6168. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.