The City Council is actively engaging the community in shaping the future of its finances through a series of public hearings and information sessions dedicated to the preliminary 2025-2026 operating budget and the 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan. These events are designed to invite residents to voice their opinions and gain insights into how the city plans to allocate resources for upcoming projects and priorities.
The process began with an initial hearing on July 9, where both council members and community members examined the budget’s key priorities and discussed new financial policies. Building on this foundation, a second public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, followed by three interactive information sessions. The sessions offer an opportunity to delve into the details of the city’s budgeting process, ask questions, and understand how these financial decisions will impact Bellevue’s growth and sustainability.
At these sessions, attendees will learn more about how the city plans to invest its money to keep finances stable and prepare for future challenges. The proposed budget highlights several key areas, such as helping small businesses, improving climate resilience, and enhancing housing and human services. It also includes plans for upgrades in neighborhoods to ensure that investments are beneficial for everyone.
The upcoming information sessions are set to take place at various community centers: Crossroads Community Center on September 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., North Bellevue Community Center on September 24 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and South Bellevue Community Center on September 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This year, the budget process has been updated with new guiding principles focusing on careful financial management, transparency, balanced risk, and flexibility. A new budget equity toolkit has also been introduced to help the city track and improve diversity and inclusion within its departments.
