In a recent survey conducted by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, residents have expressed a growing sense of safety and optimism regarding the city’s trajectory. The 2026 VIBe Check (Voter Insights Bellevue) indicates that 75% of Bellevue voters believe the city is headed in the right direction, marking the highest level of optimism in five years.
Public safety remains a strong point for the community. An impressive 96% of respondents feel safe visiting downtown during the day, and the Bellevue Police Department enjoys an 86% favorability rating, the highest among local institutions. Additionally, neighborhood safety perceptions have improved, with 93% of residents feeling secure in their own areas.
However, the survey also highlights growing financial concerns among residents. The proportion of voters worried about their personal financial situation has risen from 61% in 2023 to 74% in 2026. This unease is reflected in attitudes toward taxation and city spending, with 60% of respondents now believing that taxes are too high relative to the services received, up from around 50% in previous years.
These findings underscore a complex landscape where Bellevue residents balance confidence in their community’s safety and direction with apprehension about personal economic stability.