Bellevue is taking significant steps to address housing affordability, a pressing concern for many residents. The City Council recently advanced an updated Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) for 2026-2032, building upon the successes of the 2017 plan. This ambitious strategy aims to produce and preserve over 5,700 affordable units for households earning between 0 and 80% of the area median income (AMI) over the next decade.
The updated AHS is structured around five core pillars:
Affordable Housing
Focusing on increasing the supply of affordable units through new developments and preservation efforts.
Housing Equity
Ensuring that housing opportunities are accessible to all community members, regardless of background or income level.
Housing for Unique Needs
Addressing the specific housing requirements of vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Housing Stability
Implementing measures to prevent displacement and support residents in maintaining their housing.
Housing Supply & Diversity
Promoting a variety of housing types to meet the diverse needs of Bellevue’s growing population.
A notable aspect of the updated strategy is the emphasis on funding. The AHS identifies affordable housing revenue as a critical tool for achieving the city’s goals. While regulatory reforms and programmatic changes are essential, they alone are insufficient to close the housing gap for Bellevue’s lowest-income households. Actions aimed at reducing costs and timelines for the production and preservation of affordable housing will help maximize the impact of new revenue sources.
In addition to the AHS, the City Council has approved substantial funding allocations to support affordable housing projects. In February 2026, the council directed staff to prepare legislation approving up to $25.7 million from the Housing Stability Program and up to $11.3 million from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. These funds are intended to support four projects that will result in 271 new affordable housing units in Bellevue. This allocation represents the largest single funding round in the city’s history, underscoring Bellevue’s commitment to accelerating affordable housing development.
Furthermore, the city is exploring ways to expand housing opportunities in mixed-use areas as part of its Next Right Work housing actions. This initiative aims to integrate affordable housing into areas that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities.
Bellevue’s proactive approach to affordable housing reflects a strong commitment to creating a community where people of all income levels can live, work, and thrive. By advancing comprehensive strategies and allocating significant resources, the city is working to meet the housing needs of its residents and ensure a sustainable future for all.