Bellevue is undergoing significant changes in its housing policies to address affordability and community needs. The City Council has approved updates to its housing rules, allowing for ‘middle housing’—such as duplexes, cottage courts, and small apartment buildings—in neighborhoods that previously only permitted single-family homes. This change aims to increase housing options and address the region’s housing shortage.
Additionally, the council has advanced an updated Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) for 2026-2032, building on the successful 2017 strategy. The updated AHS outlines the city’s vision to produce and preserve over 5,700 affordable units between 0 and 80% area median income (AMI) over the next decade. This strategy focuses on five core pillars: Affordable Housing, Housing Equity, Housing for Unique Needs, Housing Stability, and Housing Supply & Diversity.
These initiatives reflect Bellevue’s commitment to creating a community where people of all income levels can live, work, and thrive. The city continues to engage with residents and stakeholders to ensure that housing policies meet the evolving needs of the community.