Bellevue is undergoing significant changes in its housing policies to address affordability and diversity. The City Council has recently 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 move aims to increase housing options and address the region’s housing shortage.
In March 2026, the City Council 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.
Community feedback has been integral to these developments. A recent survey revealed that while 75% of Bellevue voters feel the city is headed in the right direction, 74% are concerned about their personal financial situations. This growing unease is reflected in views on taxation and city spending, with 60% of voters now saying taxes are too high relative to the services they receive.
As Bellevue continues to evolve, the city remains committed to creating a community where people of all income levels can live, work, and thrive. Ongoing community engagement and feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of housing in Bellevue.