Bellevue is undergoing significant changes in its housing policies to address affordability and accommodate growth. The City Council has recently approved an updated Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) for 2026-2032, aiming to produce and preserve over 5,700 affordable units for residents earning between 0 and 80% of the area median income over the next decade. This strategy builds upon the successful 2017 AHS and emphasizes meeting the housing needs of Bellevue’s growing workforce and residents.
The updated AHS focuses on five core pillars: Affordable Housing, Housing Equity, Housing for Unique Needs, Housing Stability, and Housing Supply & Diversity. It includes 25 related action areas, such as accessible education, increased partnerships, and support for residents to maintain stable housing. Notably, the strategy highlights the importance of affordable housing revenue as a critical tool for advancing Bellevue’s goals, recognizing that regulatory reforms alone are insufficient to close the housing gap for the city’s lowest-income households.
In addition to the AHS, Bellevue has made significant zoning changes to increase housing options. The City Council approved updates to housing rules to comply with new state laws, allowing for “middle housing”—such as duplexes, cottage courts, and small apartment buildings—in neighborhoods that previously only permitted single-family homes. These changes aim to address the region’s housing shortage by reintroducing diverse housing types.
Furthermore, the council has adopted an Interim Official Control for properties along Old Bellevue’s Main Street, requiring new developments to reflect the area’s longstanding character. This measure places added requirements on new projects, particularly concerning the design and appearance of street-facing buildings, ensuring that future development aligns with the established design patterns of neighboring properties.
These initiatives demonstrate Bellevue’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive housing environment that meets the needs of its residents while preserving the unique character of its neighborhoods.