Bellevue City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for a 100% affordable housing project in the BelRed Arts District, marking a significant step in the city's housing strategy. The project, set to provide 100% affordable units, follows the council's commitment to increasing housing options for residents.
Starting Tuesday night, multiple lanes and ramps on I-405 and I-90 will close for pavement repair and utility work through mid-September. Detours are in place from Bellevue to Puyallup, with closures scheduled for September 8-11. Residents are advised to plan for travel disruptions during this period.
Mercer Island's Planning Commission is seeking applications from residents to fill a vacant seat until October 9, 2026. The commission advises on growth and land use policies, with applications due by the end of the month.
Bellevue has published its preliminary 2027-2028 budget draft, with the City Council set to review it on September 15. A public hearing and additional information session are scheduled for September 30.
Sound Transit is seeking cost-saving strategies for ST3 projects, including Ballard, Everett, and Tacoma Dome Link, to reduce costs and accelerate delivery through innovative technologies. The agency has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore these options.
Houghton Beach Park remains closed due to elevated bacteria levels, with Public Health advising against swimming. Signs are posted, and testing will resume next week.
The city is also piloting the use of drones as first responders for police and fire departments to improve response efficiency and safety.
What to watch next: The September 15 budget review and the ongoing Sound Transit cost-saving RFI could shape regional infrastructure and housing priorities in the coming months.