Instead of their usual meeting in Council chambers, City Council will be holding a workshop to address some of our budget challenges. AV recording will probably not be as good as usual, so this may be a good meeting to attend in person if this subject interests you. Based on this workshop, the city revenue forecast, and the Public Hearing on June 23, staff will work with the city manager to develop a Preliminary 2027-2028 Biennial Budget proposal for council’s consideration and deliberation beginning in September 2026.
Process and Context for the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget Deliberations
Transportation Needs and Policy Prioritization
Funding and Approaches to Funding Transportation Infrastructure to Support Growth
Revenue Sources: B&O Tax, Property Tax, Sales Tax, Vehicle License Fees, and Other (Tax Increment Financing such as for the Grand Connection, Local improvement District, Parking & Business Improvement Area [as is being considered by BDA], Debt, Metropolitan Park District, Public-Private Partnerships, Regional Fire Authority, Amusement taxes 3% could go up to 5%, Utilities Taxes (electric and gas could go from 5% to 6%, appears to be $14M annually now), Public Safety Sales Tax, Parks Impact Fees, and Fire Impact Fees. Not mentioned: Utility Connection charges that are being lowered.
There are also transportation-specific funding sources: Vehicle Fees could ramp up to $5M annually, the Transportation Benefit District 0.1% sales tax could bring in $11M annually, Transportation Impact Fees (variable), traffic safety cameras are expected to bring in $2M annually, curb parking meters are expected to bring in $2M annually, Grants, and Philanthropy.
Public comment will be taken for 30 minutes at the beginning of the meeting, and signup starts at noon. https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/city-clerks-office/public-meetings-speaker-registration/council-oral-communications
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