The Wilburton study area will witness the arrival of several major infrastructure improvements in the coming years. The Eastrail will open to bicyclists and pedestrians, offering a separated bike and pedestrian connection from Woodinville to Renton. In 2023, East Link, the region's second light rail line, will open to its first riders, providing frequent and reliable service from Wilburton to Seattle's Capitol Hill in just 29 minutes.
In order to take better advantage of these investments, the City Council began implementation of the Wilburton Vision on April 25, 2022. This initiative sets in motion the process of developing policy and code to guide the transformation of the Wilburton study area into Bellevue’s next urban mixed-use community that enhances livability, promotes healthy living, supports economic vitality and serves the needs of a diverse and growing population.
The scope of work, project timeline and community engagement plan are included in the council packet materials. The study area was the focus of the Wilburton Commercial Area Study by a citizen advisory committee (CAC) in 2017-2018.
Goals
The city will consider and adopt changes to the Land Use Code and Comprehensive Plan (including the Wilburton/N.E 8th Street Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan Map). These changes will facilitate redevelopment in the Wilburton study area, improve amenities, incentivize transit- and trail-oriented uses, and establish a unique identity for the area.
Opportunities to Engage
We invite you to participate in our questionnaire and interactive map on Engaging Bellevue. Your input will help inform future land use alternatives and policy development for the Wilburton study area.
Check here often to learn of opportunities to engage as staff works to incorporate the vision. To receive updates on upcoming events and overall progress of this initiative, sign up for our email notification list. See “Alerts” to subscribe.
Progress to Date
Citizen Advisory Committee Vision Report
The Wilburton Commercial Area visioning process was guided by a Council-appointed citizen advisory committee (CAC). The committee was charged with studying the land use, transportation and urban design elements for the study area. On July 2, 2018, the CAC transmitted their final report, the Wilburton Commercial Area Study, with corrections to the City Council. It included a series of recommendations for council consideration.
Project Status and Timeline
The Wilburton project is currently in the Planning stage.
| Project Phase | Approximate Date |
| Scoping | Completed in 2017 |
| Visioning | Completed in 2018 |
| Planning | Now - 2023 |
| Land Use Code | Summer 2023 - Summer 2024 |
| Monitoring & Control | Ongoing after Adoption |
Project & Background Documents
Wilburton Commercial Area Study
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
- Fact Sheet
- Chapter 1 - Summary
- Chapter 2 - Alternatives
- Chapter 3 - Affected Environment, Impacts and Mitigation Measures
- Chapter 3.1 - Geology and Soils
- Chapter 3.2 - Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
- Chapter 3.3 - Water Resources
- Chapter 3.4 - Ecosystems
- Chapter 3.5 - Land Use
- Chapter 3.6 - Economic Activity
- Chapter 3.7 - Neighborhoods and Populations
- Chapter 3.8 - Aesthetics
- Chapter 3.9 - Transportation
- Chapter 3.10 - Noise
- Chapter 3.11 - Energy
- Chapter 3.12 - Environmental Health
- Chapter 3.13 - Public Services and Utilities
- Chapter 4 - References
- Appendices
Past Presentations
| Date | Meeting, Event, or Action Taken | Links |
| 9/28/22 | Planning Commission Study Session (presented jointly with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update) | |
| 7/25/22 | City Council Study Session (presented jointly with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update) | |
| 7/14/22 | Transportation Commission Study Session | |
| 7/13/22 | Planning Commission Study Session (presented jointly with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update) | |
| 7/12/22 | Parks & Community Services Board | |
| 6/8/22 | Planning Commission Study Session | |
| 5/11/22 | Planning Commission Study Session | |
| 4/25/22 | City Council Study Session |
Related Projects
- East Link and Wilburton Station (Sound Transit)
- Eastside Rail Corridor (King County)