Published April 27 2023
Community members are invited to comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement related to Bellevue’s Comprehensive Plan update and Wilburton Vision implementation. The draft EIS was issued Thursday, April 27, and comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 12.
Comments on the draft EIS, which considers the potential environmental impacts of Bellevue’s plan for growth over the next 20 years, will be accepted through:
- Online portal
- Emails to CompPlan2044EIS@bellevuewa.gov
- Mail to: Bellevue Development Services, Attn: Elizabeth Stead, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue WA 98004
- Statements at one of three public meetings, where a court reporter will transcribe comments. Attendees are requested to register in advance.
- Thursday, May 18, 6-8 p.m. (virtual): To provide comments, attendees may sign up in advance or at the meeting.
- Tuesday, May 23, 6-8 p.m., Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St.
- Thursday, June 1, 6-8 p.m., City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE
Bellevue’s Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year vision for the future of the community that sets policy that directs actions and decisions within a framework for growth and guides capital investments. The update to the Comprehensive Plan was launched in February 2022 and will be completed in 2024.
The city is planning for at least 35,000 more housing units and 70,000 more jobs by 2044, reflecting the City Council's vision to increase housing options and affordability, maintain the city’s economic innovation and protect the environment.
The EIS, both the draft and a final version, helps city decision-makers and the public understand how the Comprehensive Plan update and Wilburton Vision implementation might affect the environment. The EIS includes reasonable alternatives and mitigation measures that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts.
A final EIS will be issued in August, and will include responses to public comments received during the DEIS comment period. The Final EIS will study a preferred option within the range of the growth studied in the DEIS alternatives. Following the EIS process, the city will develop specific updates to the Future Land Use Map and Comprehensive Plan that will be the subject of public meetings and hearings by the Planning Commission and City Council.
More details about the environmental review of the Comprehensive Plan update and implementation of the Wilburton Vision are available at Bellevue 2044 Environmental Review and Wilburton Vision.