The city on Thursday, April 27, 2023 issued a notice of availability and request for comments on the draft environmental impact statement prepared for the Comprehensive Plan update now underway. That update and the draft EIS also address the Wilburton Vision. The 45-day public comment period begins 8 a.m. on Thursday, and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12. Please visit the Bellevue 2044 Environmental Review page for more information.
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 2024, 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 in 2017-2018.
The project is currently undergoing Environmental Review through an environmental impact statement.
Goals
The city will consider and adopt changes to the Land Use Code and Comprehensive Plan (including the Wilburton/NE Eighth 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
Details and avenues for participating are available at Engaging Bellevue.
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
Wilburton Vision Implementation Phase 1 Engagement Report
The City concluded its re-engagement phase. The City processed feedback from boards and commissions, outreach activities, and an Engaging Bellevue questionnaire and interactive map. A summary of our questionnaire, interactive map, and other Phase 1 engagement activities can be downloaded here.
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 |
| 3/22/23 | Planning Commission Study Session | |
| 3/14/23 | Parks & Community Services Board | |
| 3/9/23 | Transportation Commission Study Session | |
| 2/22/23 | Planning Commission Study Session (presented jointly with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update) | |
| 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)