BDA and Chamber Support Adoption of City Budget
December 3, 2020 - by Matt Jack, Director of Public Policy
Category What's Happening
BDA and Chamber Support Adoption of City Budget
Bellevue City Council drew a large Zoom crowd for the third and final public hearing on November 23 to gather input on the City’s 2021-2022 Operational and Capital Investment Program (CIP) Preliminary Budget. Staff from the BDA and Bellevue Chamber of Commerce attended the hearing to voice support for adoption of the preliminary budget, as originally presented by City Manager Brad Miyake in October.
At the September public hearing, the BDA and Chamber shared a joint message outlining recommendations that will Keep Bellevue Strong. The BDA and Chamber's November position advocating adoption was based on whether the preliminary budget met the criteria, as defined as:
- Ensure Bellevue remains financially stable
- Maintain current levels of service
- Continue investment in capital projects that add capacity necessary to support future growth
The joint review of the preliminary budget found that it incorporated the priorities and recommendations. This review was supported by discussions with city staff and checked by members from both organizations.
At the November public hearing, the BDA and Chamber commended the City Council and staff for drafting a budget that responds to the revenue shortfall, while funding vital services and capital projects that support recovery and growth. While this budget doesn’t address some funding gaps needed to support future growth, it addresses the City’s most immediate priority - to bolster Bellevue’s resiliency against recession in order to ensure the City is poised for a swift recovery.
Read the BDA/Chamber's November letter supporting adoption for more information regarding the joint position. With the final public hearing completed, City Council is expected to vote on adoption at one of its upcoming meetings.
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