UW Livable City Partnership Yields Out-of-the-box Thinking for the City of Bellevue

University of Washington has taken things to a whole new level. Throughout the 2018–2019 academic year, University of Washington Livable City initiative partnered up with the city of Bellevue. This program works to utilize the skills of faculty and students across various fields on high-priority projects; projects that will provide the city with fresh and innovative ideas to improve livability for residents and engage city staff. Over the past couple of months, 285 UW students have proven themselves resourceful by providing the city with planning and policy ideas for 30 new projects earlier this month. 

On June 3, these students had the opportunity to present their findings to City Council members and residents alike. Even Mayor John Chelminiak commented that “The knowledge, research and energy the University of Washington participants brought to bear on our civic challenges is invaluable. Their recommendations reflect solid research and out-of-the-box thinking.”

Here’s a summary of what they presented:
•    Small business incubator
•    Food truck permitting
•    Neighborhood planning
•    Policies and code changes to facilitate place making next to trails – Trail oriented development
•    An urban design image gallery permit that allows applicants to consult examples that meets city code requirements and stresses livability for pedestrians
•    Ideas for redesigning the Wetland Sun Terraced Garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden
•    A model that will increase efficiency and decrease costs of winter weather plow routes 

A big shout-out to the University of Washington for improving and enhancing the quality of life for Bellevue residents. Go Dawgs!