past talks
September 2025: "BELLEVUE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM + CAMPAIGN FAIR"
Moderated by Kim Malcolm, local news host of KUOW's All Things Considered, the candidates running for Bellevue City Council took the state to offer insights into their priorities for Downtown and their vision for Bellevue’s future.
May 2025: "WHAT WORKERS WANT: HOW EMPLOYERS ARE RESPONDING TO EVOLVING EXPECTATIONS OF THE URBAN WORKPLACE"
Industry leaders from key sectors across Downtown Bellevue came together for a dynamic panel conversation exploring how businesses are responding to emerging workforce trends, including the growing demand for flexibility, the importance of workplace culture, and the role of vibrant, accessible urban spaces in supporting employee well-being.
April 2025: "BDA STATE OF THE CITY: BETTER TOGETHER"
Lynne Robinson, Bellevue Mayor, and Mo Malakoutian, Deputy Mayor, reflected on recent partnerships and accomplishments that helped pave the way to ensure Bellevue maintained its reputation as the place to live, do business, visit, and learn.
March 2025: "ARCHITECTS ON DOWNTOWN: SHAPING THE PLACE AND SKYLINE"
A panel of architects who have shaped Downtown Bellevue through projects like SOMA Towers, Bellevue 600, and Onni 606, shared insights into the thought process behind design elements, the balance of form and function, and the interplay between what was required and what was desired.
December 2024: "BELLEVUE'S OFFICE MARKET IN 2025: HANGING ON OR SURGING AHEAD?"
With over 3 million square feet of new space, shifting occupancy trends, and changing return-to-office dynamics, speakers explored how the city is adapting to remain a top destination for businesses and talent. The conversation highlighted Bellevue’s strategic planning and resilience in navigating a transforming commercial landscape.
November 2024: "BELLEVUE’S HOUSING FUTURE: WILL SUPPLY MEET DEMAND?"
Experts discuseds the forces shaping Downtown Bellevue’s multifamily housing market, including how generational preferences, net migration patterns, and shifting market dynamics are influencing where and how people choose to live.
June 2024: "BDA'S ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY: SET FOR SUCCESS"
Special guests, Mayor Lynne Robinson and Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian shared how a strong and connected community, high-quality services, and effective governance and planning have shaped a city that is Set for Success.
May 2024: "THE POWER OF PUBLIC SPACES: TRANSFORMING BELLEVUE’S URBAN LANDSCAPE"
A panel of experts explore the transformative role of parks, plazas, and pathways in urban Bellevue. They discuss latest design trends and strategic decisions can shape vibrant public spaces, and why connecting them is crucial to the economic and cultural vitality of our community.
April 2024: "THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN RETAIL"
A panel of local experts share the latest insights, predict future trends, and discuss strategies to shape the evolution of retail in Downtown Bellevue.
March 2024: "WHY CHILDCARE MATTERS FOR DOWNTOWN'S WORKFORCE"
A group of community leaders discuss the complicated state of childcare necessary for supporting working parents. They explore why costs are increasing, services are becoming scarce, impacts to equity and inclusion, and what it’ll take to address the issues.