About Engagement Through the BDA
Great places don’t happen by accident—they are shaped by intentional, collaborative efforts that respond to change while preserving a community’s long-term vitality. Downtown Bellevue is no exception. As the city continues to evolve, it requires thoughtful stewardship and a strong civic infrastructure to guide decisions and actions. The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA), as the central convener for Downtown, plays a critical role in this ecosystem—bringing together diverse perspectives, elevating key issues, and fostering meaningful connections among stakeholders.
The BDA provides a variety of platforms for members to explore issues shaping Downtown Bellevue, build relationships, and connect with subject matter experts. These opportunities range from recurring meetings that offer consistency to ad hoc gatherings that provide flexibility.
The purpose of these programs are to create welcoming spaces for open information-sharing, productive dialogue, and collaboration. These experiences are designed to empower members to take an active role in advancing the BDA’s mission—an ongoing effort to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of Downtown Bellevue.
BDA Engage Framework
The BDA Engage Framework provides a variety of platforms for members to explore issues shaping Downtown Bellevue, build relationships, and connect with subject matter experts. This umbrella framework centralizes existing programs with addition of two new elements.
Urban Forum
A recurring member-wide gathering to explore high-level issues shaping Downtown Bellevue—land use, mobility, open space, and more.
Workgroup System
Smaller, topic-driven groups designed for deeper engagement on emerging issues, geographic areas, or stakeholder needs.
- Task Force
- Focus Group
- Advocacy Group
- Affinity Group
Downtown Talks*
A signature breakfast series that combines networking with a curated program of conversations featuring subject matter experts on key issues facing Downtown Bellevue.
Study Tour*
An annual trip to another urban destination that offers members a chance to gather insights, exchange ideas, and build relationships through shared experiences.
*Downtown Talks and the Study Tour are existing programs now rolling into the BDA Engage Framework.
Ways to Engage
BDA Urban Forum
A recurring online series where members learn about and discuss the latest projects, plans, and initiatives shaping Downtown Bellevue’s vitality as a place.
BDA Workgroup System
A flexible set of four meeting types, each thoughtfully designed to match the right format, level of focus, and resources needed to drive meaningful outcomes.
BDA Study Tour
An annual trip to another urban destination that offers members a chance to gather insights, exchange ideas, and build relationships through shared experiences.
BDA Downtown Talks
A signature breakfast series that combines networking with a curated program of conversations featuring subject matter experts on key issues facing Downtown Bellevue.