BDA Urban Forum
Downtown Bellevue Improvement District: Feasibility & Next Steps
Wednesday, April 1 | 12PM- 1:30PM
Join us at the next BDA Urban Forum for a special presentation about the BDA's work with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) to explore the potential formation of an Improvement District in Downtown Bellevue. An Improvement District is a defined geographic area where property owners collectively fund enhanced services and improvements that support a vibrant, well-maintained, and competitive downtown environment.
P.U.M.A. will share insights from its feasibility analysis, including the case for a district, stakeholder feedback, and potential next steps should the community choose to advance formation. Improvement districts are widely used across North America to fund services such as public safety, cleaning and maintenance, beautification, events, and placemaking initiatives that enhance urban experience.
This presentation offers an opportunity to learn about the progress of this initiative, understand how improvement districts function, and engage in the conversation about the future of Downtown Bellevue.
The BDA Urban Forum is free to all BDA members and approved partners. Registration is required to attend.
Presenters
Brad Segal | President & Founding Partner
Brad Segal has more than 30 years of experience in downtown management and community development as both a practitioner and consultant. A self-proclaimed “urban therapist,” Brad is one of the nation’s leading authorities on downtown trends and issues, reinventing downtown management organizations, forming business improvement districts and pioneering efforts to create healthy communities.
Chloe Shipp | Vice President & West Coast Region Lead
Chloe Shipp is an experienced place management professional with expertise in operations management, membership engagement, advocacy, and public relations. Prior to joining P.U.M.A., Chloe held various roles over 10 years with increasing responsibility at the San Jose Downtown Association, where her focus was on managing special assessment districts. She has served on the California Downtown Association board of directors since 2019.
The BDA Urban Forum is a platform for members to explore and engage with issues that influence Downtown Bellevue’s vitality, as both a dense urban neighborhood and a major regional jobs center. The Forum takes a holistic view of the interconnected elements that shape Downtown as a place, including parks and open spaces, mobility, and land use. Topics will range from planning initiatives and code updates to capital projects and community programs.
The purpose of the Urban Forum is to equip members with relevant insights and meaningful opportunities to engage with leaders overseeing key projects and initiatives. Programming is designed to be broadly accessible, regardless of members’ prior knowledge or expertise on a given topic. The ultimate goal is to elevate our collective understanding of what’s happening in Downtown Bellevue.
Please note: The Urban Forum aligns with the BDA’s Strategic Plan Goals and provides a venue for exploring urban issues and sharing perspectives. However, it is not a decision-making body and does not develop formal position statements or recommendations. That function is reserved for Task Forces within the BDA Workgroup System.
When & Where
The Forum is held virtually on the first Wednesday of each month, from 12:00–1:30 p.m., excluding January and August. All BDA members are welcome and must register in advance. Guest attendance requires approval from BDA staff.