Previous Breakfast Topics
Open to the public, the BDA Breakfast Series is a monthly meeting that invites experts to share the latest information on Downtown trends and insights into pressing issues.
February 2020
Future of the Spring District: A discussion with Wright Runstad & Company and major district tenants
Adjacent to Downtown, and soon directly connected by light rail, the 36-acre Spring District continues to reshape the once industrial Bel-Red area into one of Bellevue’s hottest new neighborhoods for businesses and residents. Leading developer and BDA member Wright Runstad & Company shared a “State of The Spring District” to answer these questions.
December 2019
Leadership for a growing region: Insights from Ben Minicucci, President, Alaska Airlines
Like many businesses, Alaska has taken a strategic look at the challenges affecting the Puget Sound economy. Ben Minicucci, President of Alaska Airlines, shared key trends and insights in transportation, connectivity and aviation and what they mean for the future vitality of our Downtown and the region.
October 2019
Solving our region's biggest challenges through collaboration: Insights from the William D. Ruckelshaus Center
Expert problem solvers from the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, powered by Washington State University and University of Washington, shared what it takes to collaboratively tackle complex and often controversial policy challenges.
September 2019
Bellevue City Council Candidates Forum
Kim Malcolm, host of KUOW’s All Things Considered, moderated the Bellevue City Council Candidates Forum at the September BDA Breakfast. Guests learned about each of the eight candidate's priorities and positions on key issues for Bellevue.
June 2019
From Concept to Reality | Vulcan Real Estate’s Bellevue Projects
Senior design team leaders presented the latest look at Vulcan Real Estate’s Downtown Bellevue projects through the lens of the development process. The Bellevue Plaza and 555 108th Ave projects represent a combined 2 million square feet of office and amenity space, with the 555 108th project as one of first towers designed to reach 600 feet under the updated Land Use Code.
May 2019
Microsoft’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
Business and civic leaders attended the May Breakfast to hear from the experts behind Microsoft’s incredible $500M commitment to address the housing crisis. Former Washington Governor and current Challenge Seattle CEO Christine Gregoire shared the facts and led a fireside discussion with Jane Broom from Microsoft Philanthropies and Charlie Davis from Boston Consulting Group. The information and disucssions shared painted a challenegeing future for Bellevue's ability to sustain and build affordable and workforce housing, but experts were optimisitic that the course can be corrected. Listen to the audio to hear evey detail.
April 2019
Bellevue Bold: State of The City
More than 200 people gathered hear Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak give the State of the City address. Key themes including intentionality, boldness and inclusivity emerged from the optimistic account of Bellevue’s present and future. Mayor Chelminiak provided insights into city priorities on housing, the economy, transportation, and the philosophy behind growing great communities. Watch the program to hear word-for-word.
March 2019
Meydenbauer Bay Park: Downtown's Connection to The Waterfront
City project and community leaders shared the story and details around the recently opened Meydenbauer Bay Park. Former Parks Director Patrick Foran opened the program with historical context of this 19-year-long project that completed Phase 1 of the waterfront park. Details about the amenities and efforts to build the park were shared too. After the presentations, the downtown Bellevue experts gathered for a fireside discussion about its economic and cultural impact to the urban environment.
February 2019
Besides traffic, what's happening on I-405?
I-405 is the spine of the Eastside and tens of thousands of users are all too familiar with its pain points. In February, WSDOT and Sound Transit project leaders shared updates on when and how this corridor will keep us moving today and in the future. WSDOT shared information on I-405 Express Toll Lanes performance, plans for the Bellevue to Renton Widening and Express Toll Lanes project and an update on delivery of the I-405 Master Plan. Sound Transit presented on the I-405 BRT project.
December 2018
Responding to Homelessness in Bellevue
The December BDA Breakfast program centered on the issue of homelessness in Bellevue. Diving into the subject were five panelists from leading organizations tackling this challenge on the frontlines. The fact-filled forum explored data, myths vs reality, trends, and solutions. With more than 150 people in attendance, the community came out in full force to learn about this issue and how Bellevue is responding.
October 2018
Destination Bellevue
In October, the BDA heard from Brad Jones, Executive Director at Visit Bellevue. Jones spoke on tourism and creating, "inspiring, memorable visitor experiences" in our city. The audience learned about the three pillar agencies contributing to the economic and civic quality of life in Bellevue, as well as strategies to ensure that Bellevue continues to grow it's reputation as a tourist destination all its own.
September 2018
What Data is Telling Us About Mobility
Thanks to leading mobility analyst, Mark Hallenbeck, we had the opportunity to explore the impact land use decisions has on transportation trends as well as a sneak peak at Downtown's mobility future. Mark shed light on what’s motivating individual travel decisions and where commuting is poised to change in Bellevue and the greater Puget Sound Region. Thank you to those who attended our September breakfast.
June 2018
Downtown Commercial Real Estate Market Watch
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inside look at market trends driving real estate decisions in and around Downtown Bellevue. Our panel of experts explored our current pipeline, the design of things to come, potential zoning changes for East Main and Wilburton, and the expanding Spring District. We navigated submarket trends at work affecting rents, vacancies and tenant demand. Thank you again to everyone who joined us for this sold-out breakfast!
May 2018
Why Kids Are Key for a Strong Downtown
As Downtown Bellevue grows, kids and their families will continue to play a big role in the design and health of our community and economy. What’s at stake and how can we help build an even stronger downtown for all? How are our kid-focused spaces, businesses and programs attracting jobs and visitors and giving us a competitive edge? Our expert panel led the discussion and explored links between business, kids and building amazing places to play, learn and grow up.
April 2018
Bellevue’s Tomorrow: Mayor and Deputy Mayor Share Council’s Vision
At our April BDA Breakfast, we heard from Mayor John Chelminiak and Deputy Mayor Lynne Robinson who shared insights into the strategic plans for Bellevue’s future. They dove into the state of the city and explored the city’s approach to advancing Bellevue as a global destination.
March 2018
Why Bellevue is Next for Vulcan
The March BDA Breakfast featured Scott Matthews, Senior Director, Acquisitions & Residential Development at Vulcan Real Estate. Scott talked about Vulcan's instrumental role in transforming South Lake Union from an industrial area into a thriving office, retail and residential destination for tech workers and innovation. He then gave us insight into Vulcan's future in Bellevue.
February 2018
Learning from the Best: What it Takes to Attract & Retain Talent
The BDA put together a program which would help attendees learn from the best about what it takes to attract and to retain talent. The breakfast included a panel, moderated by James Whitfield, President of Leadership Eastside, featuring BDA member organizations recognized among the 2018 Best Places to Work on glassdoor.com. Panelists hailed from Microsoft, REI, T-Mobile, SAP Concur and Kaiser Permanente.
January 2018
44th Annual Celebration
In January, the BDA celebrates Downtown Bellevue at its Annual Celebration. This replaces a January BDA Breakfast. This year, we heard from speaker Rebecca Ryan and awarded Place Making Awards to Kemper Development Company for the Lincoln Square Expansion at The Bellevue Collection and to the City of Bellevue and Rotary Club of Bellevue for the ‘Complete the Circle’ & Inspiration Playground projects.