What's Happening

What are the necessary steps to reopen in Bellevue? Hermanson, a regional leader in mechanical systems, shared the four steps businesses should take to ensure the built environment is safe for customers and employees. Watch our latest BDA Takeaway video to learn more.

Both events will not take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order extension.

The City of Bellevue has taken a leadership role on resolving curbside challenges. In 2019, Bellevue was selected along Boston and Minneapolis to participate in the 2020 Smart Cities Collaborative to launch a pilot project to study curbside demand and find solutions to reduce stress. Read more to understand the steps the City is taking.

Watch the first edition of the BDA Takeaway to learn how Overlake Medical Center has handled capacity issues, navigated safety guidelines, and finds motivation while serving as the community’s frontline COVID-19 defense.

For small business owners, the pandemic has tested their creative and inventive strategies to adapt. While many have been forced to close their doors, there are several who are pivoting.

Designed for small businesses and organizations, (re)Startup 425 offers valuable resources - including one-on-one guidance from local experts on accessing loans, how to apply for grants and tips for retaining employees.

Several local and global organizations have stepped up to provide free resources for families during this time of uncertainty. And how do you answer the uninspired words of “I’m bored” at home? Here are some ideas...

Looking for a special Easter dinner or weekend brunch? Several businesses in Downtown Bellevue have put together curbside and delivery options for Easter baskets, meals and treats. Here are some of our favorites.

We admire the creative leadership and partnership of many local and global businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the remarkable ways Bellevue businesses are reaching out during this crisis.

The recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act brings several new programs to the table to assist businesses impacted by the economic fallout.  Here are a few quick takeaways on these programs:

Strict guidelines on social distancing can take its toll both mentally and physically. So how do we manage? Here’s our recommendations on how to stay sane and support those who need it most during this strange, difficult time. 

We've rounded up business changes and opportunities to continue to support our local purveyors during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Follow this resource page for the latest information from King County Public Health, the City of Bellevue and other agencies for businesses and employees.

A message from our President, Patrick Bannon.

As COVID-19 concerns continue to evolve, businesses and organizations should stay up-to-date on the latest health and wellness recommendations to help ease employee and customer concerns while preventing the spread of the virus.

Beginning in mid-March, look in the mail for your official invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. It will take just 10 minutes to answer 10 questions that will shape investments in our community for the next 10 years. Your response helps guide planning for the future of our communities.

With the title of being the largest transit-oriented district in the Western US - and the visibility of transforming a chunk of industrial area into a dynamic place to live and work – the Spring District is a big deal for Bellevue. That’s precisely why February’s BDA Breakfast offered attendees a deep dive into the Spring District’s future and what it means for our city.

Safe to say, it’s been a transformative time for growth in Downtown Bellevue. The job market is still booming, residents continue to move in, and more world-class retail, restaurants and amenities are headed our way. Here’s a breakdown of the big changes and a preview of what’s to come:

With a record 650 community and business leaders in attendance, last night’s 46th Annual Celebration was the biggest yet.  The full house was no surprise, however, given the tremendous Downtown accomplishments being recognized – and some very big news perfectly timed for the evening’s keynote. Here’s what was celebrated and learned at this year’s Annual Celebration...

City Council adopted an ordinance last December memorializing the denied appeals to the Hearing Examiner’s decision approving Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) Conditional Use Permit Application for Energize Eastside’s Bellevue South Segment project. Read more to unpack what ordinance means for securing reliable power for the Eastside.

Congestion, traffic and long commute times are a headache here in the region – no doubt about that.... those commuting the I-405 corridor are about to get a welcome addition: Bus Rapid Transit.

With frosty weather taking over this past week, it felt like the perfect time to reflect on another great season of the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra… but don’t fret, the fun isn’t over quite yet! The Ice Rink is open for a few more days, closing January 20th...

Downtown Bellevue is home to some of the region’s best cafes, serving up craft coffee, exquisite teas and delectable small bites. So check out the list and scope out one (or all) – you’re bound to find a new morning pick-me-up.

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and whether you’re looking for a relaxing night of celebration or plan to be out way past the magical midnight mark, Downtown has you covered.

Whether you’re waiting to finish your holiday shopping or just can’t find that perfect something for that special someone, make sure you include Downtown Bellevue’s Old Bellevue as one of your shopping destinations.

For our last BDA Breakfast of the year, we were joined by Alaska Airlines’ president Ben Minicucci, where he shared the company’s values for successful and sustainable growth and what we can all do when facing the challenges of change.

The holiday season is here, and with it, the start of Magic Season in Bellevue! Skip the parking and traffic this year: we’ve rounded up the easiest ways to do just that for each event...

From four-course specials to unbeatable buffet spreads, we’ve rounded up restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving and ready to help you celebrate, all with their own flare.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate with the kids or plan a festive date night, Downtown has you covered!  Read on for an express preview of what not to miss and when to mark your calendars...

With “solving our region's biggest challenges” in the title, October’s BDA Breakfast carried quite a bit of heft. But that’s also what made the morning so compelling: we heard from an all-star panel of Washington leaders on how we can begin to do just that – all through collaboration and proactive policy.

The 2019 Study Tour trip to Dallas was a marathon of activities and lessons learned. For three days in early October, a group of 60 stakeholders explored Dallas’s urban environment and met with local leaders. Thematic takeaways included Dallas’s development success through public-privates partnerships and how investing in programmable space can yield tremendous economic activity. Read more to learn about the trip and view pictures. 

The BDA has partnered with the William D. Ruckelshaus Center to assemble some of Washington's brightest policy experts to speak on the power of collaborative problem solving. At the October 22 BDA Breakfast, guests will learn about Collaborative Governance and hear insights in Downtown Bellevue's unprecedented period of growth. Read more to see the list of speakers and get more details about the event.

Thank you to all who attended last Tuesday's Bellevue City Council Candidates Forum at the September BDA Breakfast. Attendees heard from eight candidates running for four seats on the Bellevue City Council. Kim Malcolm, host of KUOW’s All Things Considered, moderated the hour-long forum, giving each candidate equal time for opening and closing remarks, as well as the opportunity to address five different questions.

The NE corner of Downtown Bellevue’s largest public park is getting a facelift! The City of Bellevue has submitted permits for construction of new park improvements to create a pedestrian gateway at the NE corner of the Bellevue Downtown Park at NE 4th and Bellevue Way. This will make Bellevue Downtown Park more accessible to retail customers, visitors and Downtown employees, creating even more connectivity through our dynamic Downtown.

There’s more than just pumpkin spice to look forward to... Here’s our favorite tricks and treats to enjoying fall in Downtown Bellevue.

Bellwether has landed once again in Downtown Bellevue, transforming the places we often look past into thought-provoking artwork and installations. 

The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) officially opposes the Washington Initiative 976 ballot measure. The BDA joins a growing coalition of employers, business and trade organizations opposing the initiative, noting transportation projects are badly needed to relieve congestion, improve transit reliability, and support access for Bellevue employees, residents and visitors.

Downtown's Blazing Bagels is moving to a new location at the end of this month. It may be a detour for commuters traveling into the transit center, but its worth the walk. Learn more about the new location and when the shift will occur.

To date, over $360,000 has been raised among all eight candidates running this cycle. With a little more than two months before the November 5 election, the BDA is positioning its members and the Downtown community to learn everything about the races. Read more to learn about the September 24 Candidates Forum and new online tool that compares candidates side-by-side.

City of Bellevue, CFH, business leaders take major step toward a year-round shelter. Temporary "bridge" shelter to open soon in Downtown Bellevue.

Time is flying by here in Bellevue, and summer will be over before you know it. So, let’s catch you up on everything Old Bellevue.

Just in time for Bellevue’s big Arts Fair Weekend, the heart of Downtown Bellevue is bursting with more color thanks to the more than 700 yellow lanterns in trees and new outdoor bistro seating in popular locations.

Hundreds of artists participate in Bellevue's signature Arts Fair Weekend, July 26-28.

Let’s be a community that takes ownership. A community that contributes to a better and brighter Bellevue.

Downtown Bellevue is about to see a few major road closures due to construction of the East Link light rail project. Here is a quick snapshot of the what, where, and when.

Mid-week blues got you down? Then it is time to mix it up and we know exactly where to start. Did you know that multiple places in Downtown Bellevue feature weekly live music performances? No? Well that’s okay because we have compiled a list of the best places to find live music Downtown.

The volume gets turned up during Downtown Bellevue's lunch hour. Take a break outside during Live at Lunch, a 10-week series of live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm.

We are so excited to welcome 11 new members to BDA! Interested in learning more about what it means to have your business featured through the BDA? Then please contact us. We would love to chat with you!!