What's Happening

We love our vibrant, multicultural, growing city. Check out this blog for highlights of 'what's happening' around Bellevue. If you have suggestions for posts or topics, please email us.

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A Gala Reimagined: Going Virtual to Support Imagine Housing

Many of our favorite galas and gatherings are looking different this year, but there’s one we’re just as excited to attend from home: Imagine Housing’s Virtual Auction. We learned more about this exciting event and the impressive work it makes possible.

Amazon Adds More Jobs and Donates $1 Million Along the Way

One of the fastest-growing employers in the Heart of Bellevue made a big announcement for the city's growth, and a big donation to help it thrive.

Child Care Amid a Pandemic - Insights From the Primrose School | BDA Takeaway

Across the State of Washington, more than 1,000 child care providers have closed because of the pandemic. What's happening locally? The Primrose School of Bellevue walked us through the steps needed to operate safely during COVID-19 and what's happening across the industry.

Our COVID-19 Business Survey: Here's What We Learned

Last month, we asked BDA members to share how COVID-19 has impacted their organization in a survey. We compiled the results into a quick video - watch it now to learn what we found.

Bellevue State of City Set for July 30

Mark your calendars for the 2020 State of the City livestream, featuring Mayor Lynne Robinson and Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis. Hear how the COVID-19 crisis and social unrest have impacted the City of Bellevue and the efforts taken to bolster resiliency, lift the community, and plan for recovery.

Welcome to the Heart of Bellevue

The Heart of Bellevue is designed to connect and promote the local businesses in Downtown Bellevue. We’ll be sharing stories of activity, creativity and recovery.

Bellevue Police Make Arrests Connected to May 31 Looting Events

After sorting through hours of video footage and conducting investigations, Bellevue Police announced they have made arrests in connection with widespread looting and vandalism that occurred in Downtown Bellevue last month.

Get Cooking: Bellevue Restaurants at Home

Many Downtown restaurants are offering the perfect combination: your favorite restaurant dishes prepared and packaged for you to cook at home. Here’s a roundup of our latest favorites.

City of Bellevue Offers Assistance for Reopening Businesses

As local businesses begin to expand operations and reopen, Bellevue’s economic development team has adjusted support for retailers and restaurants. Read more for what's changed and what's now available.

Celebrate Dad & Support the Heart of Bellevue

Need some inspiration on what to get the special men in your life? Downtown Bellevue has plenty to offer. From cocktail kits to single malt whiskey truffles, you'll be sure to find something unique for Father's Day.

Bellevue Police Chief Addresses Community Questions in New Video

In a new video, Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett discussed his department's response to the May 31 organized crime and looting that occured across Downtown Bellevue.

Standing Together Against Racism and Social Inequities

A message from BDA Board Chair Jill Scheuermann and BDA President Patrick Bannon.

King County Approved for a Modified Phase 1 Reopening

New status allows for expanded business and personal activities as the county progresses towards Phase 2.

City of Bellevue Lifts Downtown Curfew

Mayor Lynne Robinson has terminated an emergency order for overnight curfews for downtown Bellevue through Saturday morning. The city will return to daily risk assessments to determine the need to institute further measures for public safety. No curfew is planned for the night of Thursday, June 4.

Downtown Curfew Extended Through Saturday, Businesses Urged to Take Precautions

The City of Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown Association, and Bellevue Chamber are working collaboratively to bring current information to our community and businesses to help preserve public safety and reduce incidents of property damage.

Downtown Curfew Extended for a Third Night

The City of Bellevue announced this evening that Mayor Lynne Robinson has again reissued curfew orders for the Downtown Bellevue area, following a continued risk of public disturbances and property damage. The curfew will be in effect tonight from 5:00pm June 2 to 5:00am June 3.

City Reissues Curfew Orders for the Downtown Area

Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson announced that the Downtown Bellevue area will be under curfew again tonight, spanning 5:00pm June 1 to 5:00am June 2. The curfew was reissued out of precaution for continued public disturbances in the Downtown area.

Today, Recovery Begins Anew

A message from our President, Patrick Bannon, on the May 31 protests and looting.

City of Bellevue Declares Civil Emergency and Implements Curfew

City of Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson declared a civil emergency and established a curfew for the as a result of looting and property damage in the Downtown core. The curfew will be in effect from 5:30pm May 31 to 5:30am June 1.

How Grocery Stores are Responding to COVID-19 | BDA Takeaway

From in-store changes to supply chains, hear how QFC is responding to COVID-19 and what they're seeing with customers in our latest BDA Takeaway.

4 Steps to Reopening Your Business Safely | BDA Takeaway

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.

Bellevue Family 4th and Four on the 4th Events Canceled

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

Downtown Bellevue’s Curbside to be Science Experiment

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.

Insights from Overlake Hospital | BDA Takeaway

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.

Bellevue Small Businesses Embrace the COVID-19 Pivot

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.

(re)Startup 425: One-on-One Business Guidance to Help Navigate COVID-19

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.

How to Keep Kids Inspired & Engaged During the Pandemic

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...

Easter & Weekend Brunch in Bellevue

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.

Bellevue Businesses Keep Generosity & Innovation Alive During COVID-19

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.

CARES Act: A Quick Briefing on New Resources for Impacted Businesses

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:

Stay Home, Stay Healthy - but Stay Sane?

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.

COVID-19 | Downtown Restaurants Open for Takeout & Delivery

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

COVID-19 | Resources & Updates

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

Downtown and resiliency

A message from our President, Patrick Bannon.

COVID-19: The latest coronavirus recommendations for organizations

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.

GUEST POST: 2020 is a census year... Everyone counts, together we thrive.

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.

RECAP: Exploring the Future of the Spring District at February’s BDA Breakfast

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.

Downtown Bellevue: A Growth Snapshot

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:

RECAP: Highlighting Tremendous Growth (and Big News) at the 46th Annual Celebration

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...

Energize Eastside Update: Advancing Forward

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.

Rapid Transit on I-405? Find out What’s Coming at Sound Transit’s Online Open House

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.

Snow, Skating, and a Few More Days… A look at This Season’s Downtown Ice Rink Presented by Symetra

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...

Craft Coffee in the Heart of Bellevue

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.

Your 2019 Guide to Downtown Bellevue's Best New Year’s Eve

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.

Shopping Late? Shop Old Bellevue!

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.

Integrity and Growth with Alaska Airlines’ President Ben Minicucci | Recap – December 2019 BDA Breakfast

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.

Choose Your Way... to Magic Season

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...

Thoughts of a Hectic Kitchen Stressing You Out? Here are Your 2019 Downtown Thanksgiving Saviors:

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.

What Not to Miss… Your Pre-Season Holiday Guide

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...

Lessons Learned with the William D. Ruckelshaus Center | Recap – October BDA Breakfast

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.

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