Wilburton Vision Implementation

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The Wilburton study area will witness the arrival of several major infrastructure improvements in the coming years. The Eastrail will open to bicyclists and pedestrians, offering a separated bike and pedestrian connection from Woodinville to Renton. In 2024, East Link, the region's second light rail line, will open to its first riders, providing frequent and reliable service from Wilburton to Seattle's Capitol Hill in just 29 minutes.

In order to take better advantage of these investments, the City Council began implementation of the Wilburton Vision on April 25, 2022. This initiative sets in motion the process of developing policy and code to guide the transformation of the Wilburton study area into Bellevue’s next urban mixed-use community that enhances livability, promotes healthy living, supports economic vitality and serves the needs of a diverse and growing population.

The scope of work, project timeline and community engagement plan are included in the council packet materials. The study area was the focus of the Wilburton Commercial Area Study by a citizen advisory committee in 2017-2018.

The project is currently undergoing Environmental Review through an environmental impact statement.

Goals

The city will consider and adopt changes to the Land Use Code and Comprehensive Plan (including the Wilburton/NE Eighth Street Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan Map). These changes will facilitate redevelopment in the Wilburton study area, improve amenities, incentivize transit- and trail-oriented uses and establish a unique identity for the area.

Opportunities to Engage

Details and avenues for participating are available at Engaging Bellevue.

Check here often to learn of opportunities to engage as staff works to incorporate the vision. To receive updates on upcoming events and overall progress of this initiative, sign up for our email notification list. See “Alerts” to subscribe.

Progress to Date

Wilburton Vision Implementation Phase 2 Engagement Report

The City heard from over 350 people who provided input on the vision elements and major policy moves that will shape future changes in the Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area. A summary of engagement activities and community input can be downloaded here.

Wilburton Vision Implementation Phase 1 Engagement Report

The City concluded its re-engagement phase. The City processed feedback from boards and commissions, outreach activities, and an Engaging Bellevue questionnaire and interactive map. A summary of our questionnaire, interactive map, and other Phase 1 engagement activities can be downloaded here.

Citizen Advisory Committee Vision Report

The Wilburton Commercial Area visioning process was guided by a Council-appointed citizen advisory committee (CAC). The committee was charged with studying the land use, transportation and urban design elements for the study area. On July 2, 2018, the CAC transmitted their final report, the Wilburton Commercial Area Study, with corrections to the City Council. It included a series of recommendations for council consideration.

Project Status and Timeline

The Wilburton project is currently in the Planning stage.

Project Phase	Approximate Date
Scoping	Completed in 2017
Visioning	Completed in 2018
Planning	Now - 2023
Land Use Code	Summer 2023 - Summer 2024
Monitoring & Control	Ongoing after Adoption

Project & Background Documents

Past Presentations

Date

Meeting, Event, or Action Taken

Links

7/26/23

Planning Commission Study Session