Published February 14 2025
Plus, emergency services levy, Councilmember Zahn’s plans and Day of Remembrance proclamation
The City Council received an update Tuesday from King County Metro about the RapidRide K Line, a bus service planned to run between Bellevue and Kirkland starting in 2030.
In November, Metro presented to the council the recommended K Line route through downtown Bellevue along 110th Avenue Northeast. Once in service, the K Line will cover 16 miles and connect the Eastgate Park and Ride, Bellevue College and the Totem Lake Transit Center, among other locations.
On Tuesday, Metro presented a list of proposed transit infrastructure projects to improve the speed and reliability of the K Line as well as enhance access to K Line stops. Over the past month, the agency has been sharing the proposed improvements with the community as part of their project engagement process, which included open houses, surveys and meetings with local community groups.
In addition to their support for the K Line, the council also backed the possibility of allowing employer shuttles to use the BAT lanes. Currently, state law doesn’t allow shuttles in these lanes, but a change in the law could allow this use. Metro will evaluate the impacts of any new legislation proposed on this topic.
Metro plans to return to the council in March to share the results of these outreach efforts and ask for a letter of support for the “locally preferred alternative,” a key document needed for federal funding of the K Line. With the council’s support, Metro can move forward with planning and design and apply for grants needed to start the K Line by 2030.
A full list of proposed speed and reliability projects can be found in the meeting materials and more information is available on Metro’s K Line project page.
Council supports adding the Medic One/EMS levy to the 2025 ballot
In other business, the council voted to support King County submitting a countywide ballot proposition for a six-year Medic One/EMS levy for vote by general election in November.
The King County Medic One/EMS system – primarily funded through a voter-approved EMS levy that expires Dec. 31 – provides lifesaving services to the residents of, and visitors to, Bellevue and King County at large. The main services funded by the current levy would continue through the proposed 2026-2031 levy, including paramedic services, firefighter/EMT responses and mobile, integrated healthcare.
A resolution will return for council action on the consent calendar. More details are available in the meeting materials and the council’s full discussion is available on video replay through Bellevue Television.
Councilmember Zahn announces final council meeting
Councilmember Janice Zahn announced her last meeting as a member of the Bellevue City Council will be March 25. Her last day in office is March 28. The council can begin the process to fill this seat, and may appoint a new councilmember after Councilmember Zahn leaves office.
Councilmember Zahn was recently appointed to fill Rep. Tana Senn’s seat representing the 41st district in the Washington legislature.
Day of Remembrance proclamation
The council also read a proclamation at the meeting to acknowledge Feb. 19 as the Day of Action and Remembrance for Japanese American Incarceration During World War II. They welcomed community members to attend the meeting and accept the proclamation.
The city will also host on the Day of Remembrance, in partnership with the King County Library System, an unveiling of Emerging Radiance, a new public art installation and audiovisual experience created by artists Michelle Kumata and Tani Ikeda. The opening start at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Bellevue Library.
NOTE: The council’s next meeting will be on Feb. 25. The meeting on Feb. 18 has been canceled.