Championing practical investments in transportation, housing and a competitive business climate so Bellevue stays connected, thriving and ready for the future.
Explore Our Impact
Bellevue is growing quickly, which means people and goods need reliable ways to move. We work with employers, city staff and transit partners to advance near-term projects that reduce congestion and improve daily commutes.
Priority corridors and projects include improvements to SR 520 and I-405, as well as better connections like the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail and Eastrail.
At the city level we support practical transit priorities that improve access to jobs and services. We also track transportation technology such as 5G, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure so Bellevue stays future-ready.
A healthy economy needs enough homes at a range of price points. Through PLUSH, our Permitting, Land Use, Sustainability and Housing Committee, we bring together developers, builders, realtors and professional service providers to advocate for clear rules, predictable timelines and sustainable growth.
PLUSH focuses on proven tools and process improvements. This includes the multifamily tax exemption, incentive zoning programs, contract rezones and targeted work in areas like Wilburton and BelRed. We also champion permit process improvements, inspection reform, notice of intent reduction and utility easement fixes that keep projects moving.
Bellevue thrives when public policy encourages innovation, investment and job creation. Our Policy Council is the hub for local, state and federal advocacy. Members from diverse industries bring real operating experience and relationships with public leaders, focusing on land use, transportation, housing and the broader economy.
During election cycles, the Eastside Business Alliance strengthens the region’s leadership bench. EBA recruits and evaluates candidates, issues endorsements in targeted local races and conducts direct voter outreach to support leaders who are thoughtful, nonpartisan and pro-jobs.
We also connect Bellevue employers with federal partners through our annual D.C. Fly-In. Meetings with members of Congress and key agencies help unlock tools for infrastructure, workforce and housing while keeping the Eastside’s needs visible at the national level.
Through the East King Chambers Coalition, eleven Eastside chambers agree on joint advocacy priorities for the state legislative session. We also track dozens of bills and take clear positions. In our 2025 legislative update, for example, we supported HB 1004 (property‑tax exemption), but opposed SHB 1015 (energy‑labeling requirements) and other measures that would raise costs or slow housing.
Bellevue is planning for tens of thousands of new homes. The City Council approved the 20‑year Comprehensive Plan, calling for 35,000 new housing units and 70,000 jobs by 2044 and committed to transit oriented development and housing affordability. Our PLUSH Committee keeps tabs on what’s coming next; for example, members were briefed on likely state legislation around real‑estate excise taxes, rent control and eviction policy.
Our federal advocacy happens year‑round. Every December a cohort of employers, nonprofit leaders and elected officials fly to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and federal agencies. The 2024 trip included sessions with Representatives Smith, Larsen, DelBene and Schrier, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and the U.S. Chamber, Department of Commerce and White House.
The Policy Council is the Chamber’s central forum for shaping positions on local, state and federal issues. Members focus on land use, transportation, housing and the economy, and maintain strong relationships with public leaders. Voting members serve two year terms, with subcommittees open to advocacy-level members.
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PLUSH brings together developers, builders, realtors and professional services to advocate for sustainable growth and predictable permitting. The committee advances tools like the multifamily tax exemption and process improvements that keep projects moving, while preparing detailed proposals for decision-makers.
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The Transportation Committee studies and recommends regional investments, then works with city and transit partners to expand mobility options. Focus areas include major highway projects, city capital planning, transit service and transportation technology such as 5G and EV infrastructure.
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EMPG is a coalition formed through the Chamber to promote pro-housing policies across East King County. The group crafts jurisdiction-specific solutions with architects, planners and economists, and has helped rewrite Bellevue’s multifamily tax exemption while testing inclusionary models in Kirkland and Redmond.
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This coalition unites eleven Eastside chambers to speak with one voice in Olympia. It produces annual policy papers adopted by member chambers and hosts signature events like Chamber Day, a Legislative Kickoff and a Session Wrap-Up.
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The Eastside Business Alliance is the region’s most effective organization for electing thoughtful, nonpartisan, pro-jobs leaders. Trustees recruit and evaluate candidates, issue endorsements and conduct direct outreach to support endorsed leaders in key local races.
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The Bellevue Mobility Coalition aligns employers and transportation partners around quick-win projects that improve access and reliability citywide. The coalition launched in 2025 and is accelerating near-term mobility solutions for workers and customers
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The Annual D.C. Fly In takes Chamber members and Eastside leaders to Washington, D.C. each December to meet with congressional and agency partners. Together we advance Eastside priorities on infrastructure, workforce and housing, and bring home timely insights that shape our local agenda.
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Advocacy committees are open to Advocate-level members and above. This premium tier powers our policy work and leadership.
What’s included in Advocate membership?
