Established in 1974, the Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) has been the cornerstone of community and economic development in Downtown Bellevue for nearly five decades. Committed to enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the area, the BDA envisions Downtown Bellevue not only as the economic and cultural heart of the Eastside but also as a vibrant, livable, and accessible city core. This vision drives their work, filling it with purpose and direction as they focus on creating an environment where businesses thrive, cultural experiences flourish, and the community feels deeply interconnected.
The BDA operates on a robust set of guiding values, including inclusive leadership, economic vitality, collaboration, and celebration. These values act as the north star, guiding their efforts to promote Downtown Bellevue as the preferred place to live, work, play, visit, and invest. Through their work, the BDA strives to convene diverse interests and promote an open and informed dialogue among Downtown stakeholders, fostering a dynamic, creative, and diverse civic and cultural community. Their approach highlights their commitment to building a future for Downtown Bellevue that is as inclusive as it is vibrant.
The BDA has laid out an ambitious Five-Year Strategic Plan covering 2023 to 2027, aiming to transform Downtown Bellevue into an even more dynamic, accessible, and thriving center. This plan focuses on activating downtown spaces, making them safer and more attractive, thereby driving foot traffic and adding value to the downtown experience. The work includes the notable advancement of the Grand Connection vision, a long-term plan that seeks to enhance connectivity and public space usability across the city. By fostering public-private partnerships and advocating for flexible city codes for space activation, the BDA is set to redefine how residents, visitors, and businesses experience Downtown Bellevue.
Additionally, the BDA’s strategic objectives include celebrating community through enhanced and new events that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion. They plan to champion transportation improvements, making the downtown core more accessible and interconnected through multimodal mobility strategies. Economic growth and advocacy are also key pillars of their strategy, with plans to become the primary source of Downtown economic data, thus supporting informed decision-making and policy advocacy. Notably, the plan includes supporting the storefront and retail economy and strengthening the BDA’s ability to adapt and respond to new initiatives, ensuring that the Association can continue to lead Downtown Bellevue’s growth effectively.
The Bellevue Downtown Association’s strategic plans are crafted with the future in mind, aiming to create a vibrant community where commerce, culture, and connectivity intersect seamlessly. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or visitor, there are countless ways to engage with and contribute to these efforts. From volunteering at events to participating in public forums, your involvement can help shape the future of Downtown Bellevue. To learn more about the BDA’s vision, strategic plan, and how you can get involved, visit their website or reach out directly to their team. Together, we can help realize the potential of Downtown Bellevue, making it an even more vibrant place to live, work, and explore.
