From Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis

I wanted to send you a quick update on a few items to ensure that you are up to speed on the latest developments. If you have already heard or received this information, I apologize for the duplication.

  • At my urging, there will be an update/report on the homeless encampment in your neighborhood presented to the City Council under the Report of the City Manager on Monday evening.

  • If the update/report is not sufficient or if you still have questions, please let me know and I will push to have the Zoom Town Hall ASAP.

  • Northup Way and 520 Encampment (Bridle Trails Neighborhood): This encampment, with one individual, is located on Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) property. WSDOT has now provided the individual with a 72-hour notice of removal as of 4/6/2021. Per their protocol, after 72-hours, WSDOT will cleanup any debris and trash left on their property. This individual has been experiencing homelessness for several years in Bellevue due to her unique, significant barriers and challenges to housing. Bellevue Police, Fire CARES, community-based outreach workers, and Stephanie Martinez continue to engage with her to build trust and assist her in accessing the most appropriate supportive services, care, and housing solutions. At this time, she continues to move from location to location in Bellevue and if history is any indicator, may be gone by the weekend.

  • Stephanie Martinez is collaborating with Communications staff to roll-out an informational campaign regarding the City’s homelessness efforts. This will provide the city an opportunity to build awareness regarding the City’s homelessness response, highlight our One City cross-departmental approach to addressing homelessness issues, homelessness resources, and highlight where residents can request homelessness assistance from the City.

  • We are also moving to use the MyBellevue app as a faster tool for community members to request homelessness assistance and support. MyBellevue will allow the city to streamline responses, provide consistent messaging, and track baseline data related to homelessness inquiries.

While we continue to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them to services, Bellevue Police, City staff, and Stephanie Martinez will continue to monitor, assess, and adapt approaches as necessary to address public health and safety issues across the city.

Jared Nieuwenhuis

Deputy Mayor, Bellevue City Council

O: 425.452.7810 | M: 206.399.3406

jnieuwenhuis@bellevuewa.gov | www.bellevuewa.gov

Bellevue City Hall

PO Box 90012 | 450 110th Ave. NE

Bellevue, WA  98009-9012