Bellevue residents who want a say in how the city funds social services have until 5 p.m. Nov. 9 to apply for a volunteer seat on the Human Services Commission.

The commission advises the City Council on human services planning and funding, according to a city announcement.

That advisory role carries particular weight right now: the council is in the middle of 2027–2028 budget deliberations that include a proposed expansion of the city's Utility Bill Assistance Program.

The proposed budget would extend utility bill discounts of 35% to every household earning at or below 80% of area median income, with up to $900 a year in savings, the Downtown Bellevue Network reported. Low-income seniors and residents with disabilities already in the program would keep their existing 70% discount. The city has proposed setting aside about $5.2 million for the expansion through 2032.

The commission also helps develop the city's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) plan, which directs federal housing and human services dollars locally. Separately, the city's human services division funds services including food access, shelter and homelessness prevention, according to city records. The commission held a public hearing on housing and human services needs Oct. 5.

Commissioners are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council to four-year terms. The commission meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE.

Applicants must live in Bellevue.

The city listed four ways to apply:

  • Online: Complete the application at bellevue.granicus.com
  • In person: Pick up and drop off a paper application at the City Clerk's Office or Service First desk at City Hall, or at the Bellevue Library, Lake Hills Library or Mini City Hall
  • By email: [email protected]
  • By mail: City Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 90012, Bellevue, WA 98009-9012

For questions about the commission's role, residents can contact human services manager Ruth Blaw at [email protected] or 425-452-4185.

The council holds its final public hearing on the 2027–2028 budget Tuesday, Oct. 27, and is scheduled to adopt it Nov. 17.