Bellevue residents could soon pay a tenth of a percent more in sales tax and $20 more per year to register their cars, as the city moves to close a roughly $869 million gap in its 20-year transportation plan.
The Bellevue City Council is expected to vote in fall 2026 on creating a Transportation Benefit District that would raise the local sales tax rate from 10.3% to 10.4% and add a $20 vehicle registration fee, according to the Wilburton Community Association's August 2026 newsletter.
Together, the two measures would generate an estimated $274 million for road, sidewalk, bike lane and transit-connection projects between 2027 and 2045.
The city confirmed the two revenue tools at its July 21 City Council meeting, where transportation staff presented the funding shortfall and the benefit-district concept. A city council roundup published July 24 said the extra funding would help Bellevue build projects connecting the local network to regional transit systems and address mobility and safety concerns tied to future growth.
The numbers
Bellevue's 20-year Capital Investment Program prices the city's transportation needs at about $1.5 billion, covering all modes: walking, biking, driving and transit. The WCA newsletter, citing city staff presentations, puts the figure at $1.55 billion, with existing revenue sources projected to deliver $686 million through 2046. That leaves roughly 56% of identified projects unfunded.
Even with the proposed tax and fee, total available funding would reach approximately $960 million, covering 62% of the need. The remaining gap would still lack a funding source.
What's driving the shortfall
The city projects 35,000 new housing units (a 52% increase) and 70,000 new jobs (a 44% increase) by 2044. That growth is straining a road and transit network already under pressure, particularly in fast-developing areas near the Spring District and Wilburton.
Projects funded through the benefit district would include connections to Sound Transit's 2 Line light rail, intersection upgrades and new sidewalks and bike lanes.
What happens next
A city transportation survey closed Thursday, Aug. 20. Results will shape a preliminary transportation budget and capital project list for 2027–32, which staff will present to the City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The fall 2026 timeline for a council decision on the new taxes is the WCA newsletter's characterization; no specific vote date has been confirmed in city-published documents. Residents can weigh in at council meetings or contact their council members directly.
WCA president David Cagle's organization is hosting its next community meeting Saturday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Kelsey Creek Farm Park Picnic Shelter, where transportation planning is expected to be discussed.
