Affordable Housing, Needs of Youth and Cultural Diversity Topics of Neighborhood Forum

Bellevue residents are invited to engage in the second in a series of neighborhoods forums that will take place at City Hall on Thursday, March 29, 7-9 p.m.  Local experts will host an interactive panel discussion focused on three key community issues: housing the people of Bellevue; caring for the needs of youth; and thriving in a culturally diverse community.

This month’s speakers will include Arthur Sullivan, Manager of A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH); Patti Skelton-McGougan, Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES); and Khawja Shamsuddin, long time Muslim community leader and volunteer with the Bellevue Police Department.

The framework for dialogue on sharing responsibility for the common good was set at the opening forum on Feb. 29 with over 75 participants. Bill Grace, Director of Common Good Works, offered an address focusing on his vision for stewardship and communal responsibility. Lively discussion groups of Bellevue residents examined how they can ensure a healthy community for themselves and for future generations.

At the March forum, brief speaker presentations will be followed by participants selecting the topic they are most interested in and delving into it at a deeper level in facilitated discussion groups. Participants will also enjoy dessert and coffee provided by business sponsor, Your Local Market.

At a third forum on Thursday, April 19, 7-9 p.m., at City Hall, participants will be encouraged to move from intention to action. Bill Grace will lead an interactive hands-on workshop where participants can contribute ideas, identify projects, and join with others to move forward on work for the common good.  Neighborhood Outreach staff will be on hand at the workshop and as an ongoing resource to help with projects and to provide resources and referral.

Neighborhood Forums are made possible by the generous support of neighborhood associations including Bridle Trails, Somerset, Horizon Crest, Horizon Heights, Woodridge, Bellecrest, Ellenes Addition, Newport Hills, Surrey Downs, Sunset, Norwood Village and Whispering Heights & Collingwood. 

Forums are free of charge and open to the public.  For more information, contact jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.  or contact Neighborhood Outreach staff at 425-452-6836 or visit our website.

-- Information from the

If you go

The Neighborhood Forum will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at City Hall.