Published May 13 2024
Bellevue Essentials will open your eyes to the who, what and why of city government and the avenues to get involved. People who live or work in Bellevue are invited to apply for the fall session of the civic engagement class held on Wednesday evenings, Sept. 11 to Nov. 20.
Potential applicants can meet alumni and learn more about the program at any of three information sessions:
- Tuesday, June 11, noon via Zoom
- Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
- Tuesday, June 18, 5:30 p.m. at South Bellevue Community Center
To reserve a space, email Julie Ellenhorn, Community Relations Coordinator, at jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov. Prospective applicants can also view a video introduction to the Bellevue Essentials experience.
Participants in Bellevue Essentials will experience the daily structure and operations of city government through immersive and interactive learning. They will see the work, challenges and collaboration between staff and community that make Bellevue a great place to live, work and play. Class members finish the course knowing how to impact decision making in the city, with an expanded personal network and greater awareness of volunteer opportunities.
Classes are 5:30-8:30 p.m., on Wednesdays, in addition to two Saturday sessions, during which participants explore neighborhoods and parks. Participants meet City Council members and staff leadership, as well as city staff who do the daily work of running Bellevue. Participants must attend 10 of the 12 sessions to graduate.
Over 370 people have graduated from Bellevue Essentials since 2013, and many are making an impact on Bellevue now through service on city boards and commissions, committees and neighborhood associations.
Tuition is $200 and fee waivers are available to those with financial need.
A cohort of 35 participants will be selected who are demographically representative of Bellevue’s diverse community and are committed to the future of Bellevue and to serving their community.
Applications are due by Sunday, July 21, at 5 p.m. A brochure and an easy application for the 2024 class are available at Bellevue Essentials.
For alternate formats, interpreters or reasonable accommodations, please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-7855 or email neighborhoodoutreach@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact Bellevue’s ADA/Title VI administrator at 425-452-6168. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.