Bellevue's long-range plan to transform the Bel-Red area into a vibrant corridor that links transportation, jobs, housing and recreation has drawn another award. Two weeks after winning a regional planning award, the city today received a Smart Communities Award from the state.

"As Washington recovers from this downturn in the economy, the work of local governments and their partners in creating vibrant, quality communities is vital," Gov. Chris Gregoire said in an announcement. "The leadership of these award winners helps to make Washington a great state in which to live and do business."

Bellevue won in the Smart Vision category for comprehensive planning. On May 20, the city received a Vision 2040 award for the Bel-Red plan from the Puget Sound Regional Council.

The Bel-Red plan, which included changes to zoning and development regulations, calls for the transformation of a 900-acre light industrial and retail area into mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhoods. Plans also include the creation of thousands of new jobs and housing units, along with stream restorations and new parks.

Located between downtown Bellevue and Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, the Bel-Red area is envisioned as a model for sustainable planning, utilizing large-scale, transit-oriented development that will be served by the future East Link light rail line. While work on the project continues, fulfilling the Bel-Red vision is expected to happen gradually as new development takes place over several decades.

Learn more about the 2010 Smart Communities Awards

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