Annexation Effort Concludes
The City of Bellevue’s Cougar Mountain annexation petition did not reach the required 60 percent assessed‑value threshold needed to move forward. With petition signatures now expired and limited property‑owner interest, the effort is winding down and staff are shifting resources to other city initiatives. The City Manager briefed the City Council on June 9, 2026; see the meeting materials for additional details.
Background:
On Feb. 19, 2025, two property owners in the area filed a notice of intent to petition for annexation of the Cougar Mountain Potential Annexation Area (PAA). On April 1, the City Council accepted the notice, allowing the annexation to advance to the petition stage.
These parcels have been identified by King County as “potential annexation areas,” which the city has agreed to annex at some point. The areas are:
- SE 60th Street potential annexation area
- SE Cougar Mountain Drive East potential annexation area
- SE Cougar Mountain Drive West potential annexation area
- Cougar Mountain West potential annexation area
Combined, these areas comprise 52 acres, which covers 27 parcels and is collectively known as the Cougar Mountain potential annexation area (map).
Process and Timeline
- Jun. 9, 2026: City Manager brief to City Council (meeting materials) announcing conclusion of effort.
- Dec. 1, 2025: Virtual community meeting for affected property owners and other interested parties (meeting presentation).
- Apr. 1, 2025: City Council accepts notice of intent from property owners.
- Feb. 19, 2025: Two property owners in the annexation area file notice of intent to petition for annexation.