Education, Environment & Economic Development

Families choose to live in Bellevue for three main reasons: education, the environment, and the economy.

Education

We have an education system among the best in the state. Our high schools are national models for excellence.

The City of Bellevue supports education in many ways. The wrap-around services program at three Bellevue schools supports young people in one of our more diverse neighborhoods. Our school resource officers build important links between young people and the police throughout the school system..

Bellevue also provides direct education through numerous programs. One of the best is the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. Thousands of young children get hands-on environmental education in a 3,000-acre classroom. The new center, now under construction, will expand the education program. And we’re leading by example with a LEED’s certified building.

Environment

Bellevue has a strong environmental ethic. I call it “practical environmentalism.” We used that philosophy on the city council in crafting the new critical areas ordinance. It combines regulations with rewards. Rather than a don’t do anything wrong approach, it rewards development for doing what’s right.

The environment includes the structures we build. Bellevue maintains what we build and we build to high standards. We expect the same from the private sector.

Our Parks system plays an important role in keeping the city green and maintaining tree canopy. I’m liaison to the Parks Board and we’ve made important open space acquisitions the past four years. We’ve opened new parks, the South Bellevue Community Center, acquired land for a waterfront park, and are planning for the future. And we continue to be recognized by the Audubon Society as a Tree City USA.

We also provide a “safe environment.” Bellevue is one of the safest large cities in the country. I know public safety is the most important job of local government. This year, we are adding a new paramedic unit to make certain our success rate remains high.

Economic Development

“Quality of life begins with a job.” I believe in that philosophy and I’ve made economic development a priority. For the first time the city has established an economic development office, attracting new business and assisting our small businesses. I’ve been very active with our regional economic strategy and served two years as President of the Puget Sound Economic Development District.

Education, Environment, and Economic Development all lead to Excellence!

John served on the statewide task force that insured the Boeing 787 would be assembled at the Boeing Everett plant.

John received King County's Green Globe Award on Earth Day, 2011 for his work on the city's transfer of development rights ordinance. The measure will save working forests and farms in return for development in the Bel Red area.

John cuts the ribbon for the new wet lab at the Mercer Slough environmental Education Center.