I am looking forward with hope and optimism to 2010 and beyond. The economic slowdown and financial mess have given us the needed pause to set a more sustainable course.

Bellevue has a City Council that is fiscally prudent and understands the importance of a healthy economy and financial well-being. We will continue to be good stewards of the city’s assets and cultivate private entrepreneurship and create a world-class business environment for Bellevue to become even better and stronger.

The next big step is tackling the budget. Sixteen years ago, with Dr. Don Davidson as the Mayor and support of the council, Bellevue became the first city in the state to not automatically increase its property taxes every year. This structural change reflecting the fiscally responsible policy and discipline has made Bellevue one of the most financially sound cities in the country and the place where people want to come to live, work and raise families.

Now we are at yet another crossroad. There are crucial local and regional financial decisions facing us. Bellevue has changed. It has grown older and more multi-cultural. Older adults (over 65) are now 14.4 percent (ninth highest in Washington) of Bellevue’s population. But young workforce adults (20 to 44) comprise the largest proportion of Bellevue’s population (fifth highest in Washington).

Bellevue is in the top third of Washington cities for highest racial/ethnic diversity. Asian are now 23.2 percent, Hispanic or Latino 5.2 percent, two or more races 3.6 percent, Black or African 1.9 percent and White 65.1 percent.

Bellevue has the largest population of foreign-born residents of Washington’s large cities – 30.9 percent. Of these, 60.6 percent are from Asia, 18.4 percent from Europe and 10.5 percent from Latin America. A total of 40 percent of foreign-born entered the U.S. in 2000 or later. Over 13 percent of its residents speak English less than “very well.” These are challenges we have not faced before.

What structural changes must be made so that the public will continue to have confidence in its leaders to support the needed investments while most families are concerned about jobs? How do we instill trust with the public in the decisions we make on their behalf?

These are tough challenges.

We also have great opportunities. I am looking forward to 2010 and beyond.

Conrad Lee is Deputy Mayor of the city of Bellevue.