The Bellevue Downtown Association announced Wednesday its Board of Directors endorsed, by majority vote, Sound Transit 3 and two local infrastructure investment measures, all set for the Nov. 8 ballot.

In addition to its endorsement of Proposition 1 for Sound Transit light rail, commuter rail and bus service expansion, the board also voted to support the Bellevue Proposition 1 levy for fire facilities and the Bellevue Proposition 2 levy for neighborhood safety, connectivity and congestion.

“These investments boost our capacity to grow and thrive,” said BDA President Patrick Bannon, reflecting on the board’s decision, in a press release from the BDA. “They represent strong, long-term commitments to mobility, livability and economic prosperity in the region, our city and our vibrant downtown area.”

In weighing the merits of ST3, board members noted specific benefits for the Eastside. The plan establishes Bellevue as an expanded hub for future light rail access and bus rapid transit access with frequent, reliable connections between the region’s growth centers. Bellevue’s downtown will also be served by East Link Light Rail, part of Sound Transit 2, scheduled for service in 2023.

Proposition 2 will support the city’s long-range capital investment plan. Spread across 20 years, the new tax revenue (15 cents per $1,000 assessed value) will accelerate road capacity, safety and maintenance projects, and complete a backlog of neighborhood sidewalk, bicycle, technology and congestion relief improvements citywide.

The board endorsements align with BDA Transportation Committee recommendations to support both ST3 and Bellevue’s transportation levy. From July through September of this year, committee members evaluated the measures and hosted a pro/con debate on ST3.

The city’s levy for fire facilities (12.5 cents per $1,000 assessed value) will prioritize funding for seismic retrofits and needed upgrades to all fire stations to better serve the community. The measure also funds construction of a new fire station that will improve emergency response times for downtown residents, businesses and nearby neighborhoods. Both local levy measures received unanimous support from the Bellevue City Council.

Established in 1974, the BDA is a nonprofit membership organization charged with leading the evolution of Downtown Bellevue as the economic and cultural heart of the Eastside.