In a budget study session on Monday, March 28, Bellevue City Council faced the reality of transportation and congestion in the city.

A survey of residents revealed that getting around Bellevue is the biggest priority for the city, with four of every five problems cited dealt with transportation.

Despite this, the survey revealed that 95 percent of residents feel that the overall quality of life in the city exceeds or greatly exceeds expectations. A full 91 percent gave similar marks regarding the quality of city services.

At the budget study session, councilmembers homed in on several outcomes data had pinpointed as vital for the good of the city. Bellevue uses a budget method called “Budget One” which focuses on the outcomes the city would like to see rather than focusing on departments.

An example would be on one of the desired outcomes, “safe community.” Obvious budgeting here would be for police and fire, but city park safety precautions, neighborhood watch incentives and improved traffic signage could all be components of making the community safer.

Other outcomes for the 2017-18 budget process include improved mobility and connectivity, economic growth and competitiveness, responsive government and health and sustainable environment.

In a growth forecast present at the session, councilmembers were told that Bellevue’s housing market continues to grow at 4.6 percent and unemployment is at 3.7 percent.

Even with good economic news, if Bellevue does not continue to capitalize on growth, the city’s budget could see a potential operating gap by as soon as 2020.

Council will hold the first of three public meetings on the budget in May, with two more in July and November.

Residents can stay up-to-date on the budget process by visiting the public involvement web page.