A gap between funding and capital investments in Bellevue’s budget leaves some unanswered questions about how to best meet community needs.

So city officials are asking the citizens of Bellevue to give their input.

Last week, Bellevue city council discussed the possibility of a Transportation infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan to help with key, large transportation projects to help growth in the Bel-Red, Wilburton and Downtown neighborhoods.

Council directed staff to submit a letter of interest to the United States Department of Transportation in pursuit of the loan.

An additional discussion about transportation traffic projects relating to connectivity and neighborhood safety could be a voted-upon measure this fall.

Another gap exists in the Bellevue Fire Department’s Fire Facilities Plan, with more than $100 million worth of projects — organized by need — identified to help make Bellevue safer.

These projects include updating aging fire stations and building a new facility to serve Bellevue’s booming Downtown.

Bellevue averages 366 fires and $3.8 million in fire loss each year. Emergency Medical Services is about 70 percent of call volume the department receives. Both EMS and fire response times were over the six minute standard set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Citizens will have the chance to offer comment and learn more about the city’s needs at three open houses later this month before council considers two potential measures for November’s ballot.

Residents are encouraged to comment from 5 to 7 p.m. on:

* June 28 at Bellevue Youth Theatre

* June 29 at South Bellevue Community Center, community rooms A and B

* June 30 at City Hall, room 1E-108