Jared Nieuwenhuis: Reliable Leadership. Real Results.

As Bellevue’s Deputy Mayor and Councilmember, I’ve led with a clear vision: a city that’s safe, inclusive, economically vibrant, environmentally resilient, and affordable for all. Bellevue is growing – and I’m committed to ensuring we grow together, with purpose, compassion, and pride.

Public Safety & Community Well-being

Public safety is the foundation of a thriving city—and I’ve delivered real results to protect Bellevue residents while investing in care, preparedness, and accountability.

Established Bellevue’s Police Transit Unit to ensure safe light rail access, with dedicated officers trained to protect riders, stations, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Expanded crisis response services through the CCAT unit, connecting individuals in crisis with care and reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement.
Led the effort to restore medical benefits for injured first responders, after a policy failure left Bellevue Police Officer Kevin Bereta without coverage following a life-threatening incident.
Supported emergency preparedness by expanding Bellevue’s Wildland Fire Program with new resources and specialized training.
Sponsored Bellevue’s adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, setting a regional standard for combating hate and promoting inclusion.

Economic Growth & Opportunity

Bellevue is one of the most dynamic economic centers in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve worked to ensure that growth benefits everyone—from global tech firms to local entrepreneurs.

Updated Bellevue’s Economic Development Plan, reinforcing our role as Washington’s second-largest employment hub.
Led efforts to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory barriers for small businesses, helping immigrant-owned and startup ventures thrive in Bellevue’s dynamic economy.
Championed investments in Bellevue’s Creative Economy, supporting arts organizations, cultural festivals, and public art as drivers of tourism, placemaking, and local pride.
Advocated for the launch of the Bellevue Business Resource Center, a hub for entrepreneurs offering multilingual support, technical assistance, and connections to capital.
Protected Bellevue’s economic edge by opposing state tax proposals that could drive high-paying jobs out of Washington, while promoting regional collaboration to retain talent and employers.
Advocated for small businesses and immigrant-owned enterprises, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive.

Affordable Housing & Human Services

Housing affordability is a moral imperative. I’ve prioritized solutions that deliver real results for Bellevue families.

Secured transformative partnerships – including Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund – to double Bellevue’s affordable housing stock, adding nearly 1,500 new units for working families.
Championed record investments in Bellevue’s Housing Trust Fund, helping fund hundreds of affordable units across the city including senior housing, workforce housing, and permanent supportive housing.
Helped pass zoning reforms that expanded housing options near transit and job centers, while protecting neighborhood character and green space.
As the former liaison to the Human Services Commission, I led efforts to increase Bellevue’s Human Services Fund, ensuring more support for food security, mental health, domestic violence prevention, and youth programs.
Advocated for culturally responsive services, especially for immigrant communities, through expanded language access and community-based outreach.
Promoted data transparency and accountability, ensuring human services investments are tied to measurable outcomes and community impact.
Former Executive Board Member of the Eastside Human Services Forum, advocated for vulnerable residents and expanding access to essential services.

Environmental Leadership & Green Spaces

Bellevue’s natural beauty is a treasure—and I’ve worked to preserve it while preparing for the climate challenges ahead.

Led the adoption of the Sustainable Bellevue Plan, which sets ambitious targets for carbon reduction, clean energy, and climate resilience.
Championed park expansions and improvements, ensuring every neighborhood has access to quality green space.
Strongly supported expansion of EV infrastructure, including fast-charging stations and incentives for multifamily developments to include EV-ready parking.
Launched the Keep Bellevue Beautiful program, a citywide initiative to combat graffiti, litter, and abandoned shopping carts—while empowering volunteers through the Adopt-A-Street program to keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.
Advanced tree canopy protections and urban forestry investments, ensuring Bellevue maintains its “City in a Park” identity while accommodating growth.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As Bellevue grows, so must our infrastructure. I’ve focused on smart, sustainable investments that improve mobility and reduce congestion.

As the liaison to the Transportation Commission, ensured Bellevue’s transportation plans align with transit-oriented development and walkable neighborhoods.
Advocated for thoughtful infrastructure upgrades that prioritize safety, accessibility, and long-term value.
Helped secure funding for the Grand Connection, Bellevue’s signature pedestrian and civic corridor linking Meydenbauer Bay to Wilburton— esigned to stitch together neighborhoods, transit, and culture.
Championed Vision Zero policies, supporting infrastructure upgrades to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through safer street design, speed management, and data-driven enforcement.
Advanced East Link light rail integration, ensuring Bellevue’s stations are walkable, well-connected, and supported by transit-oriented development.
Supported adaptive traffic signal technology, improving flow and reducing congestion on key arterials like NE 8th Street and Bellevue Way.
Led investments in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, including protected lanes, trail expansions, and safer crossings near schools and parks.

Regional Leadership & Civic Collaboration

Bellevue’s voice matters—and I’ve made sure it’s heard across the region and state.

Work closely with regional, state, and federal leaders to ensure Bellevue’s priorities are reflected in broader policy decisions.
Actively opposed the proposed state tax increases targeting large employers that would implement a statewide payroll excise tax modeled after Seattle’s “JumpStart” tax, and a hike to the Business & Occupation tax.
Actively opposed the state’s middle housing mandate by prioritizing local control, community input, and a more deliberate planning process over rapid compliance with state-imposed zoning changes.

Accomplishments