Bellevue Comprehensive Plan Update

Bellevue, across the lake from Seattle, is home to over 150,000 people, along with large companies, entrepreneurs, arts organizations, developers, property owners, human-services providers and major institutions. As part of the Bellevue 2044 planning process, the City brought together those diverse parties who don’t traditionally work together, because people are at the heart of any successful planning process.

MIG developed Comprehensive Plan policies consistent with state and regional policies and emphasized emergency housing capacity.

Bellevue’s ongoing transformation into an increasingly diverse and global City meant that outreach and engagement fpr the Plan needed to be broad and inclusive. About 60% of Bellevue’s population is now non-white, 43% were born outside the United States, and 50% speak a language other than English at home.

Communications had to be highly visual, accessible and compelling. Once branded with an overarching identity for the Plan, an accessible illustration system provided a cohesive look and feel for communications materials, including type, iconography and graphics, along with a distinctive color palette and illustration style. The informational materials included customized infographics, social media advertisements and copy, a video series, digital campaign and display boards for meetings, using the illustration system to explain complex planning topics in English, Spanish and Chinese. The communications helped promote an online survey tool, increase event attendance, and encourage interaction with public data. Fully 46% of Comprehensive Plan events were targeted for groups that are historically marginalized or are not regularly included in city planning processes.

The visuals raised awareness of the Plan and City’s approach to housing among the traditionally underrepresented groups, and they expanded participation and informed decision making regarding the City’s housing future. The extensive communications and outreach resulted in over 7,000 individuals engaging in planning for Bellevue’s future housing, livability, growth, jobs, livability and inclusivity.