5 Things You Need to Know This Week: Eastside Youth Mentor Applications, Gift Guide Submissions

1. Now Playing: The Chamber Events Season

It's full steam ahead over here, so let's reflect on the most recent big event we put on, and hopefully, get a few more butts-in-seats for tomorrow's Chamber Lunch.

Last month? ELC. Our Eastside Leadership Conference was earlier this month, and we've got all the recaps ready for ya to reminisce.

Coming up? Chamber Lunch! Tomorrow is our next Chamber Lunch, and we will be platforming the King County Executive candidates. Join us!

2. A Week in the Life

Ever wondered what it was like to work at the Chamber? (Yeah, we didn't think so. But, alas!) Take a peek of our out-of-office happenings from last week below, and stay up-to-date using our Chamber Calendar here, and Community Calendar here.

New Execs Hit City Hall: Our New Executives have heard from folks in tech, transport, and business, and for the most recent sesh, they popped over to City Hall to learn about how to engage with local gov.

Ready 4 World Cup 2026: The Executive Business Roundtable program opened the season last week with Seattle’s FIFA World Cup CEO, Peter Tomozawa, and Sounders alum Brad Evans.

Tourin' w/ our Partners: We've been conducting site tours in the Bel-Red neighborhood for months now, and this last Friday, were joined by some of our strongest affordable housing partners!

3. YES! We Wanna Mentor!

Youth Eastside Services is on the lookout for mentors, and you may be the perfect fit.

"SUCCESS" mentors stand beside K–12 students in East King County, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. To volunteer, mentors must be 21+ and able to commit 2-4 hours a week for one year, and you’ll receive quality training, plus ongoing support every step of the way.

The group especially needs role models with lived experience who reflect the identities of our youth, so they are seeking BIPOC mentors, bilingual Spanish or native Chinese speakers, and LGBTQ+ mentors, particularly those who identify as transgender or non-binary adults.

Learn more about YES here and the SUCCESS mentor program here.

4. Last Night @ Council …

If you blinked near the end of last night’s Bellevue City Council meeting, you might have missed the plot twist. In a last-minute amendment, Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis asked colleagues to remove language in the city’s draft state legislative agenda that referred to modifying property tax lid lift options and expanding Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) authority.

The council agreed, and the final language now keeps the emphasis on local flexibility without naming specific tax tools. Read our recap using the link below!

5. Gotta Gift? We've Gotta Guide!

Believe it or not, the holiday season is pretty much here. Don't fret, though — we are putting together a Chamber member Gift Guide!

Using this link, submit your own business's gift ideas to be included in the listing.

Member News:

• Futbol Fanatics: The City of Bellevue is hosting a "Ready for Kickoff" event next week on Wednesday, October 22, and you're invited. Come learn how your business can participate in the City of Bellevue's World Cup festivities, and hear from the City and local partners. More info here.
• Breakfast w/ the Chief: The Bellevue Fire Foundation's annual breakfast is on Halloween this year, and the program will introduce Bellevue’s new Fire Chief, Dave Tait, a 28-year veteran dedicated to firefighter safety and our community’s well-being. Register and learn more here.
• Permitting Expo: Planning a remodel or addition? Or just want to better understand Bellevue’s permitting process and how to apply for permits? The City invites community members to a Residential Permitting Expo on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at City Hall. Details here.
• Joining Forces: Two of our members, 4 Tomorrow and Pasifika Grill and Bar, are hosting a fundraiser for the former organization! Throughout the month of October, diners can fill up on Pacific Island inspired dishes, tell them '4 Tomorrow' sent you, and they will donate 5% of your tab to the group. See the flyer here.
• Lucky Duck Spookeasy: Reality Break Escapes has a new themed game for the spooky season — take a look for yourself here.
• Diwali Happenings: The Bellevue Collection is celebrating Diwali with a slew of displays, live performances, and a henna pop-up on October 18! See the lineup here.