Open Letter to Study Group

To the 2025 Study Group,

I’m sorry I couldn’t make the Denver trip this time. Seeing what Denver has accomplished since our first visit in 2012 must be quite an experience.

Back then, in 2012, I was in my first year on the Bellevue City Council. I had already been thinking about a “Grand Connection” idea for Bellevue — maybe something around the Wilburton Trestle. As you can imagine, Denver’s Millennium Bridge and their bold approach to linking places sparked something in us. We came home inspired, energized to shape Bellevue’s own Grand Connection vision.

That trip was a turning point. It was my first big foray into advancing Bellevue’s future, shoulder to shoulder with others who shared that belief in what our city could become. With persistence and community support, we really did move the mountain.

I’m so glad you’re there now, carrying the torch and continuing to lead our amazing city forward. I wish you a great trip. Have fun and may you find inspiration that invokes real change.

John Stokes

Former Bellevue City Councilmember