Amazon Donates $1.4 Million To Support Bellevue Programs

BELLEVUE, WA — Amazon this week donated $1.4 million for Bellevue's parks, neighborhood and human services programs, as the tech giant looks to dramatically expand its footprint in the city over the coming years. The donation included $1 million for its Human Services Fund, nearly $300,000 for neighborhood projects, and $150,000 for improving local parks, Bellevue officials announced Tuesday.

Through the Human Service Fund, Bellevue will distribute money to dozens of Eastside organizations that support social services, housing, food and transportation programs, the city said.

The neighborhood and park donations will support several planned improvement projects, including:

• Bellevue Botanical Garden
• BelRed mini-park off-leash dog area
• Citywide tree planting via Bellevue’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative
• Crossroads International Park
• Kelsey Creek Farm
• Lake Hills Greenbelt (Bat Houses)
• Northtowne Park Playground
• Utility box art wraps in downtown and BelRed
• Wilburton children’s tiles on Northeast Eighth Street

“Amazon continues to invest in Bellevue, and I thank the company for setting such a stellar example of community partnership,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. “These dollars will have a significant impact on our community as we begin to recover together from the effects of the pandemic.”

Amazon's Eastside expansion will add another 25,000 jobs in Bellevue and is expected to make it the city's largest tenant. The plans include several new offices, and construction is already underway on a tower at 600 108th Avenue Northeast. Previously announced donations supported affordable housing projects, including at Hampton Greens, Pinewood Village and the Illahee Apartments in Bellevue.

Related: Amazon Eyes Return To Office For Most Workers Later This Year