When Interlake High School senior Rithika Binu sat down with Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, her questions reflected a generation growing up in one of the most technology-driven regions in the world — and eager to understand how civic leadership can guide innovation responsibly.
From artificial intelligence to education and cultural inclusion, their conversation revealed how Bellevue continues to evolve as a global city that balances progress with purpose.
AI and efficiency in city systems
“Developers can wait two to three years for a building permit,” Robinson explained. “By the time they get their permit, construction costs have gone up considerably — and that gets passed on to the consumer.”
To fix this, Bellevue is exploring the use of automation and AI to streamline the city’s permitting process. “Using AI can make reviews faster and more consistent,” Robinson said. “It applies the same criteria for everyone, which makes the system more fair.”
She added that technology could also help city staff identify relevant state legislation. “Thousands of bills are introduced each session,” she said. “AI can flag those that affect Bellevue so staff can focus on what matters most.”
Responsible innovation and diversity in tech
While AI promises efficiency, Robinson stressed the importance of oversight. “Anytime AI is used, there should be some kind of watermark that tells people,” she said. “The public deserves to know.”
The mayor also noted that the technology field must become more inclusive to overcome bias. “A lot of the people who create technology come from similar backgrounds,” she said. “We need atypical thinkers — people who bring new perspectives.”
She shared how her own daughter, a virtual-reality software engineer, approaches technology differently. “She wasn’t someone who coded all day, but she brings the user’s perspective,” Robinson said. “That’s how we make products that work for everyone.”
Education as a shared value
Asked what unites Bellevue’s residents, Robinson was quick to answer: education. “People move here for the schools,” she said. “That shared value keeps families here and creates a stable, well-educated workforce.”
Binu noted how education and community feed one another. “It’s a cycle,” she reflected. “Families move here for the schools, their children grow up valuing education, and that continues to strengthen the city.”
Celebrating diversity and inclusion
Bellevue’s City Council vision statement — ‘Bellevue welcomes the world; our diversity is our strength’ — is central to city planning and community life.
“In Bellevue, diversity is celebrated,” Robinson said. “People feel comfortable being their authentic selves here. You belong here — you’re part of what makes Bellevue what it is.”
She credited language-immersion programs and city-sponsored cultural festivals, like those at Crossroads Park, for creating shared spaces where residents connect across backgrounds.
Technology and global partnerships
Bellevue’s innovation extends beyond the local level. The city has partnered with companies like Microsoft and T-Mobile to make streets safer using video analytics. “Cameras at intersections can detect near misses — when a pedestrian and a car come too close,” Robinson said. “That allows us to redesign intersections before a serious accident happens.”
The city’s partnerships with international sister cities also play a role. “These relationships started after World War II to help children understand other cultures,” Robinson said. “Now, they foster economic and educational collaboration.”
Looking ahead
While Bellevue continues to lead in technology, Robinson sees room for growth. “We’re still behind on pedestrian and bike infrastructure,” she admitted. “Downtown is walkable, but other areas need safer routes.”
She also believes blockchain could improve city and healthcare systems by creating secure, efficient records. “It’s not just for finance — it can be used for licensing, permitting, and medical data,” she said.
Youth engagement in policy
For Binu, the conversation reinforced how young people can contribute to their community’s growth. “This interview showed me that civic progress isn’t only about technology — it’s about empathy and inclusion,” she said.
Robinson agreed. “Young people bring new perspectives,” she said. “They help us see what the next generation values and needs.”
About the author
Rithika Binu is a senior at Interlake High School interested in public policy and global affairs. This article is based on interviews conducted with Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson in September 2025. Note: This article was written and edited with AI assistance based on an original interview personally conducted by the author.
