DOT Drug Testing Locations Bellevue, WA
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Bellevue, WA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Bellevue, WA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
1380 112TH AVE NE STE 206 1.0 miles
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
1200 116th Avenue NE, Suite F 1.0 miles
Bellevue, WA 98004
1310 116TH AVE NE SUITE R 1.1 miles
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
13033 BEL RED RD STE 105 1.5 miles
BELLEVUE, WA 98005
1925 140TH AVE NE 2.5 miles
BELLEVUE, WA 98005
15600 NE 8th St Ste A4 3.2 miles
Bellevue, WA 98008
803 20TH AVE 4.9 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98122
13131 NE 85th St 5.1 miles
Kirkland, WA 98033
550 17TH AVE STE 200 5.1 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98122
500 17TH AVE 5.1 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98122
1400 S JACKSON ST STE 24 5.3 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98144
4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S #200 5.5 miles
Seattle, WA 98108
1512 Broadway 5.6 miles
Seattle, WA 98122
1229 MADISON ST STE 610 5.7 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98104
16690 REDMOND WAY 5.8 miles
REDMOND, WA 98052
1737 AIRPORT WAY S STE 200 5.8 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98134
16150 NE 85TH ST STE 121 5.9 miles
REDMOND, WA 98052
1100 9TH AVE 5.9 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98101
18750 NE 65TH ST MEDICAL SERVICES, BLDG 7 6.1 miles
REDMOND, WA 98052
1151 DENNY WAY 6.2 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98109
509 OLIVE WAY STE 1664 6.4 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98101
3223 1ST AVE S STE C 6.7 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98134
2005 NW SAMMAMISH RD 7.0 miles
ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
650 S ORCAS ST STE 125 7.1 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98108
610 1st Ave North 7.3 miles
Seattle, WA 98109
12911 120TH AVE NE STE D60 7.4 miles
KIRKLAND, WA 98034
12911 120th Avenue NE, Suite G-105 7.4 miles
Kirkland, WA 98034
1490 NW GILMAN BLVD 7.8 miles
ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
13718 100th Ave NE 7.8 miles
Kirkland, WA 98034
1420 NW GILMAN BLVD STE 2704 7.8 miles
ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
2414 SW ANDOVER ST STE E130 8.1 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98106
7601 AURORA AVE N 8.4 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98103
450 NW GILMAN BLVD STE 101 8.7 miles
ISSAQUAH, WA 98027
10631 8TH AVE NE 8.7 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98125
10560 5TH AVE NE 8.7 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98125
836 NE NORTHGATE WAY 8.8 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98125
3050 NE 127th St 8.8 miles
Seattle, WA 98125
304 MAIN AVE S STE 202 9.0 miles
RENTON, WA 98057
5300 TALLMAN AVE NW 9.2 miles
SEATTLE, WA 98107
12844 MILITARY RD S 9.6 miles
TUKWILA, WA 98168
13030 MILITARY RD S STE 100 9.7 miles
TUKWILA, WA 98168
9000 Holman Rd NW Ste A1 10.0 miles
Seattle, WA 98117
6720 FORT DENT WAY STE 110 10.2 miles
TUKWILA, WA 98188
11805 N CREEK PKWY S STE 113 10.6 miles
BOTHELL, WA 98011
200 ANDOVER PARK E STE 8 10.8 miles
TUKWILA, WA 98188
PO BOX 1641 10.9 miles
WOODINVILLE, WA 98072
14731 AURORA AVE N 11.0 miles
SHORELINE, WA 98133
11511 NE 195TH ST STE 102 11.0 miles
BOTHELL, WA 98011
3600 LIND AVE SW STE 170 11.2 miles
RENTON, WA 98057
17709 108TH AVE SE 11.4 miles
RENTON, WA 98055
400 S 43RD ST 11.7 miles
RENTON, WA 98055
1412 SW 43rd Street, Suite 101 11.8 miles
Renton, WA 98057
15500 1ST AVE S STE 106A 11.9 miles
BURIEN, WA 98148
15870 1ST AVE S Ste 101 12.0 miles
BURIEN, WA 98148
23131 Bothell Everett Hwy Ste B 12.2 miles
Bothell, WA 98021
20120 Ballinger Way NE 12.5 miles
Shoreline, WA 98155
20120 Ballinger Way 12.5 miles
Shoreline, WA 98155
19032 62ND AVE S 12.6 miles
KENT, WA 98032
6642 S 193RD PL STE N107 12.8 miles
KENT, WA 98032
2529 S 194TH ST 13.4 miles
SEATAC, WA 98188
250 SW 193RD PL 14.1 miles
NORMANDY PARK, WA 98166
21601 76TH AVE W 14.7 miles
EDMONDS, WA 98026
4320 196TH ST SW STE D 15.1 miles
LYNNWOOD, WA 98036
4725 196th St SW Ste 105 15.2 miles
Lynnwood, WA 98036
18012 W VALLEY HWY STE 101 15.4 miles
KENT, WA 98032
24031 104TH AVE SE 15.5 miles
KENT, WA 98030
222 STATE AVE N 15.8 miles
KENT, WA 98032
128 WASHINGTON AVE N 16.1 miles
KENT, WA 98032
38700 SE RIVER ST 18.5 miles
SNOQUALMIE, WA 98065
2601 Cherry Avenue, Suite 206 19.9 miles
Bremerton, WA 98310
2528 WHEATON WAY STE 202 19.9 miles
BREMERTON, WA 98310
14701 179TH AVE SE 20.0 miles
MONROE, WA 98272
532 5TH ST STE 19 20.1 miles
BREMERTON, WA 98337
3101 111TH ST SW STE T U 20.3 miles
EVERETT, WA 98204
607 SE Everett Mall Way Ste 2 20.7 miles
Everett, WA 98208
1205 SE EVERETT MALL WAY 20.8 miles
EVERETT, WA 98208
202 N DIVISION ST 20.9 miles
AUBURN, WA 98001
1 E MAIN ST STE 130 21.0 miles
AUBURN, WA 98002
1300 S 320TH ST 21.1 miles
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98003
230 AUBURN WAY S STE B 21.1 miles
AUBURN, WA 98002
720 S 320th Street, Suite B 21.2 miles
Federal Way, WA 98003
202 CROSS ST SE 21.2 miles
AUBURN, WA 98002
2746 NE LILLEHAMMER LN 21.8 miles
POULSBO, WA 98370
450 S KITSAP BLVD STE 144 22.1 miles
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98366
33440 1ST WAY S STE 103 22.2 miles
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98003
2818 SW 327TH ST 22.3 miles
FEDERAL WAY, WA 98023
1800 NW MYHRE RD 22.3 miles
SILVERDALE, WA 98383
9621 RIDGETOP BLVD NW 22.5 miles
SILVERDALE, WA 98383
34616 South 347th Place, Suite 2 22.7 miles
Federal Way, WA 98003
10513 SILVERDALE WAY NW STE 104 22.9 miles
SILVERDALE, WA 98383
20700 BOND RD NE 22.9 miles
POULSBO, WA 98370
20730 Bond Rd NE Ste 205 22.9 miles
Poulsbo, WA 98370
14473 CLAYTON RD SE 23.9 miles
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98367
35105 BODINE RD NE 23.9 miles
KINGSTON, WA 98346
3726 BROADWAY STE 101 24.7 miles
EVERETT, WA 98201
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Bellevue, WA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Bellevue, WA
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Bellevue, WA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Bellevue, WA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in Bellevue, WA
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in Bellevue, WA ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in Bellevue, WA ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in Bellevue, WA ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in Bellevue, WA ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Bellevue, WA ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Bellevue, WA ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing Bellevue, WA ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing Bellevue, WA ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Bellevue, WA simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Bellevue, WA
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Understanding DOT Drug Testing
DOT drug testing is a regulatory requirement enforced by the United States Department of Transportation to ensure that operators and safety-sensitive personnel in the transportation industry are compliant with federal drug-free workplace laws. This testing applies to millions of transportation professionals across various sectors, including aviation, trucking, railways, public transit, and pipelines.
Regulated Entities and Individuals
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Includes anyone operating commercial vehicles that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Aviation Professionals: Applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Railroad Operators: Covers those who operate trains, prepare vehicles for service, and dispatch operations on the railway.
- Public Transit Workers: Encompasses bus drivers, mechanics, and any staff responsible for the safety of public transport operations.
- Pipeline Operators: Includes individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities.
What Substances Are Tested?
The DOT drug testing program focuses on several major classes of drugs:
- Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
- Opiates, including heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Cocaine
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in marijuana
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Procedure of DOT Drug Testing
The testing process is standardized to prevent tampering and ensure consistent results:
- Sample Collection: Urine samples are collected under strict conditions to ensure that they are not tampered with or substituted.
- Screening Tests: Initial screenings are conducted using immunoassay techniques. If a test is positive, further confirmation is required.
- Confirmation Tests: Confirmatory testing using more precise methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the presence of specific drugs.
- Review Process: An MRO reviews confirmed positive results to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer.
Implications of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with DOT drug testing regulations can lead to significant consequences:
- Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees testing positive are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties.
- Rehabilitation and Return-to-Duty Testing: Before returning to duty, employees must undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete any prescribed treatment, and have negative results on follow-up tests.
- Employment Consequences: Additional consequences may include job suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions based on the employer’s policies.
DOT drug testing serves as a critical safeguard in the transportation industry, promoting a safe and responsible work environment while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal regulations.
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Local Area Info: Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue (/?b?lvju?/ BEL-vyoo) is a city in the Eastside region of King County, Washington, United States, across Lake Washington from Seattle. As the third-largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area, Bellevue has variously been characterized as an edge city, a suburb, boomburb, or satellite city. Its population was 144,444 in a 2017 census estimate.
Prior to 2008, downtown Bellevue underwent rapid change, with many high rise projects under construction, and was relatively unaffected by the economic downturn. The downtown area is currently the second largest city center in Washington state with 1,300 businesses, 45,000 employees and 10,200 residents. Based on per capita income, Bellevue is the 6th wealthiest of 522 communities in the state of Washington. In 2008, Bellevue was named number 1 in CNNMoney's list of the best places to live and launch a business, and in 2010 was again ranked as the 4th best place to live in America. In 2014, Bellevue was ranked as the 2nd best place to live by USA Today. More than 145 companies have been located in Bellevue. Current companies with headquarters in Bellevue include Expedia, T-Mobile and Valve Corporation.
Bellevue was settled in 1869 by William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer, who claimed homestead tracts several miles apart. Prior to the opening of the Lake Washington Floating Bridge in 1940, Bellevue was a rural area with little development. Although it was small, developers were pushing to change that; in the 1920s, James S. Ditty predicted that it would become a city with a population of 200,000. He envisioned plans that included the bridging of Lake Washington and an area filled with golf courses and airports. His map with these visions was published in 1928.