Dr. Lynne Robinson joined the Bellevue City Council in 2014 and was elected Mayor by her council peers in 2020, 2022, and 2024, marking a historic third consecutive term. Lynne has more than two decades of civic involvement and leadership in our community, bringing that proven track record to listen to local needs and deliver on local priorities.

A strong advocate for our parks, open spaces, and environment, Lynne previously served on the Parks and Community Services Board for five years, chairing it from 2011 to 2013, when the board guided the development of plans for the new waterfront Meydenbauer Bay Park and improvements to the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

On the City Council and as a member of the King County Affordable Housing Committee and Eastside Human Services Board, Lynne has been a regional leader on addressing the affordable housing crisis: developing the city’s affordable housing plan, building and preserving housing securing additional funding for affordable housing initiatives, and providing needed human services and support for the vulnerable.

She has advocated for thoughtful development that preserves our environment and protects neighborhood character, championing Bellevue’s adoption of progressive energy codes and expanded transit infrastructure, and serves on the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration.

A proponent of an innovative economy for Bellevue, Lynne has helped bring new jobs to Bellevue and encouraged the development of tech startups, coding education, and resources to help new entrepreneurs succeed. She also serves on the Washington Technology Industry Association’s Cascadia Blockchain Council.

Lynne is a proven collaborator, who uses her position as Mayor to work with other elected leaders around the region to advocate for Bellevue, and address the challenges facing the Eastside and throughout King County.

A retired physical therapist who previously ran her own business for 20 years, Lynne holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Regis University and a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University Medical School. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in community services from California State University Chico.

Lynne and husband Dan Watson live downtown after moving from the Woodridge neighborhood, where they had resided since 1997. Their two children graduated from Bellevue public schools and are successful professionals.