Dear District 2 Residents,

It is an honor to represent you as your District 2 (South Kitsap) County Commissioner. It’s been a busy 2023 and I look forward to re-invigorating this quarterly newsletter, as well as introducing a brief, weekly update to keep you apprised of my activities advocating for the needs of South Kitsap.

Through this newsletter, I look forward to sharing important information, upcoming events, and opportunities for you to become involved.

I also look forward to welcoming State Senator Christine Rolfes, Bainbridge Island to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. when she is sworn in on June 20th.

Christine began her professional career as an intern in Kitsap County's Department of Community Development and has served the past 17 years in the state legislature. She brings a wealth of knowledge and insights regarding state resources and has shown a commitment to our communities during her time in Olympia.

Your voice is vital as we continue to plan for the next 20 years through our 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update. I encourage you to reach out to our team with your ideas, concerns, and feedback as we plan for our future. 

You can sign up to receive text or email notifications, including project announcements, information about outreach events, surveys, and other public participation opportunities. Select “Comprehensive Plan Announcements” from the list of topics.

Send an email to compplan@kitsap.gov and let us know what you think - or if you would like the Comprehensive Plan team to give a presentation to your organization.

In accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), Kitsap County is conducting a 2024 periodic update of our Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). The Kitsap CAO Ordinance was last reviewed in 2017 and is being updated in conjunction with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, with adoption planned in June of 2024.

Five types of critical areas will be reviewed and updated, and include:

1. Wetlands
2. Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water
3. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
4. Frequently flooded areas
5. Geologically hazardous area

To learn more, view the County's CAO webpage.

HB 1181 makes sure we’re planning for a climate resilient future. 

The hard work of Representative Davina Duerr (Bothell) and a host of advocates pushed through a climate bill, HB 1181, that requires all comprehensive plans to include a climate change and resiliency component showing how jurisdictions will create the green, accessible infrastructure needed to respond to our warming planet. The plans must specifically look at greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, the region’s largest contributor to climate change. 

The Manchester Community Advisory Council (MCAC) provides a discussion forum for community interests and issues.

The MCAC meets monthly at the library, and enhances communication between Manchester-area residents and Kitsap County government.

To learn more visit the Manchester Community Advisory Council.

Many in our community struggle to find housing they can afford as the costs surge throughout the Puget Sound region and as prices rise, creative shared housing solutions have appeared. Kitsap County closed on purchase of the former Olympic Fitness Club building April 14, 2022 to create new emergency housing and provide local funding for homeless and affordable housing projects.

Visit Kitsap County's Housing and Homelessness Division webpage to learn more about the project, including answers to frequently asked questions. You can also watch my Commissioner's Corner to hear interviews with individuals who sought assistance through the Kitsap Rescue Mission and describe the causes and circumstances surrounding their personal experience with being homeless. I also discuss the Pacific Building Shelter Project and the services it provides for the South Kitsap area.

The 83-acre Howe Farm County Park, at Long Lake Road and Mile Hill Drive, features a historic farm, walking trails and an area for off-leash dog exercise. It features historic barns, aging fruit trees, agricultural fields and wildlife habitat. Salmonberry Creek runs across the property.

In 2016, I shepherded the effort to create a victory garden for veterans. "A lot of times veterans, especially those who have some trauma in their life, react really, really well to the calmness of gardening and spending time with others who may have PTSD. It's important for people to come back to their own community (after serving) and regain their own sense of balance and peace."

Art contest offers a way to show your LOVE for Kitsap County!

K-12 students have the opportunity to create artwork for the 2024 “Counties Matter” calendar! For details visit I Love My County Because Art Contest (naco.org).

Send a copy of your entry to kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov for a chance to be showcased in a future Newsletter.