Hello Central Kitsap!

As the summer months are winding down, I have enjoyed some of the many activities in CK.

I had a great time hosting the August 7 Silverdale @ Sunset concert along with the Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC). The event followed an interactive discussion at the CKCC meeting around growth and planning, and what it means for Silverdale to be a Regional Growth Center. You can access the material that was presented on the CKCC webpage.

Last week I had the honor of being dockside with Mayor Wheeler to welcome the USS Ronald Reagan to its new homeport in Bremerton. The Ronald Reagan had served as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed Naval Forces-Japan aircraft carrier from 2015 until the USS George Washington replaced it, effective August 1. I was excited to welcome the sailors to their new home alongside their friends and families. 

I continue to work on developing strategies to help attract and retain workforce in Kitsap County, addressing issues like childcare, education, and housing. I've been able to learn from my peers across the country through my participation with the National Association of Counties (NACo). I serve on NACo's Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee where policy priorities and best practices in attainable housing, community revitalization, workforce development, and childcare are the focus.

When attending NACo's annual conference last month, I was appointed Vice Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission. I look forward to establishing an Arts and Culture Commission in Kitsap County to contribute to Kitsap’s economic growth, foster a sense of community, and ensure Kitsap’s unique cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated.

In the coming months, much of my time will be spent on the 2025 budget process and finalizing the various updates underway within County departments, such as the Comprehensive Plan, Critical Areas Ordinance, and Parks, Recreation and Open Space. I continue to welcome your feedback and ideas about how you envision the future of Central Kitsap.

Warmly,
Katie

Newberry Hill Road project remains on schedule

I am pleased to share that the Newberry Hill Road culvert replacement project is progressing on schedule, with the roadway scheduled to reopen on September 4. Some work will be completed after the road opens and may require temporary, flagger controlled, lane closures. The project is estimated to be complete by the end of September.

At over 40 feet deep, this has been one of the county's most complex culvert replacements. The new concrete box culvert at Little Anderson Creek will enhance stream function, improve fish passage, and reconnect the natural wildlife corridor. 

Thanks to the entire community for your patience and understanding during the road closure, and for continuing to support local area businesses.

To learn more about road projects in your area, visit kcowa.us/project.

Celebrating 2024 Summer Interns

Once again, Kitsap County was pleased to support our summer intern program. We had an exceptional group of college students working in the Auditor's office, various areas of Public Works, and the Board of County Commissioner's office.

It's wonderful to give these students experience in applying the principles and theories learned in the classroom, as well as help them gain new skills and be mentored by professionals in their field.

From left to right the interns are: Jasmine San Juan, Rose Harper, Sabrina Sandberg, Blake Solvie, Marisol Bergstrom, Jaziel Serrano, Addison Schmidt, Lily Fachner, Dylan Boeholt, Tania Sanchez, and Kathryn Buman.

I wish all of our interns the best of luck in their future endeavors!

Join Me at the Fair & Rodeo

This week marks the return of the Kitsap Fair and Stampede! This is a wonderful family event and offers an array of fun activities for all.

In 2023, the Fair and Rodeo celebrated the 100th Kitsap Fair. ​In 2024, the Kitsap Stampede is celebrating 75 years of rodeo in the county.

Learn more about the history of the Kitsap Fair and Stampede here. 

Read about this year's events and entertainment here. 

Bikes For All

Local youth and adults with mobility, sensory, and other disabilities are invited to attend the annual Bikes for All event that takes place on September 13 from 3 to 7 pm. 

Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. If you would like to preregister by filling out the liability form, please go to the Bikes for All registration page linked here or use the QR code.

Thank you to all of the community sponsors for putting together such an important event. 

This free event is open to ALL!

Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC)

The next regular meeting of the CKCC is September 4. Join us to learn about the various activities and programs available to support veterans in Kitsap County. 

If you are a veteran, service member, or family member please take a look at the information from the Washington State Attorney General's office and consider completing their survey that closes August 30 via this link.

The CKCC meets the first Wednesday of every month at 5 pm, and meetings take place in the meeting room at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.

You can find the agenda, minutes, and materials from prior meetings on the CKCC webpage.