More on Road Safety 

At Kitsap County, we get a lot of resident feedback about traffic, speeding, and walkability. My last newsletter talked about speeding, which is an increasing problem we are addressing across Kitsap. 

I encourage you to watch my latest Commissioner’s Corner to learn more about the history of our roads and hear from Public Works and leadership from the Sheriff's Traffic Division. The discussion addresses questions about sidewalks in the Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), as well as ways the County is addressing speeding and road safety.

I am also very excited to be bringing back a program that was launched in the late 90's called “Drive Friendly.” While the program will be supported by Public Works and Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, it will be a neighborhood effort. As we get closer to the end of the year, we'll be sharing details to help you determine if your neighborhood is a candidate for the Drive Friendly campaign.

Read about the history of Kitsap County roads at the Getting You There webpage.

Youth Voices Matter

The Kitsap County Commission on Children & Youth and Kitsap Public Health District are co-hosting a youth forum.

Join me and other local policy makers at this engaging annual event. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth to ask questions and share their ideas and concerns.

Register online or scan the QR code. 

Map Your Curiosity

The Department of Community Development just launched a new interactive and user-friendly way to explore building, development, and public notice projects in Kitsap County. 

The Project Navigator maps projects with high community interest and projects requiring public notice. To explore the Project Navigator tool click here. 

The Permit Explorer provides an overview of all projects, regardless of size or community relevance. One map includes building permits, and the other contains land use activities such as timber harvest and Site Development Activity Permits (SDAP). To explore the Permit Explorer tool click here. 

Subscribe to Community Development News for more helpful tips and information.

Engage and Inform

Sea level rise (SLR) is a significant concern for coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure across Kitsap County. Changes in sea level can lead to more frequent and severe coastal flooding, erosion, and other hazards that affect both natural and built environments. Sea level rise refers to the gradual increase in the average height of the world's oceans.

The Department of Community Development is conducting a Sea Level Rise (SLR) Vulnerability and Risk Assessment that will identify potential losses or damages from flooding due to sea level rise. The assessment will inform future revisions to the County’s shoreline master program, critical areas ordinance, public works transportation improvement program, wastewater systems, storm water capital facilities plan, and Comprehensive Plan. 

To read more about sea level rise, including the details of this project click here. If you are interested in providing feedback to inform the project, click here to complete the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment survey before it closes November 10.

Comp Plan Nears Adoption

Over the next two months there will be a series of hybrid public meetings leading up to the Board of Commissioners’ adoption of the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan December 2.

The next meeting is the Planning Commission Deliberations and Findings of Fact on October 15 at 5:30 pm.

Visit the Comprehensive Plan Update webpage and look on the right-hand menu for details on all Upcoming Events.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with candidates on the ballot from President and Washington State Governor to local races for two positions on the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners.

Visit the County's Election webpage for a copy of the Local Voter's Pamphlet and WA State Online Voter's Guide, as well as ballot drop box locations and other important information to answer questions and help you be prepared to vote in the upcoming election.