 May 2025
Hello South Kitsap!
It’s been a busy and productive month since my last update. One of the most meaningful responsibilities as your elected Commissioner is exercising our constitutional duties. I had the honor of participating in the rigorous process to appoint a new District Court Judge for Department #2. After months of careful assessment of a pool of highly qualified candidates, in early April the Board of Commissioners was pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Gina Buskirk, who will assume the role on June 1, 2025. She succeeds Judge Jeffrey J. Jahns, who retires on May 31 after a remarkable career in public service.
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Judge Jahns has served on the Kitsap County District Court bench since 2009. Prior to that, he was Chief Deputy Prosecutor for 14 years and spent over a decade as a criminal defense attorney. We thank Judge Jahns for his exceptional service and wish him the very best in retirement, even as we look forward to welcoming Judge Buskirk into her new role.
In early April I also spent a day in Olympia meeting with our state legislators to convey the importance of funding our ferries. Throughout April, I’ve been actively involved in several in-depth briefings on the long-anticipated Courthouse project—a significant endeavor that has been years in the making.
As I continue to familiarize myself with the many assets and operations of Kitsap County, I had the opportunity to tour several key facilities, including the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant, Olympic View Transfer Station, and Manchester Stormwater Park. These visits have deepened my appreciation for the essential services we provide and the dedicated staff behind them.
Finally, and most important, the 2026 budget process is underway. The Commissioners have begun important conversations with fellow elected officials and department directors about the financial challenges ahead. Like many other counties and municipalities across the state, Kitsap is navigating increased costs and revenue limitations. As we move forward, I remain committed to a thoughtful, collaborative approach—one that reflects strong financial stewardship, supports our dedicated workforce, and ensures we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
Warm regards, Oran
"Go Wolves"
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 While day-to-day priorities keep us moving, I remain focused on the transformative projects that will drive Kitsap’s economic growth for years to come. Key efforts include major improvements to the Gorst Corridor and envisioning a "Ross Point Bridge", WSDOT’s ongoing Fish Passage projects that span 29 locations throughout Kitsap County, and development along the Lund Corridor.
I am excited about what the Circuit of the Northwest initiative at the Port of Bremerton will bring in terms of economic development. This endeavor is poised to become one of Kitsap County’s most impactful developments—an innovative venue that blends world-class design with the natural beauty of our region. More than just a motorsports facility, it offers the potential to host a wide range of concerts and sporting events, creating a powerful economic ripple effect across the county. With its strategic location near the greater Seattle area, a single weekend event could generate over $30 million in local economic activity—filling hotels and restaurants and attracting new businesses and jobs to the area.
These ambitious undertakings are more than infrastructure—they represent opportunities to unite public and private partners across the region in shaping a stronger, more connected future for Kitsap County.
Manchester Hosts Open House & Launches Safety Campaign
 Members of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office joined me and community members at the Manchester Community Advisory Council's annual community open house. The event also marked the official kick off of the Drive Friendly road safety campaign. The campaign includes reminders about traffic safety, how to report speeding, and highlights our shared commitment to safer roads throughout the Manchester area. Making our roads safer is a priority of mine, and I encourage community members to support the campaign by displaying Drive Friendly yard signs and stickers. Please keep an eye out for the official campaign road signs soon being installed at key entry points into Manchester.
Learn more at the county's Drive Friendly webpage.
Veteran's Corner: Changing of the Guard
 This week, Commissioners had the opportunity to welcome Steve Corcoran as the new Coordinator for the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board. Mr. Corcoran steps into the role following the retirement of Rick Becker, who leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and leadership. We thank Rick for his many contributions and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement, and we look forward to working with Steve as he begins this important role.
Community Effort Tackles Gorst Corridor Litter
In the very early hours of April 13, the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners teamed up with representatives from Public Works, the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, and the Washington State Department of Transportation to tackle a year's worth of litter along the heavily traveled Gorst corridor on State Route 3. Together, we spent five hours picking up fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, bottles, and other debris from the roadside.
If you have an interest in helping keep Kitsap litter-free, please take the car litter bag pledge and get a free car litter bag by signing the pledge.
Learn how you can support future cleanups at LitterFreeWA.org.
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Protect Our Roads: Secure Your Load Day is June 6
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 6, 2025, as Secure Your Load Day!
On this day we commemorate people whose lives were impacted or taken by unsecured vehicle loads, and we encourage drivers to properly secure their cargo every time they drive.
Thank you to the employees of Kitsap County solid waste facilities for their important role in educating others about the importance of load securement. Securing vehicle loads is vital to improving road safety and reducing roadside litter.
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Planning for a Resilient Coastline: Sea Level Rise Assessment Nears Completion
Since June 2024, Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development has been conducting a comprehensive Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to better understand how rising seas may impact our communities. With more than 200 miles of marine shoreline, Kitsap County is already experiencing the effects of coastal erosion, flooding, and storm-driven inundation—threats that pose growing risks to infrastructure, public safety, and the environment.
This assessment has gathered critical data on potential flooding areas and the vulnerabilities of key assets, helping inform future planning efforts to build long-term resilience.
As the project wraps up next month, residents are invited to learn more and share feedback at a public meeting on June 17 at 5:30 PM. For details and to see areas mapped as having a higher level of exposure, visit the Sea Level Rise webpage.
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Help Shape the Future of Kitsap’s Rural and Resource Lands
This June, the Department of Community Development invites you to take part in two upcoming opportunities to learn about and engage with updates to the Rural and Resource Lands section of Kitsap County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Join a community meeting (with hybrid options) or attend an in-person-only workshop to:
- Hear what the county has learned from community input so far
- Learn how policies are being shaped to reflect current and future needs
- Get an update on requests to reclassify certain rural properties
- Explore potential changes to development codes
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM Location: Kitsap County Admin Building, Commissioner Chambers, 619 Division St. Port Orchard. Virtual Option for Presentation (registration link: bit.ly/YOTRWorkshop, password: 801423)
Please visit the project page http://kcowa.us/YOTR to get more information about the survey results and read through the comment summaries.
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A Look at Upcoming Board of Commissioners Meeting Topics: June Highlights
 I encourage residents to join meetings of the County Commissioners either in person or virtually. Next month we will be reviewing several important updates.
- June 2 PM Briefing: Short Term Vacation Rentals.
- June 4 Work Session: Emergency Management Update.
- June 9 PM Briefing: Year of the Rural Update.
- June 16 PM Briefing: Planning Commission Update.
- June 18 Work Session: Parks June Update.
- June 23 PM Briefing: Sea Level Rise Update.
- June 25 Work Session: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Deliberations.
For details, including a full list of topics and how to attend virtually, visit the Board of Commissioners webpage.
In Case You Missed It: News Across County Departments & Offices
Art + Civic Pride: ‘I Voted’ Contest Returns
The Kitsap County Auditor is encouraging residents to submit art for consideration for the “I Voted” stickers that will be included in ballots for the 2025 General Election and 2026 Special Elections.
For the third year, all Kitsap County residents, including students, are invited to submit designs. The deadline is 8 AM, Tuesday, May 27, the day after Memorial Day.
Art should be designed to fit a 2-inch circle, and elements must be original, free to use, and not restricted by copyright. Standard photo formats (e.g., jpg or png) will be accepted. Entries must be accompanied by a signed Art Release form.
For questions, email auditor@kitsap.gov.
Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care Newsletter - May 5, 2025. May is Older Americans Month and Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care is hosting a variety of in-person and virtual information sessions in recognition. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, is celebrated nationally and encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about aging. See event location details here.
Assessor's Newsletter - May 5, 2025. Click here to view the Assessor's newsletters. The topics covered this month are new construction inspections, property tax distributions, senior citizen and disabled persons exemption program renewals, and public presentations being held in late May.
Noxious Weed Control Newsletter - May 6, 2025. Click here to view details on how to participate in the noxious weed disposal program. Subscribe here to receive Kitsap County Noxious Weed news and updates.
 I’m excited to see the Cruz returning to the Port Orchard waterfront this summer. This beloved community tradition draws thousands of visitors each year and remains a highlight of the season. I appreciate the City of Port Orchard’s collaborative efforts with the Saints Car Club to ensure the event’s return on Sunday, August 10th. It’s a great example of how partnerships can preserve what makes our community special.
Step In, Speak Up: Be Part of Your Neighborhood Community Council
Join the Manchester Community Advisory Council (MCAC) at their regular monthly meetings the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Manchester Library.
In June, the county's Transportation Planners will be presenting updates to the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Program represents “long range” plans for road, bridge, and nonmotorized
transportation construction projects, including revenue sources, and annual expenditures. It will be another opportunity to learn how you can show your support for the Drive Friendly campaign.
Visit the MCAC webpage for more information including meeting dates, agendas, and membership. You can also view materials from prior meetings and learn about council members.
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