Hello, Central Kitsap!

Summer is in full swing, bringing with it exciting events and opportunities to connect.

I encourage you to dive into the stories, events, and opportunities that help shape the future of Central Kitsap. Thank you for staying engaged and for everything you do to support our vibrant community.

Warmly,
Katie

Commissioner Katie Walters will serve as Vice Chair of the Arts and Culture Innovation Council and as member of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee of the National Association of Counties (NACo). These appointments recognize Commissioner Walters’ commitment, leadership, and dedication to advancing the work of counties nationwide.

This year’s “County Storytellers” initiative, a yearlong effort to strengthen storytelling as a tool for building trust, connection, and community, will guide NACo’s work. Commissioner Walters will join fellow county leaders in sharing ideas, amplifying successes, and telling county stories with purpose and pride.

Madeline Johnson, 17, of Bremerton and a rising senior at Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, has earned national recognition in the America’s Field Trip competition, part of the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary. Her artwork featuring the Statue of Liberty earned a second-place award in the nationwide contest, which asked students in grades 3–12 to reflect on the question: “What Does America Mean to You?”

More than 7,000 students from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories submitted entries. Madeline is among 75 students nationwide to receive a second-place award and a cash prize for her creative contribution.

As part of the celebration of our 250th anniversary of independence, we’re joining the nationwide Our American Story initiative to recognize the everyday heroes whose voices and contributions have shaped our communities and our country.

This is your opportunity to nominate a living person—a friend, family member, neighbor, or local leader—whose story deserves to be shared and preserved for future generations. Whether widely known or quietly influential, these individuals are the heart of the American story.

Selected stories from across the country will be recorded, shared with the public, and archived at the Library of Congress as a lasting part of our national legacy.

Help us honor the people whose courage, kindness, resilience, or creativity has made a difference.

Click here to submit your nomination. 

Make sure their story becomes part of America’s enduring tapestry.

Kitsap County is conducting The National Community Survey, our first comprehensive resident input initiative in two decades, to help guide budget decisions during challenging fiscal times.

As the County faces an $8 million budget shortfall, resident input will directly inform how we prioritize services and allocate resources. The survey covers economic development, transportation, community design, utilities, public safety, environmental quality, inclusivity, and civic engagement.

How to Participate About 4,000 households are receiving special mailings to participate in the survey, and responses are already coming in. But if you didn't receive the mailing, don't worry. Everyone can participate, starting August 19, the portal will open countywide so that you can tell us what you think. The survey closes September 2, 2025.

The results will help identify County strengths, areas for improvement, and what matters most to residents. Kitsap County will also be able to compare its performance to communities nationwide.

Your input is critical as we navigate budget decisions and plan for the future. Watch for the countywide survey launch on August 19.

Kitsap County’s Housing and Homelessness Division is seeking community input as it updates its five-year Homeless Housing Plan. The updated plan aims to reduce homelessness in the county through a coordinated and effective response.

A short online survey, open now through Monday, August 11, invites residents, service providers, business owners, and community leaders to share feedback on current homeless services, identify gaps, and suggest improvements. Your input will directly guide strategies and funding decisions for the next five years. 

Make your voice heard — complete the survey here

District 3 residents needed to serve on County advisory groups

If you live in District 3, consider applying to serve on a Kitsap County advisory group! Share your experience and insights to help support our communities; create plans and strategies to accommodate growth and development; and implement programs that ensure and improve quality of life.

Advisory group members are appointed by County commissioners and play an essential role in local government, serving as conduits between residents, businesses, communities, County staff, and commissioners.

Learn more about County advisory groups and find position descriptions for current vacancies here.

Advisory groups with vacancies for Central Kitsap residents include:

• Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (at-large position)
• Bremerton-Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Advisory Committee
• Grant Recommendation Committees for Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Community Investments in Affordable Housing
• Veterans Advisory Board (at-large position)
• Non-Motorized Facilities Community Advisory Committee

Questions? Contact Volunteer Services in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at volunteer@kitsap.gov.

Join us for the first Wednesday of the month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.

This is your opportunity to connect with local leaders, stay informed about County projects, and share your thoughts on issues that matter to you. The meeting is open to all community members, and public comment is encouraged.

For more details and to view past presentations and my Commissioner Corner videos, click here.

The Commissioners' Office public service counter is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For questions or appointments with the Commissioners, please email kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov or call 360.337.7080.

For County services and questions, or to report speeding in your neighborhood, email help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777.

Stay connected! Sign up to receive electronic notifications from Kitsap County.