World Cup Soccer is now less than 200 days away, and Kitsap County is poised to welcome visitors from around the globe to the biggest sporting event our region has ever hosted. With hundreds of sights to see, countless local experiences, and easy access to multiple ferry terminals that land just blocks from the stadium, Kitsap is the perfect place to stay, play, and recharge between matches.

Kitsap County is proud to highlight Stay Kitsap 2026, a new resource from Love Kitsap that showcases local lodging, dining, itineraries, and activities designed to help guests make the most of their time on the peninsula. And with Bremerton serving as an official Fan Zone, complete with big-screen match viewings, food, and entertainment, our communities are ready to celebrate the excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026 together.

Commissioner Katie Walters was sworn in as Second Vice President of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) at this year's County Leaders Conference, held Nov. 18–20, in Spokane.

WSAC was created in 1906 as a voluntary, nonprofit association that serves Washington's 39 counties. The goal of the association is to elevate county voices, strengthen intergovernmental partnerships, and support counties in developing forward-looking policies that address statewide challenges.

Commissioner Walters will also represent Kitsap County in several regional and statewide leadership roles in 2026, including as Kitsap Transit Chair, Olympic Consortium Board Chair, Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council Vice Chair, Puget Sound Regional Council, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance Executive Committees, and National Association of Counties Arts & Culture Innovation Council Vice Chair.

As early as 2028, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will correct nine fish passage barriers that cross under Northeast Waaga Way (SR 303) and Central Valley Road Northeast in Kitsap County. As part of the project, WSDOT is proposing a new roundabout at the intersection of Waaga Way and Central Valley Road NE. 

Public comment is now open — comments will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 12. To learn more about the project and submit feedback, visit WSDOT’s project page.

The Central Kitsap Community Council will host an informational meeting with WSDOT in early 2026 to discuss project details and answer community questions.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will take part in Handwork 2026, a nationwide celebration of American craft marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. In partnership with Handwork and Craft In America, this year-long initiative will showcase the depth and diversity of handmade work—from artists’ books and finely crafted furniture to Indigenous traditions and contemporary textiles. BIMA joins more than 250 museums, cultural centers, and arts organizations across the country to honor the makers, materials, and stories that link our region to the broader narrative of American craft and inspire future generations of creators. Photo credit: Carly Michelsen

Students across the nation are invited to take part in America’s Field Trip, a nationwide contest sponsored by America250, the organization leading the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Students in grades 3–12 can share their perspectives on what America means to them for a chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip to one of 16 iconic American landmarks and cultural sites, including Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, the Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park. Artwork credit: Madeline Johnson, Central Kitsap HS Student, 2^nd Place Awardee, Spring 2025

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:

• Commission on Children and Youth Advisory Board
• Council for Human Rights
• Parks Advisory Board

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

With potential inclement weather on the way, make sure you are signed up for Kitsap Alert emergency notifications. Emergency alerts keep Kitsap residents updated on potential life-threatening dangers—from countywide winter storms to neighborhood gas leaks. Sign up for alerts for your address to receive timely notifications, whether you’re at home or away. Visit www.kcowa.us/alert now to sign up and learn more about KitsapALERT.

Join us the first Wednesday of the month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted, 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.

Upcoming meetings include:

• Jan. 14: CKCC Board retreat, no presentation
• Feb.  4: HEART Team update

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.