 February 2026
Dear District 1 Neighbors!
As we move into the new year, I want to take a moment to share what I am focused on and the work ahead on behalf of our community. While we continue managing the day-to-day responsibilities of County government, we also are advancing several legislative priorities aimed at improving the county and making Kitsap safer and more resilient.
In the current legislative session, we are focused on securing state support for critical needs such as public safety and justice system costs, sustainable healthcare delivery in our jail, and fair funding for public defense services. We are also advocating for major infrastructure investments, from clean water systems and groundwater planning to transportation projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and protect our quality of life. These efforts support our growing population, strengthening regional mobility, and ensuring we are prepared for future emergencies and environmental risks.
Your voices help shape these priorities. Community input helps inform these priorities and ensures that the decisions we make are grounded in real-world impacts. I appreciate the continued conversations, questions, and ideas you share, and I look forward to keeping you updated as this work progresses.
I welcome your thoughts on any of these issues at crolfes@kitsap.gov.
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Welcomes Kitsap County in Government-to-Government meeting
On January 13, 2026, the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe met at the Tribe’s Longhouse in Kingston for a Government-to-Government meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity for information sharing and discussion on a range of topics of shared interest between the Tribe and the County.
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Conversation covered natural resource and environmental priorities, including the Shipbuilder’s Creek fish passage project, shoreline recreation and restoration efforts, and water resources issues related to Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 15, permit-exempt wells, and watershed planning. The group also discussed wildlife corridor connectivity, park planning and stewardship, and ongoing environmental assessments connected to recently transferred lands.
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Land use, economic development, and infrastructure topics were also on the agenda, including the Bond Road area, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe commercial and economic development projects, and transportation planning associated with the SR 104 Kingston Ferry Terminal. The meeting concluded with a discussion of potential topics for future Government-to-Government meetings and continued coordination between the Tribe and Kitsap County.
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Read, Roam, Rules: Exploring Walkability in Kitsap
Photo Source: https://pedestrianspace.org/jeff-speck-on-walkable-city/
What makes a place feel great to walk in? Join Read, Roam, Rules this March for two free, community events inspired by Jeff Speck’s Walkable City. First, step outside for a guided 2-mile walk through Kingston to explore walkability in action, from street design to public spaces. Then, come together for a relaxed book club conversation to reflect on what we’ve seen, share ideas, and connect walkability concepts to Kitsap streets and neighborhoods.
Whether you join us for one event or both, this is a welcoming, low-pressure way to learn how planning, design, and shared vision shape the places we live.
Saturday, March 7, 9–11 am Guided Walk Meet at Village Green Community Center, Kingston Rain or shine. Free and open to all. RSVP: kcowa.us/janejacobs
Monday, March 23, 5–7 pm Book Club Workshop Kingston Library Free and open to all. RSVP: kcowa.us/planningbookclub. This month's book is Walkable City by Jeff Speck
Hosted by Kitsap County Department Community Development, Long-range Planning, the Kingston Community Advisory Council, and Kitsap Regional Library. Walk with us, read with us, and help imagine more walkable communities in Kitsap.
Submit an Earth Day Award Nomination
Each year, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners and the Public Works Solid Waste Division recognize individuals and groups making a positive impact on our environment through the Earth Day Awards. These awards celebrate environmental stewardship and the efforts that help protect and preserve Kitsap County’s natural resources.
Community members are invited to submit nominations for individuals or groups whose work takes place in Kitsap County. Nominees do not need to be Kitsap County residents.
Eligible nominees include:
- Individuals
- Schools or teachers
- Groups or organizations
- Businesses
- Youth
Have someone in mind—or need inspiration? Take a look at past Earth Day Award recipients to see the meaningful work being recognized.
Submit your nomination by 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, March 20, 2026, at kcowa.us/earthday.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 13, 2026. Information on attending the ceremony in person or virtually will be shared in April.
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You’re Invited: Commercial Equine Facility Assessment Workshop
Join us for an in-person Commercial Equine Facility Assessment Workshop, a community-focused conversation about equine facilities in Kitsap County.
When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Kitsap County Administration Building, Commissioner Chambers
This workshop is an opportunity for equine facility operators, stakeholders, and community members to learn more about the County’s commercial equine facility assessment and to share input on key questions that will help inform the County’s decision making for the equestrian policies. County staff will be on hand to walk through the assessment framework and answer clarifying questions.
We encourage anyone with an interest in commercial equine facilities to attend, listen, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion.
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Upcoming Community Council Meetings
Suquamish Community Advisory Council Meetings
The Suquamish Community Advisory Council meets the first Thursday of each month (except July) from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Suquamish United Church of Christ, 18732 Division St. NE.
March 5th: Kitsap County Public Works Traffic Improvement Projects in Suquamish
April 9th (note the change of date): Suquamish/Augusta to Winfred project update
May 7th: Kitsap County Public Health (tentative)
Kingston Community Advisory Council Meetings
The Kingston Community Advisory Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. (except in July) at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE.
March 11th: Kingston Youth Presentation and Introduction to the Kingston Incorporation Feasibility Analysis
April 8th: Kitsap County's Comprehensive Plan Remand
May 13th: Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Update
Central Kitsap Community Council
The Central Kitsap Community Council meets the first Wednesday of the month (except July) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District offices, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road.
March 4th: WSDOT Update on SR 303 Project
April 1st: Kitsap Comp Plan Remand and Silverdale Center Plan
May 6th: Anderson Hill Road Project
Be a Voice for Your Community!
Kitsap County Agriculture council
Kitsap County is seeking volunteers to serve on the newly established Agriculture Advisory Council. This council advises the Board of County Commissioners on issues affecting agriculture across the county, including land use compatibility, agritourism, comprehensive plan policies, and long-term strategies to support farming in Kitsap County.
The Agriculture Advisory Council includes nine voting members representing agricultural producers, livestock farmers, agricultural specialists, and youth. Individuals with experience in agriculture or a strong interest in the future of farming are encouraged to apply.
Applications are currently being accepted. Interested individuals can apply by completing the online application for appointed advisory group positions. Click here to apply.
Advisory council members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and play an important role in connecting agricultural communities with county leadership.
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If you live in District 1, from Hansville to north Highway 303 in Silverdale, 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.
Current volunteer needs:
Click here to complete an application. 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 at kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
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