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2 days ago

Council approves vacation of Port Orchard right-of-way to enable Kitsap County courthouse parking, 4–1 The Port Orchard City Council voted to vacate roughly 38,641 square feet of city right-of-way to allow construction of surface parking for a future Kitsap County courthouse expansion; the county offered $30,000 plus transfer of 48-acre Veterans Park as compensation. The vote was 4–1.

The Port Orchard City Council has approved the vacation of key city streets to pave the way for a new courthouse parking lot, sparking questions and concerns from residents about future relocations.

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2 weeks ago

Business owners and residents tell Port Orchard council DCD culture is blocking projects Dozens of public speakers urged action after what they described as aggressive, inconsistent permitting by the Department of Community Development, citing delayed permits, stop‑work orders, and burdensome inspector demands; callers named staff and asked council to review contracts and culture.

Port Orchard business owners are raising alarms over the Department of Community Development's aggressive tactics, claiming it's suffocating local growth and innovation.

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2 weeks ago

Council postpones decision on Kitsap County right‑of‑way vacation after neighboring owner objects Port Orchard postponed action on a Kitsap County petition to vacate multiple alleys and streets after an adjacent property owner and counsel argued the proposal could impair vested property and easement rights; council asked staff to review new materials and consider the objection at the next meeting.

Port Orchard City Council has hit the brakes on a crucial decision regarding Kitsap County's petition to alter city streets, after a last-minute objection raises questions about property rights.

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3 months ago

Port Orchard PD to partner with Blue Bridge Alliance for on‑the‑spot aid; MOU approved with donor-funded model Council authorized a memorandum of agreement allowing Port Orchard officers to distribute donor-funded preloaded debit cards from Blue Bridge Alliance for immediate non-city-funded aid; Chief Brown said no city funds will be used and that internal and external audits will ensure accountability.

Port Orchard's police are set to roll out a groundbreaking program providing immediate aid to those in need—no city funds involved, just community support!

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3 months ago

Port Orchard secures Ecology grant, hires consultant for stormwater plan and accepts Bay Street construction easements City staff told the council it won a $120,000 WA Ecology stormwater capacity grant, recommended Herrera Environmental for a stormwater action-plan update, and the council approved three temporary construction easements to advance the SR 166/Bay Street improvement project.

Port Orchard is taking big strides in stormwater management with a $120,000 grant and plans for crucial infrastructure improvements!

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3 months ago

City approves $148,000 amendment for long-running Foster Pilot water-rights project Port Orchard authorized Amendment No. 7 to its Foster Pilot Project services contract with TerraPhase Engineering to cover additional mitigation planning, tribal and Ecology coordination, and hydrological analysis; the amendment raises the contract total to $772,348.

Port Orchard's council has just approved a $148,000 amendment to a decade-long water rights project, raising questions about the future of local water resources.

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3 months ago

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance outlines job, industrial-space goals as shipyard upgrades bring federal investment KEDA Executive Director Joe Morrison told Port Orchard council the Bremerton Shipyard upgrades will bring billions of federal dollars and that the county needs more industrial and office space; KEDA targets include creating/retaining 2,500 jobs and adding 350,000 square feet of industrial space.

Billions in federal investment from Bremerton Shipyard upgrades are sparking a housing and industrial boom in Kitsap County—are we ready for the growth?

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3 months ago

Port Orchard advisory committee forwards recommended lodging-tax allocations to council ahead of FIFA year The Port Orchard Lodging Tax Advisory Committee reviewed proposals from local tourism and event groups focused on FIFA and year-round promotion, agreed on a slate of recommendations and voted to forward the committee’s proposed 2026 funding allocation to the City Council for consideration. Total pool under discussion: about $130,000.

The Port Orchard Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is making crucial decisions on how to allocate $130,000 in funding for local tourism and events, with an eye on maximizing the FIFA opportunity and supporting community initiatives.

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3 months ago

KEDA tells Port Orchard council: build housing and industrial capacity to capture billions headed to shipyard Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) updated council on county economic indicators, set targets to create 2,500 jobs and add 350,000 sq. ft. of industrial space, and urged local investment in infrastructure to capture upcoming Navy and shipyard investments.

Kitsap County stands at a crossroads, with a billion-dollar Navy investment on the horizon, but urgent housing and industrial capacity challenges must be addressed to seize this opportunity.

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4 months ago

Port Orchard approves time-only extension to interlocal agreement with Kitsap Public Facilities District through 12/31/2026 Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 4, a time-only extension to the interlocal agreement with the Kitsap Public Facilities District to allow completion of SR 166/Space Street work and further planning for a community events center; staff said design and final cost estimates remain incomplete.

Port Orchard's City Council just approved a critical extension to keep the community-events project on track, buying time for crucial design and budget work!

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4 months ago

Police brief council on South Kitsap High School incident; juvenile arrested after classroom injury Chief Brown detailed a Nov. 20 response to an incident at South Kitsap High School in which two 15-year-old students suffered head injuries; officers arrested a 16-year-old in the classroom on probable-cause for reckless endangerment and third-degree assault; the chief apologized for unclear initial public messaging and said no officers were disciplined.

A shocking incident at South Kitsap High School left two students injured and a 16-year-old suspect arrested, prompting a critical review of the police response and communication strategies.

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4 months ago

Port Orchard committee agrees to negotiate McCormick Communitiesamendments, seeks park trade-offs and design clarifications Port Orchards Land Use Committee on Nov. 19 agreed to begin drafting amendments requested by McCormick Communities that would credit prior park dedications and relax several McCormick Village overlay requirements in exchange for targeted public benefits such as tree plantings and a pocket park; staff will draft an agreement for a public hearing in January or February.

Port Orchard's Land Use Committee is set to negotiate exciting amendments that could reshape local parks and trails while providing enhanced community amenities!

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5 months ago

Port Orchard planning commission forwards coliving code changes to council to align with state law The planning commission voted to forward proposed municipal code amendments to implement Washington State House Bill 19-98, which defines and requires local permitting and standards for coliving housing. Staff said the amendments update definitions, parking and density rules and must be adopted by Dec. 31, 2025. No public testimony was offered at a

Port Orchard is set to embrace the future of housing with new coliving regulations, pushing forward a vital state law that could reshape community living.

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5 months ago

Port Orchard council reviews Community Event Center design; council favors glass canopy, nano walls and nautical playground sculpture Designers presented late-stage plans for the Community Event Center and outdoor plaza on Oct. 28. Council directed staff to keep separate mens/womens restrooms with privacy, include three folding nano-wall systems connecting ballrooms to the deck, convert a co-working room into a flexible meeting room, provide storage for banquet furniture, and "

The Port Orchard Community Event Center is set to transform the waterfront with innovative designs, including flexible nano walls and a playful nautical climbing sculpture for kids!

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5 months ago

Port Orchard council adopts tax and budget ordinances, approves two waterfront contracts and reappointments On Oct. 28 Port Orchards council adopted an ordinance setting the 2026 property-tax levy at a 0% increase from the prior year (exclusive of new construction), adopted mid-biennial budget amendments, authorized a professional-services contract for the Ruby Creek culvert project and approved a time-sensitive change order for the Marina Pump Station;

Port Orchard City Council has taken significant steps by adopting a 0% property tax increase for 2026 and advancing key waterfront projects to enhance the community's infrastructure.

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5 months ago

Port Orchard council hears strong public opposition to proposed multifamily tax exemption At an Oct. 28 public hearing, city staff outlined a proposed multifamily property tax exemption (MFTE) program offering 8- and 12-year exemptions; public speakers and several council members raised concerns that the program would shift property-tax costs to other taxpayers, reduce revenue for schools and fire protection, and may not produce durable

Port Orchard's proposed multifamily property-tax exemption has sparked fierce public opposition, raising concerns over tax shifts and potential impacts on vital services like schools and fire protection.

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5 months ago

Port Orchard outlines FIFA 2026 marketing push and waterfront upgrades to capture visitor spending Contract PIO Josh Johnson presented a marketing plan tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup recommending county website investment, targeted digital ads, ferry‑terminal digital placements, public art, wayfinding, seating and trash infrastructure, and analytics to measure visitor flows. Staff and council discussed coordination with county and transit and a

Port Orchard is gearing up for a massive tourism boost with a strategic plan to attract thousands of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup—will you be part of the excitement?

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5 months ago

Port Orchard reviews $11 million Bay Street plan and $1.8M in personnel requests in mid‑biennial budget update City finance staff presented a mid‑biennial budget amendment that adds roughly $10.4 million in appropriations, funds an $11 million Bay Street reconstruction project in part with one‑time local revenue, and requests about $1.8 million for new personnel and vehicles. Councilors signaled support for staff to prepare the ordinance for adoption next週.

Port Orchard is set to boost its budget by over $10 million, paving the way for an ambitious $11 million Bay Street reconstruction project that could revitalize the downtown area.

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5 months ago

Port Orchard commission reviews proposed code changes to implement House Bill 1998 co-living rules Staff presented redlined amendments to Port Orchard municipal code to implement House Bill 1998, which requires cities to permit co-living housing in multifamily and mixed-use zones; staff will transmit the draft to the Department of Commerce and schedule a public hearing on Nov. 4.

Port Orchard is on the verge of a housing revolution with new co-living rules aimed at providing affordable options for single-person households and seniors!

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5 months ago

City opens public hearing on revenue sources as it prepares 2026 property tax levy Finance Director Noah Crocker presented the city’s revenue picture for the 2025–26 biennial budget and opened the required public hearing on property tax revenues used to set the 2026 levy.

The Port Orchard City Council is diving deep into the numbers as they prepare for the 2026 property tax levy—find out how your taxes impact local services!

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5 months ago

Council adopts new sewer-rate structure, moves to consumption-based billing and funds two new sewer employees Port Orchard council approved an ordinance revising bimonthly sewer rates and moving toward a winter‑consumption model for nonresidential accounts; council directed rates to fund two additional sewer enterprise employees recommended in the 2025 General Sewer Plan.

Port Orchard's City Council just approved a new sewer-rate structure that will shift costs to high-use commercial accounts while funding two essential new positions to improve system maintenance!

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5 months ago

Kitsap Rescue Mission reports shelter moves, services and funding needs at Port Orchard meeting Kitsap Rescue Mission updated the council on operations at the Pacific Building continuous‑stay shelter: move-in timeline, service statistics for 2024–25, behavioral-health integration, pet accommodations and funding shortfalls.

Kitsap Rescue Mission is transforming lives at their emergency shelter, moving dozens into long-term housing while providing essential services—and they need your help to keep this vital support going!

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5 months ago

Council votes to revert solid‑waste oversight to state regulator citing rate stability The council approved a resolution to revert regulation of solid‑waste rates and services to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), a move staff said prioritizes rate stability but will remove some local control over services and events.

Port Orchard's City Council just voted to shift solid-waste oversight back to the state, a move aimed at stabilizing rates but raising concerns over local service control.

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5 months ago

Council creates shared-street authority, designates SW Ashwood as 10 mph shared street Council adopted a new municipal code chapter enabling shared‑street designations under recent state law and designated Southwest Ashwood Street in McCormick Village as a shared street with a 10 mph speed limit.

Port Orchard has officially designated Southwest Ashwood Street as a shared street, embracing a pedestrian-friendly future with a 10 mph speed limit!

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5 months ago

Port Orchard finance committee reviews $9.5 million mid‑biennial budget amendment, highlights Bay Street funding and staffing requests Finance staff presented a mid‑biennial budget amendment that increases both revenues and expenditures by $9.5 million, proposes to fully fund Bay Street reconstruction with local dollars, and asks council to consider new positions, capital expenditures and a $300,000 sales‑tax capture. Committee members pressed staff for clearer fund‑level sourcing

Port Orchard is set to unveil a $9.5 million budget amendment that promises to fully fund the crucial Bay Street reconstruction project and bring new staffing opportunities to the table!

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5 months ago

Port Orchard adopts 'Anchored in community' branding plan and readies visitor marketing for FIFA 2026 Contract public information officer Josh Johnson presented a new destination brand guide for Port Orchard and a marketing plan aimed at converting FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors into day-trippers and overnight guests; the committee discussed marketing tools, event coordination, and infrastructure needs.

Port Orchard is set to transform into a charming destination for FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors with a new branding strategy that promises to boost tourism and community engagement!

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5 months ago

State Rep. Madison Richards outlines ferry, Gorst and housing priorities for Port Orchard State Representative Madison Richards presented highlights from the recent legislative session, emphasizing ferry-service restoration, preliminary work on the Gorst corridor, capital funding for downtown Port Orchard projects and state-level efforts on childcare, permitting reform and literacy.

State Rep. Madison Richards is championing vital projects for Port Orchard, from restoring ferry services to securing funds for downtown revitalization—discover how her efforts could shape the community's future!

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6 months ago

Community Discusses Park Design Alternatives and Environmental Concerns in Local Meeting Residents review park concept alternatives while addressing environmental and accessibility concerns.

Port Orchard is taking a bold step toward sustainability with the upcoming Sherman Ave Stormwater Park, designed to combat flooding while creating beautiful green spaces for the community.

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6 months ago

Police Chief Honors Community Hero Alan Garber Amid New Officer Commissioning Ceremony Police Chief presents commendation to Alan Garber for aiding in burglary arrests.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Police Chief honors local hero Alan Garber for his bravery in capturing burglary suspects, while welcoming three new officers to the force.

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6 months ago

Port Orchard council discusses water and sewer fees during public hearing Residents raise concerns over high water and sewer connection fees in Port Orchard.

Local homeowners in Port Orchard are demanding action after being hit with exorbitant water and sewer connection fees that could total over $56,000!

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