Local Government 101: A Bainbridge Island Overview

Ever wondered exactly how our Island's very own special form of local government is intended to work, and how it came to be?

In the first of a new series of in-depth website articles, our Chamber team walks you through the 3 core elements of Bainbridge civic life:

1. City Council
2. City Staff
3. Citizen Advisory Groups

Future articles will include looks at how policy is set, what an ordinance is, and present a user guide for City Council Meetings.

Project Update: Haggar Scribner's Future Uncertain

At the February 14 meeting, City council voted to split the Haggar Scribner Project away from next year's Comprehensive Plan considerations, but to instead consider the project's amendment requests as part of this year's Winslow Subarea Plan discussions.

On February 15, The Haggar Scribner partners formally withdrew the project from public consideration entirely. Stay tuned for further updates.

At This Week's City Council Study Session:

Tues February 21 at 6pm

At Council tonight, 2 major topics of discussion consider both the future housing and power capacity needs of the Island...

• Presentation on Regional Housing Needs from Puget Sound Regional Council
• Discuss Community Solar and Electric Vehicle Charging Programs with Puget Sound Energy

Kitsap Sheriff Talks Police Pursuit Bills

"Recently our deputies spotted three stolen vehicles — not in one day, but in one shift. All three drove off from the police. Additionally, we are encountering more stolen vehicles being used in commercial burglaries and other crimes — but again, police are not allowed to pursue in these cases for either the crime of auto theft or burglary."

Public Hearing: Winslow Subarea Plan Process

Thursday February 23 at 6pm

At this week's Planning Commission Special Meeting, there will be public discussion around adding formal community engagement to the current update of the Winslow Subarea Plan. The goal will be to include more key stakeholders and under-represented groups into the planning process.

Business, Labor Leaders Call On State Legislature To Fix or Pause Troubled WA Cares Program

Long-term problem: In July, the state will again begin collecting payroll taxes for the WA Cares long-term care insurance program.

The Bainbridge Chamber, along with the Association of Washington Business and other employer advocates are joining together with organized labor and local governments to call on the governor and legislative leaders to fix the many problems with the program before the tax resumes.

The AWB has drafted a letter to Gov. Inslee on behalf of the coalition, laying out 10 major fixes needed for problems such as:

• No portability of benefits
• Lack of a wage cap when determining premium payments
• Lack of a rolling opt-in and opt-out process

Agate Pass Bridge Work Resumes Next Week

Mon Feb 27 through Thu Mar 2

The first round of annual cleaning and maintenance work on Highway 305's Agate Pass Bridge has now been completed (2 days ahead of schedule!), but this is your heads up that the second and final round is set to begin next Monday, February 27th.

Work is planned to run from 8:45am to 2pm through Thursday March 2. Lengthy delays should be expected, with traffic reduced to one lane of travel across the bridge.

Full details from WSDOT

Keeping It In The Family For March After Hours

Thank you for all those who joined us at Madison House for our Valentine-themed February After Hours - the third such event in a row to sell out and create a capacity crowd.

Click to see February's photo gallery

Join the Chamber at the next After Hours on March 21 as we celebrate Spring at Sisters' Cider House (this time on a Tuesday Evening) - RSVP today to ensure entry!

Tickets are always free for Chamber members, and available to non-member guests for $20.

Bainbridge Business Awards Tickets On Sale For Members

Sat April 29, 5:00-9:00 pm

The Chamber is bringing back the Bainbridge Business Awards as a casual, fun event on April 29 at The Manor House - Pleasant Beach.

Note: Chamber Members, check your inboxes - if you did not yet receive a 2023 Nomination Ballot email, please email Jessica.

Tickets (priced at $70) are on sale now for Chamber members and their guests. Each ticket includes event entry, a variety of food choices, and a beer/wine open bar.

if you are not a member but would still like to join the fun, please email Jessica.

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum Honors 2023's History Heroes

Each year, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the museum’s mission of “collecting, preserving and fostering knowledge of Bainbridge Island History.”

At their recent AGM, the History Museum’s Board honored the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) and The Suquamish Tribe this yHistory Heroes in our community.

Learn more from Bainbridge Review

20% off Custom Apparel This Month at Skyhawk Press

Skyhawk Press is a local female-owned business here to help you level up your branding game this month with a special 20% discount on all new orders! 

This is a chance to get the company that creates exclusive merch for the Liverpool and the OL Reign soccer teams working for you - whether you’re a company, team, church or group, let Skyhawk help you elevate your brand with custom printed and embroidered apparel. 

No minimums. No set-up fees. Unlimited colors. Order now and get ready to turn heads!

Learn more at the Skyhawk Press website, then call (360-626-1089) or email the team (and don't forget to let them know that you want that February Special)!

Kitsap WiFi

Kitsap WiFi is a new company providing new kinds of high-speed internet and phone services for homes and businesses across the county's local communities.

Led by CEO Andrew Horton, their mission is to ensure that technology works seamlessly, and offer self-effacing and hassle-free service with personal support. For that reason, each of their connections comes with an automatic backup connection to keep you online, all the time.

Leveraging Kitsap County's existing fiber networks, Kitsap WiFi is committed delivering top-notch customer service across the county - including an upcoming business partnership with the Bainbridge Chamber that we can't wait to announce... in just a few weeks time!

Learn more from the Kitsap WiFi website

Annual Artists Studio Sale On At Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

10am Sat Feb 18 - 5pm Sun Feb 26

It is that time of year once again - time for Bainbridge Arts & Crafts Artist Studio Sale!

Many of your favorite local artists present their work, some at significantly reduced prices...

Go support all the artists both new and established through the end of the week.

More details from BAC

Black History Month Soiree

Sat Feb 24, 6pm to 10pm

The BIMA Soiree is a time to come socialize and celebrate Black culture with a night filled with music, art, and a special pop-up from “Black Love Market.”

Shop from Black-owned businesses, enjoy some live music and performances, indulge in a night of art, grab a drink from the bistro, and soak in and appreciate the wonderful things the Black community has to offer.

Free admission, all ages (but with a $10 suggested donation)

Click here for more info from BIMA

Each month the Chambers of Commerce ask a single question to gather information on our communities and our county...

Q: How often do you shop at local stores (not including grocery stores)?

WA Employment Law Update for the Hospitality Industry

On Wed Feb 22 at 10 am, April Fredrickson and Dave Worley of Miller Nash will discuss employment and labor laws that impact the hospitality industry in 2023 with an emphasis on practical steps every employer can take to help ensure compliance and minimize risk.

Click to register and learn more

COVID Cases per 100,000

Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2023

• Kitsap County: 58 cases
• WA State: 69 cases

Washington State County External Resources:

• Department of Health Summary
• Testing Clinics
• Vaccine Clinics County-wide