Gov. Jay Inslee and some Washington Democratic lawmakers are in discussions to potentially pause or delay the long-term care payroll tax (currently set to begin Jan. 1, 2022)

The talks come after state Senate Democratic leaders on Wednesday sent Inslee a letter urging him to delay the tax to fund the new state's long-term care program until the beginning of January 2023.

The next step for the project to bring dozens of new affordable housing units to the Island goes up before the Hearing Examiner at a public meeting this week.

Public attendance and comment, both written and live are very much encouraged.

At tonight's Study Session, City Council will consider the widespread fee increases suggested in analysis submitted by the FCS Group on September 21.

Current rates have not been adjusted since 2006, and the City's target is to recover 100% of their operating costs.

Changes are expected to be phased in over a 3-year period, and reductions are being considered in the fees associated with appeals, affordable housing, green infrastructure, tree removal, and reasonable use exceptions.

On Monday December 13 a public hearing will be held to take testimony on a potential 1/10th of 1% sales tax increase to fund construction of more affordable housing in all Kitsap communities.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Kitsap County Administration Building at 619 Division Street in Port Orchard and online via Zoom.

Public comment is welcomed in person, online, and in writing.

After reviewing documents from the state's Redistricting Commission, the WA Supreme Court accepted its work, even though parts of it weren't actually finished on time.

That means the commissioners’ agreed-upon redistricting maps (which the commission released a day after the Nov. 15 deadline) will now go to the Legislature for final approval.

The Legislature can make only small changes to the maps, meaning the commission’s agreed-upon maps will largely remain as they are.

The Small Business Flex Fund provides access to working capital to those that need it most – smaller, local business and nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue of less than $3 million.

The fund recently announced a new $40 Million funding round of low interest loans up to $150,000 for:

As Island vendors make their preparations for the holidays, this is a reminder to submit up to 5 products per business for free. The store is here to help showcase the best of your business and the best of Bainbridge once again.

In 2020, more than 5,000 General Store visitors clicked through to buy Bainbridge more than 1,500 times...

As part of their new seasonal campaign to bring visitors to the Island, Visit Bainbridge presents an extensive listing of holiday fun.

Remember to tag your events and posts with #bainbridgeholidays to have VBI amplify your efforts with reposts and spotlights...

A wide variety of Bainbridge businesses and organizations are coming together to provide a delicious free pre-made holiday meal to anyone who would like one.

Sign up by December 13 through the Senior Center, Helpline House, or by calling 206-842-1616.

Huge thanks go out to the Senior Community Center, Sportsmen's Club, Island Volunteer Caregivers, Helpline House, Housing Resources Bainbridge, Town & Country Market, Personal Chef Ruth Frobe, Hitchcock Restaurant, Via Rosa, Sweet Dahlia Bakery, BIMA Bistro, BISD, Island School, Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, and Puget Sound Energy for their support of our community.

Through December 17

100% of funds/winter wear collected donated to relief organizations in our community

Open online through December 15

Thursday-Sunday

December 9-12 & 16-19

Through Sunday January 9.

Free admission Dec. 11

Saturday December 11, 11am

Wed-Sun throughout the holidays

Full run-down of community events

Until we know more about Omicron, businesses should take action to increase vaccination and protect workers. For now, the advice of public health experts is clear: vaccination and boosters provide the best protection, and there are 4 more steps businesses can take right now to protect employees and customers:

In the aftermath of Thanksgiving, COVID-19 cases in Kitsap County continued their up-and-down trend to jump back up to 117 cases per 100,000 residents.

Island numbers are also up, doubling to 60 cases per 100,000 (moderate transmission).

On a positive note, Island vaccination rates have now reached 92% for those aged 12 and above, and thanks to more amazing work by the Bainbridge Prepares team, 64% of the Island's 5-11-yr-olds have already had at least one vaccination dose (more than triple any other part of the county).

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 660 total cases on Bainbridge, 17 of them new since last week.

Appointments are available online now for the last Bainbridge Booster Clinic (as well as limited numbers of 1st & 2nd dose Pfizer appts) on Saturday 12/11 at Commodore .

With the support of the City, County, and Bainbridge's own Breath Café, the Chamber still has fresh supplies of N95 masks, disposable masks, and hand sanitizer available for free to all public-facing Island business and nonprofit organizations.

We also have free posters available to help businesses make it clear to all customers that masks are required for entry at their location.

To grab yours, give us a call, stop by our offices, or simply email us - we are here to help...