| Promotion of new business activity and job growth is critical in preserving the quality of life in Kitsap County. Kitsap needs hundreds, even thousands, of new jobs to meet the present and future demands of this community. Many Kitsap leaders believe that bringing Bremerton back from the brink is essential to generating countywide economic growth. As a commercial developer, I can personally attest to this necessity and to the fact that Kitsap County must commit its resources to this cause.
Kitsap’s economy has stagnated this past decade as we have watched the economic bonanza in the Puget Sound essentially pass us over. Finance companies consistently refuse to offer competitive rates for Kitsap businesses attempting to invest in downtown Bremerton. This “boom-town gone bust” image makes it impossible for the private sector to do a project that will have the impact necessary to transform this city back to the vibrant economic center it once was. Unfortunately, for all residents and business in the county, this poor city image spills over into other Kitsap locations, casting a shadow on our entire county.
Taking lessons from past failed plans to revitalize downtown Bremerton, community leaders from business and government have developed a multi-faceted solution, which is critical to the overall economic diversification plan. The solution includes projects in Bremerton to create bustling streets and make things look and feel differently. Among these projects, a single “pioneering” effort must be completed; a project which does not rely upon the actions or investments of others to implement. The regional government center provides this opportunity and uses funds already allocated for government operations to give us the starting point for the revitalization we need. The timing of this project, as paired with existing needs, could not possibly be better.
Of course, any good plan is tempered by objectors. Citizens involved in this proposal are sensitive to protecting our Port Orchard county seat status. However, they have found that many counties spread their operations throughout the county to enhance accessibility and take advantage of opportunities to improve efficiency and spur private development. The truth is that the entire regional outlook, including all of Kitsap’s cities, would be enhanced with this greater community visibility and improved reputation.
Although this seems like a new idea, the fact is that this concept has been successfully demonstrated countless times in communities across the nation. The county is working carefully with professionals to plan for contingencies and design a workable, efficient, and economic solution. Now, we have at our disposal, the elements necessary to turn our vision to reality and enhance our county for all. |
