Partnering with communities  

       "Bremerton has such potential that it's great to think we'll have a role in helping turn it around."
- Ned Palmer,
Senior Vice President
Bank of America

As our county's only regional city, Bremerton is our starting point -- the place we can do big things. Once it begins to flourish, the rest of Kitsap will become energized and we can focus on other quality economic development options in neighboring communities.
-Tim Botkin,
Kitsap County Commissioner

Creating a marine science center in Poulsbo and transforming a burned-out building on Port Orchard's main street may not seem to have much in common.

But they are just two examples of how, thanks to the flexibility woven into the State Housing Authority law, KCCHA is able to help local communities meet their unique needs by developing realistic plans and obtaining funding.

Now we're partnering with local business and community leaders, as well as the city, county, port and transit authority on an exciting strategy to breathe new life into downtown Bremerton. The strategy includes building a government center, condominiums, and apartments, as well as developing design standards to allow creation of a pedestrian-friendly waterfront, downtown and arts districts, and entertainment and retail.

Bremerton - and much of the rest of Kitsap County - has missed out on the economic boom that the rest of Puget Sound has enjoyed. Although blessed with a fabulous waterfront view that reaches clear to the Olympic Mountains, the view on the ground is much less attractive. Instead of vibrant retail and offices and bustling sidewalks, there are parking lots. And vacant lots. And although there are some offices and art galleries, many of the buildings in the city are vacant.

Convinced that an Arts District could help add economic life to Bremerton's downtown core, artist Amy Burnett opened an art gallery in a vacant building. The gallery - and the vibrant arts district it spawned - now serves as an inspiration for community leaders planning downtown Bremerton's future.