The Port Orchard City Council approved multiple agenda items at its May 27 meeting, including expanding housing assistance, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and funding environmental restoration projects.
Tony Ives, executive director of Kitsap Community Resources, addressed the council during public comment to highlight the growing demand for rental assistance in South Kitsap.
“In just the last quarter, 516 people came to our South Kitsap office,” Ives said. “More than 230 of those visits were housing-related, specifically asking about rental assistance.”
Ives noted that a previous $20,000 rental assistance fund for Port Orchard residents had gone unused due to staffing constraints and overlapping aid from other sources. He emphasized that current data shows a sustained need, not just among veterans and seniors, but across the broader community.
Later in the meeting, the council approved an interlocal agreement with KCR to administer rental assistance through its Housing Solutions Center. Funded by state sales tax revenue, the program will provide up to $30,000 in aid to low-income Port Orchard residents (0–60% of area median income). The funds can be used for rent or utilities bundled with rent, with a cap of $2,000 per household.
The council also authorized an amendment to increase the city’s contract with SCJ Alliance by $34,694.50 for the Sidney Road non-motorized improvements project, bringing the total to $317,469.00. It also extends the project timeline to October 30, 2025.
Mayor Rob Putaansuu praised the effort, noting, “Last year we did pedestrian improvements in front of Cedar Heights, and this continues that project. We will have bicycle and pedestrian improvements.”
The city also received a $425,000 grant from the state Recreation and Conservation Office for the removal and replacement of the culvert at Annapolis Creek and Bay Street. The project is expected to improve fish passage for species such as steelhead, coho, chum, and cutthroat trout.
The total design cost for this phase is $500,000, with the city contributing a 15% match using local funds.
In an effort to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commutes, the council approved a resolution creating a Commute Trip Reduction incentive program for city employees. Human Resources director Debbie Lund explained that eligible employees using alternative transportation three or more days per week, through walking, biking, carpooling, or public transit, will be incentivized with subsidized transit and ferry passes, as well as reserved parking.
The program is budgeted at $1,100 annually under the Community Development Department.
During his report, Putaansuu celebrated recent accomplishments, such as a logo being applied to the Bay Street roundabout ahead of the SK High School graduation parade June 6, the city securing $1 million for Bay Street reconstruction in the state’s budget and the early opening of the McCormick Village Park splash pad May 23, which will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Hats off to the Public Works crew for dropping what they were doing and getting out there,” said Putaansuu. “It was important to the community to have it open for the weekend.”
