City of Poulsbo February E-Newsletter | | | | |
City Hall Closures
City of Poulsbo Holiday Hours. Please plan accordingly so that we may best serve you: Closed for President's Day - on Monday, February 16, 2026
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Mayor Ed Stern: Experience, Continuity, and a Long View for Poulsbo
Mayor Ed Stern’s connection to Poulsbo spans nearly four decades. A resident since 1986, Stern has served the community in public and civic roles for more than 28 years, including seven consecutive terms on the Poulsbo City Council under four mayors. His leadership has been shaped not by a single chapter, but by sustained commitment—measured in decades rather than election cycles.
Stern’s path to public service began in education and community development. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood education from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Professional Teaching Certificate from Montana State University. After teaching in Montana, Stern transitioned into municipal leadership, serving the City of Livingston in roles that included Director of Grants, Community Development Director, and Assistant to the Mayor. That experience grounded his understanding of city operations, public finance, and collaboration across agencies.
After relocating to Poulsbo, Stern built a private-sector career as a financial advisor, managing and expanding local brokerage offices for firms including Edward Jones and Piper Jaffray. His work gave him firsthand insight into financial markets and long-term investment, as well as the economic pressures facing households today. In 2019, Stern stepped away from that career to focus fully on public service.
First elected to the Poulsbo City Council in 1998, Stern has since become one of the City’s most experienced leaders. In January 2024, he was unanimously selected by his colleagues to serve as Deputy Mayor. Beyond the Council, Stern has held regional and state leadership roles, including President of the Association of Washington Cities and appointment to the State Public Works Board, where he currently chairs the Broadband Committee.
One of Stern’s most enduring initiatives has been expanding broadband infrastructure in Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Since the late 1990s, he has worked with regional partners to improve digital connectivity, supporting workforce development, remote work, and economic opportunity.
Stern’s leadership philosophy reflects his background in psychology. He believes people support solutions that make sense in their daily lives and emphasizes aligning personal and collective interests to create shared, lasting benefits. That approach informs his focus on economic opportunity particularly pathways to homeownership, which he views as critical to long-term community stability.
As Mayor, Stern emphasizes continuity, efficient city operations, responsible budgeting, expanded education and job opportunities, and careful growth that preserves Poulsbo’s unique character. His long view is grounded in experience, shaped by collaboration, and focused on ensuring Poulsbo remains a place where future generations can thrive.
Please see Special Edition Mayor Ed Stern: A Long View of Poulsbo (Dec. 2025)
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City Administrator's Vennlig Hilsener
By Rob Gelder
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The start of a year is often busy for all kinds of reasons. January definitely began like the holidays were far, far off in the rearview mirror.
We experienced the wonderful culmination of passion, vision and dreams with the completion and opening of the kitchen at the Recovery Cafe. Not only will it help be more efficient in our delivery of meals to members of the Cafe, it allows us to expand the impact and reach of the program. Kudos to our team from the Resource & Recovery Center, along with Engineering, for making it all possible.
We will host another parking open house on Friday, February 13th at 9 a.m., but come March we will start alternating times with an evening option in order to catch more people who may not be able to get away during regular business hours.
We've added two new ADU models to the suite of options for pre-approved plan sets. They are a bit larger in size and incorporate some parking options. Truly, there is something for everyone if you're looking to create an option for yourself, for a loved one, a renter or to sell. The plans offer a lower cost alternative for creating more housing in our community.
Lastly, we are reposting some information from our Police Department offering clarification on immigration issues locally. Please share this with your friends and neighbors should you find it helpful.
Thanks for the read.
| | Emergency Management Update | | |
Mondays are Emergency Management Mondays at the City of Poulsbo. Follow our Facebook posts for weekly tips to participate in the Prepare in a Year program. There are twelve easy steps to prepare you and loved ones for an emergency. The first step is always the toughest, so be sure to get this one done!
Step 1: BUILD A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Disasters scramble our thoughts, but don’t let them scramble your family plan. Make a list of all important contacts and give a written copy to everyone in the house. Pick an out-of-area contact that all people in the house can check in with. Texting often works even when calls don’t!
| | Housing, Health and Human Services Department Update | | |
Grand Opening
The City's Recovery Cafe had its grand opening in late January to celebrate the completion of our kitchen and our approval to operate (thank you, Kitsap Public Health!). The space was full of members, staff, families, well-wishers and supporters, and it was clear, to all of us, that we live in a community that cares deeply about each other. Once we figure out how to navigate the kitchen equipment we'll be serving meals five days a week. For now: we welcome members and guests Monday-Thursday from 10am to 3pm.
| | | Planning and Economic Development Department Update | | |
Two New Permit Ready ADU’s
Last June, the City released four pre-approved designs by Artisans Group Architect for small residential units, ranging from 480 to 800 square feet. These plans were created to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—or smaller secondary (or primary) homes—more accessible by reducing or eliminating the cost of hiring an architect and simplifying the permitting process. The plans are free to use, and projects using them benefit from a streamlined review process and reduced permitting costs.
While these plans are available in Poulsbo, they are also being used in Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Bremerton, and parts of Kitsap County, helping expand housing options throughout the region.
The City’s contract with the architect included six total designs. The first four were already in use in other Western Washington communities, while the final two were designed specifically for Kitsap County. These regionally tailored plans—the Kitsap and the Salish—were shaped by input from the Kitsap Builders Association, a key partner in promoting high-quality, attainable housing.
| | The Kitsap (above) - The Kitsap is the first pre-approved ADU plan to include a garage, with options for either a two- or three-car configuration. | | The Salish (above) - The Salish is the largest ADU allowed under current regulations at 1,000 square feet and features three bedrooms, with two distinct roof pitch options. | | |
All six plans are designed to meet Passive House standards, meaning they are highly energy-efficient and help reduce long-term energy costs and carbon emissions. The plans were developed by an architectural firm with extensive experience creating permit-ready housing designs.
Interested in learning more?
Visit our website to explore the plans and see how easy it can be to build a Permit-Ready ADU in Poulsbo: Permit Ready ADUs | City of Poulsbo
| | Engineering and Building Department Update | |
Engineering Update
Noll Road Corridor Improvements Project- Construction on the Noll Road North Segment of this project has resumed after a break due to the holidays and inclement weather. Grading and installation of driveways, sidewalks, and roadway, and paving of the shared use path will be ongoing through February, weather dependent. Streetlights, signs, and lighting are all being installed along the project route.
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The new roundabout at the intersection of Noll Road, Mesford Road, and Langaunet Lane is the next focus, with curbs being installed and the new storm drain system going in. Completion is expected in late spring or early summer.
The next phase of this project will be the Middle Segment, with design plans now advancing to 60% completion. This phase includes the section between Hostmark Street and the new roundabout being constructed at Noll Road and Mesford Road. An open house for the Middle Segment Design is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, to provide an overview of the upcoming work and allow time for questions regarding the project.
For project updates and upcoming work expected, please check our website at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/noll-rd-north-construction/. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this project!
| | Rotary Morrow Community Park- A new retaining wall has been completed at the Rotary Morrow Community Park on Noll Road, replacing the previous wall. The new wall is a more functional and aesthetically pleasing gravity block wall rather than the original rock wall. The work was completed by Tree Surgeon. The project will be presented at a City Council meeting in February for final project acceptance. | | |
Building Update
Water and Sewer Connection Fees were updated on January 1, 2026. Please visit our website for the latest fees: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/building-department.
There was a total of 459 building permits issued in 2025, for a total construction valuation of $72.4 million. This was an average of 38 permits issued per month. The current average plan review time is 6 weeks for residential permits and 8 weeks for commercial building permits.
| | Survey Coming Soon! The Building Department would love to hear from you about our new electronic submittal process, which we implemented in January. Please look for a survey coming to our website soon! | | Finance Department Update | | |
Poulsbo Event and Recreation Center - Your Opportunity to share in the Progress
The City of Poulsbo will be selling bonds to finance the Poulsbo Event and Recreation Center (PERC) next February 4, 2026. If you would like to earn investment earnings and help the progress of the PERC, please use the information on the linked flyer to become part of this new and upcoming gem for recreation in the City of Poulsbo.
For additional information regarding the bonds, please see the bond flyer.
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Utility Rates
The Low Income Senior and Disabled Reduced Rate Utility Program income limit has increased to $51,169 for 2026. Eligibility information and application forms are available online at: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/utility-billing/. For further assistance, contact the Finance Department at 360-394-9881.
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Do you mail your utility payment?
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) implemented new procedures for dating mail on Dec. 24, postmarking letters and packages with the date they are processed at a postal facility rather than when they are dropped off in a mailbox — a shift that could affect whether time-sensitive mail is considered on time.
Date differences between when a piece of mail is dropped off by the sender and when it is processed and postmarked are likely to “become more common” as the changes roll out, according to USPS.
What can you do to ensure your payment arrives on time?
- Mail your payment well in advance of the due date (the 20th of every month).
- At the post office, you can request a manual postmark (also called a local postmark) to ensure the date matches when your item was accepted.
- Sign up for automatic payments and you won’t need to worry about postmarks. Your payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the 20th of every month.
| | The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring. Click here to learn more details about open positions! | | Parks and Recreation Department Update | | |
Muriel Iverson Williams Park
The south end picnic area renovation was completed by the city's Public Works Department in December 2025. The area was identified as needing a refresh years ago due to a failing concrete pad and the need to expand tree collar spacing to allow for healthier tree root growth. Other needs identified at the time included upgraded lighting for public safety, increased accessibility of pathways, improvements to water runoff management, updated ADA picnic tables, native landscaping, and improved visibility. Unfortunately, one of the London Plane trees in the renovation area fell, and two others were determined to have severely compromised root systems and were in danger of falling. The trees were removed for safety and were replaced with trees selected with guidance from members of the Poulsbo Tree Board. The renovation is now completed and includes five new picnic tables, new lighting, native plantings which are more conducive to our changing climate, and a beautiful open community space. The adjacent planting area is also one of three new Pollinator Pathways planted as part of the Poulsbo Pollinator Project. Many thanks to our Public Works crew for another successful beautification project, as well as the community Pollinator Project volunteers.
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2026 Policy and Fee Changes
Special Event Permit Application fees have been increased to accurately account for administrative processing time. For more information on Special Events, including the newly established seasonal schedule for events held at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, visit https://cityofpoulsbo.com/special-event-permit/.
Beginning January 1, 2026, registrants wishing to withdraw from a program will be charged a $10 administrative fee if they withdraw more than five business days before the start date of the program. If they withdraw five or less days before the start date, no credit or refund will be given.
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Help Improve Your Community!
The City of Poulsbo is seeking five qualified and passionate community members to serve on our citizen volunteer Tree Board. Four new members must live within the Poulsbo city limits; one may live outside the city limits within the 98370 zip code. For more information and to apply, visit https://cityofpoulsbo.com/boards-commissions/.
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Be Kind to Your Heart this February!
February is American Heart Month, and Random Act of Kindness Week is February 14-20, making this a great month to practice kindness to yourself through self-care. We have a variety of classes that will help you reduce your stress levels and strengthen your heart and body. Laughter Yoga is an easy, fun exercise that will bring a reduction of stress and tiredness, a renewal of physical energy and greater inner calm. Intro to Tai Chi builds muscle strength, improves postural stability and releases tension. Lifelong Health and Fitness for seniors will provide the physical activity needed for older adults to prevent or delay many of the health problems that come with age, while also providing a needed social outlet. And these three programs are free! We also have a variety of other fitness and well-being classes, such as Tighten & Tone, Yogalates, and Chair Yoga. Read what one of our senior participants recently said about Chair Yoga:
| | “Our Senior Chair Yoga class recently learned that we were going to be able to enjoy new equipment for our class. Thank you so very much. As you may know, Jolene is a wonderful instructor and perfect for our group. She is a treasure and we are so grateful for her. I have been coming to this class since I moved to Poulsbo back in 2018. I am now 71. My husband also attends and he is 77. The ages for my classmates span the mid-60’s to 97. We have all become like family to each other-socializing outside of our class time and checking in on each other when someone is absent. Words cannot express how much I, and my fellow classmates, appreciate this class. Our heartfelt thanks, again, for all you do to support Senior fitness.” | | | | | |
