|
Bainbridge Islanders,
We want to hear from you. At the past couple of Council meetings, we’ve had thoughtful public comment, with several speakers sharing that it was their first time at the City Hall podium. We welcome those who were able to join us, invite others to participate, and recognize that not everyone can easily attend an evening meeting away from home. You can also email us or send a letter by mail (280 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110).
| |
In 2026, we’re working on new ways to reach those who live, work, and play on Bainbridge Island. Over the next couple of months, Council will hear from staff about different ways we plan to gather community input on interest in speed safety cameras, as well as plans for a Youth Day at City Hall and so much more. We hope you follow along and engage in the Council meeting presentations, discussions, and actions.
Ways to Watch and Engage with City Council Meetings
- In-person at the City Hall, City Council Chambers
- Zoom
-
City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "Live" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE)
There are also several major projects on the horizon where your input will be important, including completing the Comprehensive Plan update mid-year, developing the 2027–2028 City budget for adoption this fall, and updating the Climate Action Plan.
We look forward to keeping you updated.
All my best,
Ellen Schroer
Acting City Manager
| | | (image: Seattle Seahawks) | | | | |
City Facilities will be closed on Feb. 16 in observance of President's Day.
There will be no City Highlight email on Feb. 20.
| | | | |
|
On Tuesday, the Bainbridge Island City Council issued a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month, reaffirming the City’s commitment to honoring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans.
Members of the Kitsap Black Student Union were present to accept the proclamation, marking the moment with community partnership and shared reflection.
This year’s national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” recognizes the 100th anniversary of the movement begun in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month remains a time to both celebrate the profound impact of Black Americans on our nation and acknowledge the ongoing work to eliminate racial bias and systemic barriers.
The City encourages Islanders to continue learning and engaging year-round, including supporting Black-centered organizations such as the Kitsap Black Student Union and experiencing Black-centered art like the Truth and Memories exhibit at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
Together, we honor the past and commit to a more inclusive future.
| | Commerce Presentation to Council on Housing Accountability Act Selected Review Process - Feb. 17 | | |
The City of Bainbridge Island received notice on January 13 from the Washington State Department of Commerce that it has been selected for the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) Selected Review process.
City Council will receive a presentation from Commerce at the Tuesday, February 17 Study Session with additional information about what Selected Review means for the City.
In 2025, the Legislature adopted the HAA (E2SSB 5148), establishing review processes to help jurisdictions bring local housing plans and regulations into compliance with state law. The HAA Selected Review is a state-led process that provides technical assistance to support jurisdictions in updating their Comprehensive Plan housing element and related development regulations to meet Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements.
Commerce selected eight jurisdictions statewide for Selected Review, based on criteria outlined in RCW 36.70A.835.
|
| Accepting Applications for the NEW Mobility Advisory Committee | | |
We are excited to announce that applications for the new Mobility Advisory Committee are now open! This Committee will advise City Council and assist City Staff on issues relating to mobility and transportation on Bainbridge Island with a particular emphasis on non-motorized and shared mobility (i.e. walking, biking, transit, rideshare).
The City aims to create a balanced Committee that represents a diverse range of mobility perspectives, after all, we all have places to go! We are strongly encouraging residents who identify as the following to apply:
- Non-drivers (disabled, car-free)
- Persons of color
- High school students
- Low-income
- Parents of school aged children
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13. Questions about the Mobility Advisory Committee can be directed to the City's Sustainable Transportation Coordinator, Hannah Boettcher, at hboettcher@bainbridgewa.gov.
| | Temporary Traffic Lights at Head of the Bay | | |
Temporary traffic signals are now in place at the Head of the Bay. This section of roadway is now under 24-hour, one-lane access.
Flaggers will direct traffic during the day, and the temporary signals will manage traffic after work hours. Between green lights, there will be a 40-second all-red phase to allow any vehicles in the lane to fully clear the work zone.
Travelers should expect delays. Please plan ahead and consider using an alternate route, if feasible.
| | |
Why one lane?
The single-lane configuration is necessary to give crews adequate space to safely pour and properly cure new concrete curbing on both sides of the roadway. The corridor is especially constrained due to the narrow roadway, adjacent shorelines and wetlands, and nearby steep slopes, making it challenging to maintain two-way traffic during this phase of work.
| | |
Look at this!
Take a look at the bike lane and widened shoulder starting to take shape on Wyatt!
Thank you for your patience as this important safety and infrastructure work continues.
| | WSDOT 305/High School Road Roundabout Engagement | | |
To gather community input, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) hosted an in-person open house on Wednesday, February 11, at Woodward Middle School.
If you didn't make it, you can still engage with the project in WSDOT's online open house and survey.
This online open house is available through February 20, 2026.
| | (image: WSDOT Feb. 11 Open House) | | Get Ready for the Annual Agate Pass Bridge Cleaning! | | |
Beginning Monday, February 23, WSDOT crews will conduct five days of daytime cleaning and maintenance on the SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge, continuing through Friday, Feb. 27.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers alternating directions. Travelers should expect delays of 30 minutes or longer.
Daytime work is required so crews can safely use specialized under-bridge inspection trucks to access the structure.
WSDOT is encouraging drivers to carpool, telework, travel outside work hours, or allow extra time for trips.
| | City Manager Recruitment Process | | Find the latest updates on the City Manager recruitment process on our website. | | | Chilly Hilly on Sunday Feb. 22 | | |
The 53rd Annual Chilly Hilly takes place Sunday, February 22, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event begins at Colman Dock in Seattle. Riders will take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and complete a 33-mile loop around the Island.
More information is available on the Cascade Bicycle Club website.
Travelers are urged to use caution while driving around the Island during this time, especially near the Head of the Bay construction area.
(Image: Cascade Bicycle Club)
| | Applications Open for Ethics Board | | |
Applications are now open for the City's Ethics Board, with the first review occurring at the end of February.
Get a closer look - or listen - at the role and responsibilities of this volunteer board in this What’s Up Bainbridge podcast episode. In the episode, Ethics Board members Doña Keating and Rafael Escandon join host Robert Ross to discuss the Board’s purpose, how it is managed, and why its work is important to the community.
| | Support Local Shops this February | | |
Live or work on Bainbridge Island? Enjoy “locals only” deals from more than 60 Island businesses all month long.
Find participating businesses HERE and join the conversation at #LoveLocal98110 on social media!
Bainbridge Chamber has a printed list and Love Local buttons while supplies last. Love Local is presented by the Bainbridge Chamber and the Downtown Association. (Image courtesy of the Chamber Facebook page)
| | | |
Register for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Basic Academy!
| | |
Sign up now for the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Academy!
Dates: March 14, 15, 21, and 22*
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
*Participants must attend all four days to graduate.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training enables ordinary people to safely act as first responders in the event of a disaster. The basic training course includes 24 hours of instruction combining classroom study and hands-on exercises. The course concludes with a simulated disaster in which the course participants will demonstrate the skills learned throughout the course. You must complete this training to join the Bainbridge Prepares volunteer CERT team.
| | Space is limited. Register today! | | |
Councilmembers from left to right:
Ashley Mathews (South Ward - District 6), Clarence Moriwaki (Central Ward - District 5),
Lara Lant (North Ward - District 7), Kirsten Hytopoulos (At Large - District 1),
Mike Nelson (South Ward - District 3), Brenda Fantroy-Johnson (North Ward - District 2), Leslie Schneider (Central Ward - District 4)
| | |
The next meeting of the City Council will be on February 17, 2026 at 6 p.m.
City Council Study Session Meeting Key Topics:
- Receive Presentation on WA Department of Commerce Housing Accountability Act
- Discuss Provision of the Department of Commerce Technical Assistance Directly to City Council
- Receive Presentation on Land Capacity Analysis Methodology for the Winslow Subarea
The above agenda key topics list is not a complete list of agenda topics. Click on the button below for the full agenda. City Council Agendas are available to view the Friday before the meeting by 5pm.
| | |
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall, City Council Chambers
- Zoom
-
City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "Live" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE)
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
| | | | |
