Short Term Rental Regulation at Council Tonight

Tue Jan 23, 6pm

City Manager Blair King will introduce an amended Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance tonight to City Council, one that focuses on fact-finding and fair, data-based actions.

The Chamber has worked with the Bainbridge Innkeepers group and the City to come up with regulation that we believe strikes a good balance between boosting the economic benefit of STR's while balancing impacts on island residents.

Tonight is an opportunity for members of the community to join the community discussion and looking forward, we hope that this process of expanded stakeholder engagement can serve as a model for future policy development within the community and City Council. 

A vote on the Proposed STR Ordinance 2023-26 is expected in February.

HRB's Wins State Grant, Dramatically Reduces Wintergreen Townhome Prices

Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB) was awarded a competitive $2.5 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund to further subsidize its 31 affordable homes at Wintergreen Townhomes near the Virginia Mason Bainbridge Island Medical Center off High School Road.

With that grant, HRB anticipates lowering prices, on average, by an additional $80,000, so that the final cost to buyers can be as low as $274,000.

HRB will make the units available to households earning 80% of area median income or below, who are also first-time home buyers (or have not owned a home during the previous three years or only previously owned one with a former spouse).

Gov Inslee: Major WA Housing Investments at Work

In related news, the Department of Commerce announced its largest-ever set of annual housing investments last week.

In 2023, the Legislature “went big” on housing, budgeting over $1 billion to build affordable housing and promote new homeownership over the 2023-25 biennium.

The department awarded a total of $313 million to 73 affordable housing projects, creating 3,913 new housing units for low-income Washingtonians, including 470 for first-time homeowners, 155 accessible units for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and 354 supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness or behavioral health conditions.

Of the 73 supported projects, five were supported by funding from a new public-private partnership with the Amazon Housing Equity Fund. Amazon and the state have partnered to invest $28.8 million to build 1,133 new affordable housing units near public transit hubs.

Walk-On Passengers Loading via Car Deck This Week

Tues & Wed, Jan 23 & 24

Plan for possible boarding and offloading delays at our Bainbridge terminal for two days this week as all walk-on passengers load and unload via the car deck.

After the 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan 23 departure, through Wednesday afternoon, Jan 24, the overhead walkway will be closed so crews can replace mechanical systems in preparation for the scheduled opening of the new overhead walkway next month.

Veteran Arts Journalist Michael C. Moore Passes Away

Michael C. Moore passed January 12 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Michael was a passionate arts journalist and advocate, having covered the regional arts scene for more than 20 years with the Kitsap Sun.

His decades of experience and relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment made him a trusted partner, and resulted in an impressive body of work including interviews with Joan Rivers, Arlo Guthrie, Al Stewart, Manhattan Transfer, Three Dog Night, Ann Wilson, Lisa Loeb, and many more.

He will also be remembered by many as a quick-witted friend and an incredibly kind person.

HomeStreet Bank After Hours Sold Out

Thur Jan 25, 5:30-7:30pm

The Chamber is delighted to announce that the first 2024 After Hours will have a capacity crowd helping to celebrate HomeStreet Bank (921 Hildebrand Ln #100) 10th anniversary on Bainbridge on the evening of January 25.

Food will be provided by Chamber member Bainbridge Thai Cuisine.

EXCITING NEWS: In addition to the return of Eleven Winery as our 2024 After Hours Wine Sponsor, the Chamber is delighted to also announce Sponsorship and complimentary beer from our friends at Bainbridge Brewing for the enjoyment of our guests...

After Hours tickets are always free for Chamber members and invited guests, with a very limited number available to non-members for $20 each.

Community Update: BIRD (Bainbridge Island Resource Directory)

Looking for info, assistance, or other resources on the Island?

Check out the Bainbridge Island Resource Directory (BIRD) a service of the Senior Community Center in partnership with multiple island nonprofits.

BIRD is designed to provide you with information about programs and services to help you respond to life’s challenges across healthcare, public services, transportation and more.

New Ownership For Bainbridge UPS Store

Meet Duncan & Lori Sinclair - the new owners of the Bainbridge and Poulsbo UPS Store and are part owners at the Silverdale Store.

The Sinclairs have committed to additional training for employees, and adding new services to their business including freight shipping and notary services to the ongoing array of print, binding, and mini-Post Office services.

Last month, the store handled a record 600 packages in a day (and typically handles between 300-400 daily packages).

Visit them in the Safeway Plaza at 300 High School Road.

New Years Resolution:

24 for 24 Campaign

Helpline House, Bainbridge Prepares and Island Volunteer Caregivers have joined forces to launch the “24 for 24” campaign.

This initiative aims to inspire individuals to dedicate 24 hours of their time in 2024 towards volunteering for the betterment of their community. 

All three organizations have a long-standing commitment to serving the community and have come together with a shared vision of creating a significant impact on social issues such as emergency preparedness, food instability, and support for those facing challenges related to aging and disability—all to improve the lives of those in need. 

Jake's Pickup Hot Lunch Service Returns

It's baaaaack! After too long away, and having fought a succession of equipment challenges, Jake's Pickup wis now pumping out an array of hot lunch items each Monday thru Friday 11am-2pm. 

Head on over to Jake's Pickup and make your week a little warmer and a little happier! 

Headshot Mini Marathon

Fiona Margo Photography is hosting headshot mini marathon days now through mid-March.

This 20 minute shoot, includes 5 images for $375+tax.

Chamber Members get 10% off with code CHAMBER10.

Kitsap Great Give Registration is Open

Your Kitsap Great Give 2024 campaign is on its way!

Registration closes for nonprofit participation at midnight on Wednesday, January 31.

Once you have completed all the requirements and submitted your registration form

New Clients Get 10% off at Vitality Bodywork

It's that time of year again: time to assess what worked and what wasn't so productive this past year.

Vitality Bodywork wants to make it easy for you to choose a healthy path with a regular dose of massage.

Bainbridge Island Woodworks is Seeking an Experienced Woodworker

Learn More & Apply by Emailing Anthony

Bainbridge Island Farmers Market is Seeking a Seasonal, Part‐Time Market Manager

Learn More & Apply