News Archive

Honoring leadership that has shaped Kitsap County’s economic strength—past, present, and future.The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is proud to recognize three outstanding leaders as our 2026 Economic Champions—individuals whose dedication and vision have made a lasting impact on Kitsap County.These awards were presented during KEDA’s Annual Meeting & Economic...Continue Reading

Tap Into Summer: How to Earn More with Gig Work This SeasonThis summer’s international soccer tournament is expected to bring a surge of visitors to our region—creating a unique opportunity for those looking to earn extra income through gig work.From rideshare driving to short-term rentals and food-based businesses, increased demand...Continue Reading

Originally published in the Kitsap Sun, this article was updated with information from KEDA’s Annual Meeting and Economic Forecast on April 9. Joe Morrison, KEDA Executive Director morrison@kitsapeda.orgMy new favorite pastime is filling up my gas tank whenever it’s half full. That and monitoring prices per gallon like I never have...Continue Reading

Launch Your Career in Economic Development with Hands-On Experience in Kitsap CountyThe Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is seeking motivated students to apply for our Summer 2026 Economic Development Internship in Kitsap County, Washington. (Information and Application instructions are attached to this message.) As an organization dedicated to the economic...Continue Reading

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITY INVESTMENT IN NORTH KITSAPKEDA has prepared a economic activity analysis of the updated North Kitsap United proposal for the Kingston Stakeholders Group. This proposed recreation campus in North Kitsap has the potential to generate more than $100 million in economic activity while addressing critical community...Continue Reading

This June, the region is expecting an unprecedented 750,000 visitors — and hotels within a 3-hour radius of Seattle are projected to sell out.That means thousands of people will be looking for: A place to stayKEDA is teaming up with Olympic College Continuing Education to help our community turn this...Continue Reading

KEDA Vice Chair and Healthcare Leader Recognized for Advancing Workforce Development, Regional Investment, and Healthcare Expansion in Kitsap CountyKITSAP COUNTY, WA — Chad Melton, Interim President, Puget Sound Market and President of St. Michael Medical Center, has been named the 2026 Economic Development Advocate of the Year by the Washington...Continue Reading

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard’s proposed multi-mission dry dock project in Bremerton is moving forward with planning that could also support environmental restoration in Sinclair Inlet. As part of required mitigation for construction and dredging, the U.S. Navy is exploring shoreline wetland restoration projects around the inlet.The new dry dock is...Continue Reading

KEDA Releases RFP for Child Care Business Toolkit ConsultantSilverdale, WA – The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified consultant or consulting team to develop a comprehensive Child Care Business Toolkit to support the expansion of licensed child care capacity in Kitsap...Continue Reading

NEWS RELEASEContact: Theresa MangrumCommunications & Events Managermangrum@kitsapeda.org 360-479-3712Kitsap County Economy Shows Resilience and Growth Amid Shifting Regional TrendsSILVERDALE, WA — The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in partnership with Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research, has released its Kitsap County Profile, revealing a robust and distinct regional...Continue Reading

The Long Game of Infrastructure—and Why It’s Worth the WaitAs we all know, there are numerous infrastructure projects happening in and around our area, from stormwater improvements affecting ferry routes to fixing a major transportation pain point.JOE MORRISON, KEDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORWe completely understand how challenging (and frustrating!) it can be...Continue Reading

A significant new federal leasing opportunity tied to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) is now open — and it has direct implications for Kitsap County property owners, developers, and contractors.The Department of the Navy (DoN), on behalf of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, has issued a Solicitation...Continue Reading

Ready for 2026? Join Us at the Ready Kitsap: Business & Tourism SummitBig opportunities are on the horizon for Kitsap County—and local businesses that prepare now will be best positioned to thrive.KEDA is proud to sponsor the Ready Kitsap: Business & Tourism Summit, a one-day event designed to help businesses...Continue Reading

With support from Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, Darren O’Connor transformed an EV charging concept into a scalable manufacturing business.In 2019, Darren O’Connor was in San Diego, hanging out. Taking a break from a career in the telecom industry that spanned over 25 years.One day, he noticed his neighbor’s plug...Continue Reading

Deadline extended: Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 RFA Application deadline extended to Dec. 30, 2025Commerce has extended the Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 RFA application deadline to Dec. 30.  Washington remains under a statewide emergency declaration and many communities continue to respond to ongoing flooding and other related...Continue Reading

Request for proposals: For development of child care and energy transmission siting resourcesProposals are due by Jan. 6more infoWashington Stated Dept of Commerce is seeking proposals from firms interested in developing technical assistance documents intended to help local governments site child care facilities and energy transmission infrastructure.Commerce will award one...Continue Reading

WorkSource Kitsap and WorkSource Clallam in partnership with Olympic Workforce Development Council is excited to announce the return of our Small Business grants. The grant supports Black, Latine, Tribal, Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander small businesses in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties through the Commerce Reinvestment Program Initiative. Two small...Continue Reading

Learn how to prepare for and manage the impacts of government shutdowns, funding delays, and contract disruptions. Practical strategies to protect and sustain your business during difficult times.In today’s uncertain contracting environment, small businesses face shifting budgets, delayed payments, and changing federal priorities. When financial pressures or government shutdowns occur,...Continue Reading

Next summer, over 750,000 visitors are expected to flood the Puget Sound region as Seattle hosts matches for the 2026 global soccer tournament. For Kitsap businesses, this isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement.Event Wrap-Up: Kickstart Kitsap – From Pop-Ups to ProfitKitsap business owners, community partners, and local leaders gathered at...Continue Reading

From Workshop to Worldwide Waters: American-Made Fly Rod InnovationBefore a Sage fishing rod ever gets into the hands of an angler, it passes through dozens of other hands on the production floor.Time. Skill. Immense pride in crafting and perfecting what will eventually roll out the door and across the globe,...Continue Reading

KEDA applauds the City of Port Orchard for proactively gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and positioning our region to capture new visitor spending and business opportunities. 🌎A newly seated Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will guide how roughly $100,000 in tourism-promotion funds are invested to strengthen...Continue Reading

Next summer, the world’s largest sporting event is heading our way: The 2026 FIFA World Cup. With it comes significant potential to boost Kitsap tourism and small business.Slated to be held in 16 different cities across Mexico, Canada and the United States, what’s important for us here in the Pacific...Continue Reading