News

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is proud to celebrate a major professional milestone for one of its own. James Davis, Economic Development Manager at KEDA, has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), one of the most respected credentials in the field of economic development.The CEcD designation is a globally recognized mark of excellence, awarded to professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and commitment to the profession. Candidates must meet rigorous standards, including passing a comprehensive exam that covers key areas such as business retention and expansion, real estate...

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 Forecast on April 2, hosted at the stunning Clearwater Casino Resort, where community and business leaders gathered to reflect on the region’s progress and look ahead to its economic future.This year, we are especially honored to recognize John Powers, KEDA’s Executive Director from 2011 to 2020, whose leadership helped shape...

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 means more chances to connect with customers and grow your earnings. Visitors will need transportation, places to stay, and convenient services—making this an ideal moment to step into flexible, on-demand work.To help local residents prepare, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has partnered with Olympic College to offer informational webinars...

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 before.Warning Signs Are Hard to Ignore Related, on Tuesday Goldman Sachs increased their probability of the US entering a recession this year to 30 percent. That same day Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said his firm’s model now forecasts recession risk at 49 percent, “pointing to stagnant retail sales,...

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 economy. While neighboring King County continues to see high costs, Kitsap County has maintained a competitive edge with a significantly lower cost of living—17.9% lower than King County. This profile highlights the fact that Kitsap’s robust economy continues as it remains anchored by a solid public sector, with civilian government...

Reposted from the Suquamish Tribe news release:Suquamish, WA —The Suquamish Tribe continues to be a driving force in the regional economy, according to a new economic impact study conducted by renowned economist John B. Taylor. The study details the full scope of the Tribe’s contributions across Kitsap County and the state of Washington in 2023.Among the study’s key findings:The Suquamish Tribe is one of the top five employers in Kitsap County, with 1,240 employees working across tribal government and a wide array of business enterprises.$7.2 million is infused into the local economy each month—totaling more than $85.5 million annually—through payroll...

Public sector leads growth in Kitsap County workforce SILVERDALE, WA – The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in collaboration with the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University (CERB-WWU), has published the 2024 Kitsap Top Employers List, offering critical insight into the county’s employment landscape.As the most frequently accessed report on KEDA’s website, the Top Employers List is a valuable resource for public and private sector partners, site selectors, real estate professionals, and companies exploring expansion or relocation in Kitsap County. The 2024 data reflects total headcount and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employment as of December 31, 2024,...

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) was designed to support the vitality of our community.But how can we succeed at doing that when the economy is so turbulent? What tools can we offer our business owners to help them weather a difficult storm?Although the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognizes National Economic Development Week during the month of May, partnering with business owners to successfully ride the wave of economic change is a priority that never wanes. “The truth is, business owners should lean on their economic development organizations in any economy, but especially during times of significant and rapid change. There are...

Reflecting on 2024 Achievements and carrying 'One Kitsap' forward in 20252024 was a significant year for the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance as the organization celebrated key milestones while laying the groundwork for future initiatives. Guided by our vision of Economic Vitality for All in One Spectacular Place, KEDA has emerged as a leader in regional economic development. With the launch of our ambitious One Kitsap five-year regional economic strategy last year, KEDA is charting the course ahead for a vibrant, thriving economic future in Kitsap. Reflecting on 2024 Achievements Last year, KEDA prioritized initiatives across business retention and expansion, workforce development, Kitsap’s...

Opinion: How to keep and grow defense-related economic impact in WashingtonJames Collins and Dave Zeeck to The Kitsap SunThe military presence in Washington State is critical for national defense and an overwhelmingly positive force for the state’s economy.To keep it that way the state needs a new strategy and approach – working at the governor’s direction – that focuses exclusively on protecting and growing defense-related economic impact.That’s a pivotal conclusion of a recently released independent economic impact analysis commissioned by the Washington Legislature.As the home to six major military installations, over 100,000 personnel, 185,000 military family members, and more than...

PORT ORCHARD, WA —After a two-year-long public discussion of future growth and Kitsap’s future through 2044, the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan Update is nearing a conclusion. After receiving public testimony on Sept. 24, the Kitsap County Planning Commission has made a recommendation regarding updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Facilities Plan and Development Regulations. This recommendation is based on the draft documents released on Aug. 30, 2024, and amended as shown in their Findings of Fact.The amendments proposed by the Planning Commission considered public comments and adjusted tree canopy requirements, removed additional boundary line adjustment regulations, and made other changes.Their...

 KEDA and Western Washington University Center for Economic and Business Research partner to produce Kitsap Top Employers ListSILVERDALE, WA – The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in collaboration with the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University, has released its 2023 Kitsap Top Employers List. The most frequently accessed report on KEDA’s website, this data is crucial for public and private partners, potential real estate investors, and companies considering expansion or relocation. The report's employment counts, reflecting total headcount and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employment as of December 31, 2023, are based on primary data of what...

Discovering Kitsap Peninsula's Recreational TreasuresThe Kitsap Peninsula, renowned for its natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, offers a unique blend of activities that attract tourists and support economic growth. Kitsap is a haven for those seeking adventure and relaxation, from its expansive shorelines to its lush parks and trails. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the region promises many experiences highlighting the peninsula's treasures.A Paradise for Water EnthusiastsBoating and MarinasWith over 250 miles of accessible saltwater coastline, Kitsap is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. Boating, fishing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddle...

CHOOSE WASHINGTONWe usually don’t brag about any ranking that wouldn’t win us a medal at the Olympics. But we can’t resist bragging about Seattle being #6 in the world! When it comes to Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance, we’re right up there with New York, London, Tokyo and Paris in the Global Cities Index ranking of the top 1,000 largest cities in the world.Being ranked #6 isn’t bad, considering 994 other cities—including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Melbourne and Zurich—are looking up to us, green with envy.What makes us stand out in the world? According to the...

In celebration of Economic Development Month, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (“KEDA”) is embarking on a bold, ambitious journey to transform Kitsap County's economic landscape. Dubbed "One Kitsap," this five-year strategic initiative aims to deliver tangible results for the region through public and private partnerships. One Kitsap sets the stage for Kitsap's economic future with a clear focus on creating opportunities, fostering collaboration, and building sustainable capacity.Setting the Stage: The Need for One KitsapAs the region continues to evolve since the pandemic, KEDA recognizes the importance of aligning its efforts with Kitsap's unique economic development needs and opportunities. According to Joe...

Joe Morrison Guest column to the Kitsap SunOne Kitsap - KEDA's Ambitious 5-Year Economic StrategyAround this time last year, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) held eight meetings with over 60 stakeholders. We asked two questions of our community: One, what were the economic issues we were facing locally? Two, as the economic developer, where should our organization focus its efforts over the next five years to make the greatest impact?Discussions brought together a wide range of community stakeholders: Tribal leaders, small business owners, public officials, educators. They were joined by others from a variety of industries, such as financial...

Kitsap County, located in Washington's Central Puget Sound Region, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities but also its rich Native American heritage. The Suquamish Tribe and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, the original inhabitants of this land, have made significant contributions to the economic development and cultural preservation of the region. Even today, a deep-rooted connection exists between both tribes and Kitsap County's economic landscape.   The Suquamish Tribe: Stewards of Tradition and Economic Growth  The Suquamish Tribe, whose name, D'Suq'Wub, translates to "people of the clear salt water," has inhabited the...

Joe Morrison, KEDA Executive Director for the Kitsap Sun  As I write this, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is in the final stages of signing a $500,000 contract. We are set to receive a two-year grant to launch an innovation cluster in autonomous and unmanned water vehicles.  Let’s break it down a little — and talk a little bit about economic clusters, entrepreneurship and innovation, and why it’s important communities and economies are aspirational. Economic clusters date back to 1890, when English economist Alfred Marshall first described them as a "concentration of specialized industries in particular...