Port Orchard leaders discuss marketing, signage and merchant support as Bay Street work approaches

Merchants, downtown stakeholders and city leaders told the Port Orchard Economic Development & Tourism Committee they want the city to plan active outreach and marketing to limit business losses during Bay Street construction.

Josh Johnson, Port Orchard public information officer (on contract), said communication will be crucial to letting customers know businesses are open and where to park; Mayor Rob and staff agreed that signage and a marketing campaign are realistic mitigation tools. Staff suggested simple measures — ongoing messaging, signage and event-style banners — rather than shifting general fund revenue to direct cash grants.

Several business representatives said merchants are already anxious because of past construction impacts such as the roundabout project. Monica Adams of the Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance and Sarah Butler of the Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance told the committee local merchants are organizing to propose “fan-zone” activations during construction to encourage foot traffic. Committee members suggested reaching out to the Downtown Bremerton Association for pointers on closed-street activations and to consider coordinated private funding from merchant groups or partners when possible.

Mayor Rob and staff noted limits on using the city’s general fund for direct grants, saying those dollars pay core services; instead the city can commit to marketing, signage, communications and logistical coordination. Staff also said they will investigate whether state or other external resources might be available to mitigate construction impacts.

No formal mitigation program was adopted at the meeting; staff and merchants agreed to pursue further planning and information-sharing ahead of the fall 90% design milestone.