Poulsbo to display Pride banners downtown in June after council vote

The Poulsbo City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to display Pride banners on city-owned downtown fixtures from June 1 through June 30, 2025.

The measure, moved and seconded during the meetingand approved on a recorded voice vote, directs Public Works to install flags starting the first weekend of June; councilmembers and staff discussed logistics, notification to community groups and security following last year's vandalism.

Why it matters: Council members said the banners are a free-speech display requested by local groups and serve as a public signal of inclusion. Several residents and community organizations spoke in favor during public comment, saying the flags support diversity and will be an important part of downtown activities in June.

During public comment, speakers urged the council to continue the display. Eve Pollet of Rainbow Crew Northwest thanked the council for moving forward with the banners. Pam Keeley, representing Poulsbo For All, said she expected the banners and related events to show “full-throated endorsement and support for all of the people in the Poulsbo community.” Patrick Wright of the Human Rights Council of Kitsap said he felt “confident as a trans person” in the council’s willingness to listen.

Council discussion focused on logistics: Public Works staff said they were prepared to install the flags beginning June 1 (or June 2 if June 1 proved impractical), and councilmembers asked that the city notify Poulsbo Pride when the flags are rigged so the organization can inform members. Councilmember McVey asked Police Department staff to coordinate if community members planned to stay near the banners overnight for protection, citing last year—s vandalism; Councilmember Eckert urged people who disagree with the banners to "leave them alone" and emphasized the city—s public-speech resolution.

The motion recorded by the clerk read: “Poulsbo City Hall and displaying banners on downtown city owned fixtures from June 1 to 06/30/2025.” The roll-call as announced in the transcript was: McVeigh (aye); Eckert (aye); Tabor (aye); Pro (aye); Libdahl (aye); Newell (aye); Stern (aye). The mayor declared the motion adopted.

The city said it will post installation timing on city channels and coordinate with Poulsbo Pride; Public Works noted it has sufficient flags on hand and discussed donating a repaired banner to the local museum as previously considered.

Council members and speakers urged respectful behavior from residents during the display and coordination with police to reduce risk of vandalism or conflict.