Josh Johnson, the city's contracted public information consultant, told the council that the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Seattle matches, June 15–July 6) presents an opportunity to attract day trippers and short‑stay visitors to Port Orchard. Using conservative estimates, Johnson said Kitsap County could capture a small share of metro visitors; Port Orchard's waterfront and ferry connection could draw thousands of additional day visitors if the city coordinates marketing and amenities.

Johnson recommended a set of focused actions: a presence on a countywide Kitsap 2026 website and customized Port Orchard content; targeted digital advertising and ferry‑terminal digital video to reach people while they are in Seattle and deciding day trips; a small capital program to add seating, benches, trash cans and wayfinding; temporary and permanent public art (a sea‑life sculpture scavenger hunt and murals); event programming (night markets, farmers markets) timed for gaps in the match calendar; and an analytics subscription (visitor journey product) to track movement and measure impact. Estimated county program and ad buys can vary widely; Johnson proposed modest local funding matched to county effort and recommended early procurement for site furnishings and street banners because lead times are long.

Council members discussed transit connections, late‑night ferry sailings and shuttle options, and how to balance one‑time tourism investments with ongoing needs for downtown beautification. Council indicated general support for placing modest one‑time funds in the budget to support marketing and site furnishings tied to FIFA while preserving traditional LTAC funding for other organizations; staff will coordinate a countywide approach and return with implementation details and funding requests.