Diversity and CommUNITY Engagement Hub Archives

On July 12th the City of Bremerton held a grand opening festival to unveil its newest cultural landmark – Quincy Square, a pedestrian friendly plaza designed to honor the legacy of record producer and musician Quincy Jones. Jones spent his early years in Bremerton where he first discovered his love for music after playing an upright piano at a community center. 

In a letter sent to the city in 2019, Jones gave his blessings for the project to be named after him. According to Jones, "Bremerton has always held a special place in my heart as it was where I first discovered what would be my life's passion, music. I would be honored and humbled to have my name grace the city's new downtown district.”

See slide show for highlights of the festival. 

July 2025

Kitsap Pride 2025 Draws Thousands!

Thousands of community members, vendors, performers and businesses gathered at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Event Center on Saturday July 19th to celebrate the 29th annual Kitsap Pride Festival.

According to Kitsap Pride President Michael Goodnow, “This was our biggest Pride yet.” The theme for this year’s festival was ‘We Unite.” 

See slide show for highlights of the festival.

One Year to Go!

Kelyn Rowe, Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Ambassador and former Seattle Sounders player, joined Mayor Greg Wheeler and other community members at the Puget Sound Navy Museum Plaza to celebrate the “One Year to Go” milestone leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in part by Seattle.

According to Jessica Combs, Executive Director for Downtown Bremerton Business Association, “Bremerton is honored to be named an official FanZone, serving as an extension of the World Cup festivities happening in Seattle. We’re looking forward to activating our waterfront with live broadcasts, cultural programming, and family-friendly experiences as part of the global celebration.”

1G2A2115
Recognizing 4th of July

Today we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave!

From sea to shining sea, let’s honor the spirit of independence, freedom and unity that makes America extraordinary. Whether you’re firing up the grill, watching fireworks light up the night sky, or spending time with loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the liberty we hold dear.

4th of July - 2025

Recognizing Juneteenth

Juneteenth - A Day of Freedom and Reflection 

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas finally received word that they were free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day, known as Juneteenth, represents both the joy of liberation and a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. 

Today we celebrate the resilience, strength, and perseverance of Black Americans while acknowledging that the work for true equality continues. Let’s honor this history by committing ourselves to creating a more just future for all. 

Federal Holiday Status (2021) 

U.S. President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983. 

Bremerton 2025 Juneteenth Freedom Festival and People's March  

Pride Month

History of Pride Month
Pride Month, observed in June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. These riots, sparked by police raids at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ activism and the push for equality.  

Beyond the Stonewall Riots
While the Stonewall Riots are a major catalyst for Pride Month, it's important to remember the broader history of LGBTQ+ activism and struggles that preceded and followed this event. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the resilience and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, while also acknowledging the ongoing fight for equality and justice.  

Kitsap Pride Bremerton
The theme for the 29th annual Kitsap Pride Festival, Unite, reflects our mission to celebrate, support, and unite the LGBTQIA+ community in Kitsap County. In a world facing uncertainty, Unite serves as a call to come together, build connections, and stand in solidarity. We believe that by fostering unity, we strengthen not only our community but also the resilience and hope within us all. On July 19, 2025, we invite everyone to join us at the festival to embrace diversity, share joy and affirm that we are stronger together. Let’s celebrate who we are and the power of unity, because in uncertain times, coming together is more important than ever. 

Sources: Wikipedia and Kitsap Pride President, Michael Goodnow

Doing Business with the City of Bremerton: FAQ

Contractors, Consultants and Vendors interested in doing business with the City of Bremerton should reach out to the City Contracts Administrator. Procurement in the City of Bremerton is performed at the department level with centralized oversight and contract management. The City’s procurement activities do not address private business activities that are operating within the City of Bremerton, such as applying for a Bremerton business license or to file taxes.

The procurement and contracting activities include the purchasing of goods and services on behalf of the City of Bremerton. Procurement works to assure fair and equitable treatment for all who do business with the City and handles the City’s surplus items through auction or recycling in accordance with state law and City code.

FAQs

Question: How do vendors, suppliers, and contractors find upcoming opportunities and active solicitations?  
Answer: Opportunities will be posted on the City's Bid Postings webpage: https://www.bremertonwa.gov/Bids.aspx.

Question: Does your agency have any diverse business (vendors, suppliers, or contractors) inclusion goals in procurement and contracts?
Answer: The City of Bremerton does not have required goals but includes Title VI language in all of our contracts.   However, as many of City of Bremerton projects include funding from entities that do have such goals we do utilize DBE goals in many of our projects. This means that our awarded contractors are required to subcontract a certain percentage of the awarded contract work to WA state DBE subcontractors. For example: the Washington and 11th Street and Storm Improvement Project, had a DBE goals of 12% of the contract work and awarded $755,813 dollars in contract work to local DBE contractors. 

Question: What, if any, rosters is your agency currently using?  How do I register?
Answer:  The City of Bremerton uses the Municipal Research Services Center Roster (MRSC Rosters). Learn more by visiting the City's MRSC Rosters webpage.

Question: If applicable, how do I register or be counted as a diverse business with your agency?
Answer: Please register via the WA state OMWBE certification process linked here. You may also self-certify via Municipal Research Services Center roster process. 

Question: What are the Public Works’ needs within the next 3-6 months?
Answer: Asphalt, striping, backfill, landscaping, arborist services, electrical contractors, traffic management, general commercial construction services.

Question: What are your top 3-5 projects coming up? 
Answer: 

  1. Expected the issuance of a chip seal ITB 
  2. Expected long – line stripping ITB 
  3. Expected electrical cabinet replacements
  4. Expected trip hazard sidewalk improvements
  5. Expected traffic signage retro-reflective replacements
  6. Expected Sheridan Road Sewer Replacement

Question: How do vendors, suppliers, and contractors find forecast information? 
Answer: The City publishes our forecasts in our annual Capital Improvement Plan and annual Transportation Improvement Plan both of which are issued in late summer early fall and open for public inspection and comment during the presentation and approval process brought to City Council. 

More Questions?
Please contact the City of Bremerton Contracts Administrator:

Melinda Monroe
Contracts Administrator 
Ph: 360-473-5306 
Email  

Staff/Community Highlight 

Quincy Square
Learn more by visiting the Quincy Square project webpage or project website.

QuincySquare

Recognizing Armed Forces Day Recap – May 17, 2025

This year’s Annual Armed Forces Day brought communities across the nation together to honor the brave men and women serving in our military. Locally, here in Bremerton we celebrated our 78th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade showcasing all branches of the armed forces. 

The observance strengthened bonds between military families and civilian communities. This year’s celebration reminded us of the ongoing sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families. Our local annual parade successfully bridged the gap between military and civilian life, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for those who serve our country. 

History of Armed Forces Day 
In 1948, the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce organized a parade honoring Bremertonian John “Bud” Hawk after he was presented with the Medal of Honor for his heroism in World War II. The next year in 1949, Armed Forces Day became a national holiday honoring all branches of service. The Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade has been running ever since and is the largest and longest running Armed Forces Day Parade west of the Mississippi. Now led by the Greater Kitsap Chamber, this tradition carries on with member businesses, like Title Sponsor Kitsap Credit Union, stepping up to support the parade and festival. 

Staff/Community Highlight 

Armed Forces Day Parade – May 17, 2025

Scenes from the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade
April 2025

Recognizing Public Health Awareness Month

In recognition of Public Health Awareness Month, we’d like to share some valuable information and resources provided from Kitsap Public Health Community Liaison, Community Health Naomi Levine, PhD. 

Question: Levine, considering prevention is key to prevent substance misuse and overdoses in the community how can citizens be proactive? 

Answers:  

  1. One way is to safely dispose of medications via the Safe Medication Return Program. For example, here in Bremerton, you can safely dispose of medications in the medication drop off box in the pharmacy area of the 6th Street Clinic for Peninsula Community Health Services. 
  2. Carry and learn how to effectively use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. I will always encourage people to carry naloxone because they don’t know who around them might have an emergency overdose from opioids and they could save a life by carrying and knowing how to administer naloxone properly. 

Outcome: With these two actions, people can prevent poisonings within their own home and save lives in their community. 

City’s approach to preventing overdose and deaths
This policy establishes guidelines and procedures for the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) by trained and designated employees during the course of their work activities to help prevent overdose and deaths. Download the Naloxone (Narcan) in the Workplace Policy (PDF).

Resource Links:  

Staff/Community Highlight  

Jeneise BriggsDr. Jeneise Briggs

Briggs can be contacted at Jeneise.briggs@ci.bremerton.wa.us.