Poulsbo visioning effort begins

POULSBO — Project Poulsbo got off to a good start Saturday morning as more than two dozen people attended the first community conversation at Vinland Elementary School.

The event was designed to gather ideas about how Little Norway should be developed in the next 20 years as city officials work to update the city’s 1994 comprehensive plan.

“We had a nice mix of people and a good cross-section,” said Mayor Kathryn Quade. “There were some people who normally don’t make it down to city hall.”

Although city staff and a few city elected officials attended the event, they weren’t there to participate, but rather to listen, Quade said.

“It was a very good jumping off point,” she said. “I felt we had some very good suggestions.”

After a broad discussion about the comprehensive plan update process, the session was broken down into four small groups, which furthered the level of conversation on a myriad of issues, she said.

“Those went well,” Quade said. “This is an opportunity to shape the community of the future.”

Among those in attendance was Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce executive director Stuart Leidner, who gave the event high praise.

“I think it was great,” Leidner said. “There was some great conversation. It was great to see some new faces. There were residents, business owners and property owners. It was a good cross section.”

The success of Saturday’s event has made Leidner excited about the next community conversation, which will be from 6-8:30 p.m. May 24 at Poulsbo Elementary School.

“People need to get out and participate, because it is very important,” Leidner said. “People need to see what’s going on.”

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