By BECKY ERICKSON
For the North Kitsap Herald

POULSBO — As mayor and as a long-time Poulsbo resident, I love this time of year. It’s a chance to look back and count my blessings, and look ahead at what the new year might bring.

As I look ahead, I can say with certainty that I am optimistic. Cautiously optimistic — that’s the fiscal conservative in me — but optimistic nonetheless.

The pundits, experts, and data all tell us that American business has solidly recovered from the recession. To be sure, some businesses didn’t make it; but others emerged from the ashes and are stronger than ever. Overall, our local businesses are in good shape. And that has a trickle- down effect.

Wages are starting to rise. Now, that is news. Coupled with lower gas prices, families are feeling less pressure than they have in years. Instead of concentrating only on the necessities, they are talking about vacation travel for the first time in a long time.

As I interact with various groups and individuals in our city, I see a definite change in attitudes. People are friendlier, more engaged in the community. Our downtown core is doing well. There are fewer foreclosures, and real estate sales are solid.

We’re growing, folks. Now, I know some people don’t like that idea, but the reality is that any municipality that is not growing is in danger of dying. So growth is good.

But not just any growth. As long as I am mayor, I will have one growth goal — to keep Poulsbo … well … Poulsbo. To retain the charm and character of our history, the sense of community that is Poulsbo.

So, how about some specifics of what you might expect in 2015. Much of what I and the City Council are supporting deals with the infrastructure required to support growth, as is required by the state.

In 2015:

— Kitsap County’s first Sonic restaurant will open at the corner of SR 305 and Viking Way.

— The old city hall and police station sites will be redeveloped, a giant step toward continued revitalization of downtown Poulsbo.

— Several improvement projects will begin, such as stormwater work on 3rd Avenue, sewer pump station work on 6th and 9th avenues, and construction of a stormwater decant facility and solid waste transfer station at the city’s public works site on north Viking Avenue. There will be more projects like that — nothing fancy or pretty to look at, but crucial to manage both a growing population and an aging infrastructure.

— We have several new home developments in progress, and will see a few more.

— We will add two new parks (Morrow Manor and Vista Park), and continue restoring Fish Park.

— And, of course, the city’s planning team will be working on the new Comprehensive Plan, which will include proposals for land use that support growth and economic health while retaining Poulsbo’s unique character.

What else is on our horizon? We need to ensure the safety of our schools, improve the water quality of Liberty Bay, and reduce congestion on Highway 305. These are all big issues and will require our continued partnership with Kitsap County, the North Kitsap School District, Port of Poulsbo, the Suquamish Tribe, and the City of Bainbridge Island to solve these regional concerns.

I’m optimistic about our economic future, but continue to work toward increased employment that provides livable family wages. We will continue to seek new companies to join us in Poulsbo, while paying close attention to our existing firms. Recruitment of new principle employers is always a top priority to bring jobs and economic vibrancy to North Kitsap.

Want more predictions? I have high hopes for a new Maritime Heritage Museum, creation of public art that reflects the quality of our community, and more community festivals  — including a large bicycle ride during Viking Fest. Poulsbo is a fun-loving community that enjoys community recreation. Festivals, museums and public art demonstrate Poulsbo’s character as a remarkable small town.

I’d like to see us put more effort into tree protection, into moving from storm ponds to created wetlands — creating green spaces that keep our community clean and healthy for our children’s children.

Yes, I’m optimistic. Poulsbo is a wonderful place to live and work. I am confident that 2015 will be a year full of promise and opportunity.

— Becky Erickson is mayor of Poulsbo. Contact her at 360-394-9700, or berickson@cityofpoulsbo.com.