Bremerton at the 2025 PLACES Conference: Our Experiences and Takeaways
- Emily Ferrer
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
This year’s PLACES Conference—Washington’s annual statewide gathering dedicated to historic preservation and downtown revitalization—was held just south of us in the waterfront community of Gig Harbor. For our team at the Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA), it was a short drive but a milestone moment.
Over three inspiring days, we connected with fellow Main Street communities from across the state, shared our story, learned from others, and celebrated a few unforgettable achievements that put Bremerton squarely in the spotlight.
Day 1: Kicking Off with Excitement and Recognition
October 8, 2025 | The conference opened with energy and enthusiasm—introductions, networking, and the first of many insightful sessions. For our team, the highlight came early: the official announcement that Downtown Bremerton has been designated a Washington Main Street Community, effective January 1, 2026.
This recognition celebrates years of collaboration between our local businesses, volunteers, city partners, and community members, all working together to make downtown Bremerton thrive.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built together with our board of directors, volunteers and our executive director Jess Combs, and even more excited about what lies ahead. This ‘Main Street’ status is not just a title—it’s the result of years of work, belief, and love for Bremerton’s downtown.” - Sam Enlow, DBA Board President/Local Business Owner
The day also underscored one of the conference’s most resonant messages: change comes not by those who build walls, but by those who build bridges. That spirit of collaboration and shared success has guided every step of Bremerton’s revitalization journey and continues to shape its future. Brendan A. Nelson, a well-respected leader in Tacoma's non-profit and civic landscape, presented the keynote which amplified the importance of inclusivity and encouraged us to rise to the challenge.
Later that afternoon, our own ‘Anchored in Bremerton’ mobile tour welcomed more than 20 conference attendees to explore the heart of our city firsthand. Led by our Board Member Katie Pratt and Executive Director Jessica Combs, the group visited Quincy Square, the Kitsap History Museum, the Roxy Theatre, the U.S.S. Turner Joy, and our Kitsap Transit fast ferry service. Showing the history, creativity, and waterfront charm that make Bremerton so unique.
“[I heard] from other conference participants excitedly sharing about the featured mobile tour Anchored in Bremerton: A Maritime Main Street Experience the afternoon of opening day which made for some broad smiles, laughter, and joy from this ole salty dog. What a pleasure to be a part of something special!” - Stacy Doré, DBA Board Member
Day 2: Learning, Connecting, and Celebrating Success
October 9, 2025 | Day two was packed with engaging sessions and inspiring conversations. We heard a case study on measuring belonging in downtown spaces, discovered new software for interactive maps, explored how other communities address parking challenges, learned about small business ownership barriers and practical social media strategies, and even discovered how a high school robotics team created a DIY tool to track foot traffic during events.
“PLACES 2025 was my first of many to come focusing on the continuous care of place through historic preservation, placemaking, and economic vitality,” said Doré. “From the announcement of Bremerton as the newest Washington State Main Street program to the storytelling and incredible work witnessed in other Main Street communities, the days were filled with inspiration.”
That evening, we had one more reason to celebrate. Kate Larson, owner of Ballast Book Company, received the Excellence on Main Award, the Main Street Program’s highest recognition for Main Street leadership.
Kate’s creative vision and community spirit have made Ballast a cornerstone of downtown life—hosting book clubs in local venues, organizing author talks, and creating space for connection and self-expression.
“Being Bremerton’s bookstore is such a privilege,” said Kate. “We have an amazing community that truly cares about one another, and this award reflects the fact that folks here show up for each other and support local businesses.”
Her recognition was not only a proud moment for our team but a reflection of what makes Downtown Bremerton so special; a community that supports one another and continues to grow together.
Day 3: Reflections by the Water
October 10, 2025 | The final day of the conference wrapped up with reflection, connection, and a bit of exploration along Gig Harbor’s waterfront. It was the perfect setting to take in all the inspiration from the week and think about how to bring those lessons home to Bremerton.
“Attending PLACES 2025 was a real eye-opener! Meeting teams from other Washington State downtowns made it clear that we all share something in common — we’re small but mighty teams, driven by passion and a deep commitment to our communities. Despite limited resources, everyone is working creatively to move their towns forward. The sessions were incredibly insightful, especially hearing different perspectives on community engagement and team capacity. One idea that truly stayed with me was the importance of ‘creating spaces where impacts are seen, not just heard.’ It’s a reminder that real change happens when the community can see and feel the efforts of our organization.” - Emily Ferrer, DBA Communications Coordinator
“It was so exciting to have the PLACES Conference so close to Bremerton this year. It’s always inspiring to learn about great projects from other Main Street programs and think about what ideas and lessons we can bring back. Although this conference was in Gig Harbor, Bremerton had a real presence! [...] After this experience, hosting the conference in Bremerton one day feels like a real possibility.” - Katie Pratt, DBA Board Member/Local Business Owner
As one speaker reminded attendees, communities can’t thrive in isolation. For the DBA, this means continuing to build relationships—with local partners, regional peers, and neighbors alike—to strengthen the fabric of downtown life.
Looking Ahead for Bremerton
With new connections, fresh ideas, and renewed energy, our board, employees, and volunteers are ready to build on this momentum. Bremerton’s story is still being written, and together, we’re shaping a future filled with pride, purpose, and community.
“The Downtown Bremerton Association and their partners have done incredible work brightening downtown with opportunities for visitors and residents to come together to enjoy all we have,” added Doré.
Because the best part of every conference isn’t just what you learn, it’s what you bring home and build, right here where the mountains meet the sea.
Want to get involved?
Learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support local businesses by visiting www.downtownbremerton.org.
⭐Learn more about the Main Street Designation here.
🏪Local Business? Learn more about our marketing opportunities here.