Ed Stern for City of Poulsbo Mayor

A Mayor’s first duty, on day one, is to protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents while ensuring our city runs efficiently and taxpayer dollars are used wisely. With 27-years on the Poulsbo City Council, I know how to get things done – navigating complex city operations, strengthening community partnerships, and delivering real results. As Poulsbo moves forward, we need proven leadership – not guesswork. I’m ready to lead and ensure our city thrives for generations to come.

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Endorsements

“For over 20 years, I’ve worked alongside Ed Stern and seen his relentless dedication to Poulsbo. He doesn’t just talk about progress…he delivers it. From expanding broadband to bringing higher education opportunities to our city, his leadership has strengthened our community. Ed Stern has the vision, experience, and proven track record to lead Poulsbo.”
— Kitsap County Commissioner, Christine Rolfes

“With nearly 30 years of experience in city government, Ed Stern is the clear choice for Mayor of Poulsbo. He understands the issues, the budget, and how to manage growth while preserving our city’s unique character. From day one, he’ll provide the vision, leadership, and continuity Poulsbo needs. Beyond our city, Ed has built strong, lasting relationships with regional and state leaders—critical partners in shaping Poulsbo’s future. Having served alongside Deputy Mayor Stern for five years, I’ve seen firsthand his dedication and effectiveness. I have no doubt he is the best choice to lead Poulsbo forward—today and for years to come.”
— Poulsbo City Councilmember, Gary McVey

“Poulsbo is a great place to live, work, and play, strengthened by the engagement of its residents—leaders like Ed Stern. For decades on the City Council, he has helped guide our community and improve outcomes for citizens. Ed is tireless; on any given day, you’ll find him working with constituents, serving on the state’s Public Works Board, advocating for local businesses, or pushing for the expansion of our college campus. He has the leadership, experience, and vision to be our next mayor, and he has my strongest endorsement.”
— Poulsbo City Councilmember, Doug Newell

“As a member of Poulsbo’s City Council, I’ve worked closely with Ed Stern, and have relied on his wisdom and expertise. Ed’s commitment to the city of Poulsbo is second to none. Ed brings a level-head and a diplomatic approach to even the most difficult of scenarios. Finding a candidate with decades of experience and knowledge is rare, but finding a candidate with that experience who can also approach critical decisions with an open mind is extraordinary. I’m with Ed for Mayor!”
— Poulsbo City Councilmember, Doug Taber

“Ed Stern and I share a deep belief in the power of education as the foundation for a strong, vibrant community. For decades, I’ve championed our youngest learners through my work with the North Kitsap School Board, while Ed has tirelessly advocated for expanded educational opportunities right here in Poulsbo – partnering with Olympic College and Western Washington University to shape our town into a hub of learning for students across Western Washington. Ed’s vision for education and community growth makes him the leader Poulsbo needs for a thriving future.”
— Community Advocate & Former NKSD Board Chair, Ardis Morrow

“I strongly support Ed Stern for Mayor of Poulsbo. His extensive experience in municipal and state government is invaluable, and we can’t afford to lose that expertise. What truly sets Ed apart is his humility—he never seeks the spotlight, but instead lifts others up, celebrating their contributions to our community. That kind of selfless leadership is rare, and it’s exactly what Poulsbo needs. Please join me in voting for Ed Stern for Mayor.”
— Kitsap Superior Court Judge Jay Roof (Ret.)

“Ed Stern is the right leader for Poulsbo. His experience, steady temperament, and deep commitment to our community make him the ideal choice to represent our city. He has my full support and my vote!”
— Longtime Poulsbo Advocate & Community Activist, Bill Austin

Experience Matters

My journey began in education, teaching Special Education in Montana before transitioning to community development as Director for the City of Livingston, Montana (1978–1986). In 1986, I moved to Poulsbo, where I built a career as a Financial Advisor, managing three brokerage offices before retiring in 2019.

For over 27 years, I have proudly served the people of Poulsbo, now in my seventh consecutive term on the City Council. In January 2024, my colleagues unanimously elected me Deputy Mayor, a testament to the trust and leadership I’ve built over decades of public service.

Throughout my career, I have championed economic development, infrastructure, and smart growth. I have served on the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Board since 1987, chairing its Regional Telecommunications Committee and co-chairing the Broadband Task Force for the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council. I was honored to serve on the Kitsap County BRAC Committee, successfully protecting our vital military bases, and was appointed by the Washington State Legislature to the High-Speed Internet Strategy Working Group in 2008.

At the state and regional level, I was elected to the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Board of Directors, later serving as AWC President in Olympia, and continue to represent Kitsap cities on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Federal Economic Development District. In 2020, Governor Inslee appointed me to the State Public Works Board, where I currently chair the Broadband Committee, ensuring communities across Washington have access to critical digital infrastructure. I have spent my career delivering results, solving problems, and shaping policies that strengthen Poulsbo.

Now, I’m ready to take that experience, leadership, and vision to the Mayor’s office. My priority is simple: ensuring Poulsbo grows wisely, remains livable, and continues to be a place where families, businesses, and future generations can thrive. I look forward to working with you to make that happen.

Local Needs

Families & Affordable Housing

Poulsbo’s strength comes from its people — young families building their future, hardworking residents keeping our economy strong, and retirees who are the backbone of our community, dedicating their time and experience to volunteer service. To keep our city vibrant and inclusive, we must ensure a mix of housing options that support working families, retirees, and those striving to call Poulsbo home.

Smart, balanced growth means housing that fits our community’s needs — smaller, multi-family homes near transportation corridors that expand options without sacrificing character of existing neighborhoods. As mayor, I will champion policies that ensure families, workers, and retirees can continue to call Poulsbo home, preserving the diverse, welcoming city we all love.

Higher Education & Jobs

Poulsbo sits at the crossroads of the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, directly connected to the Seattle corridor — an ideal location for expanding education and job opportunities. Just as North Kitsap schools serve as a foundation for our younger students, Olympic College and Western Washington University’s Poulsbo campuses are transforming our city into a regional hub for higher education and workforce development.

As Mayor, I will continue championing higher education expansion and broadband infrastructure, ensuring that students, workers, and businesses have the tools they need to succeed. From technical certifications and two-year degrees to full bachelor’s programs in high-demand fields, Poulsbo is poised to become an education and innovation hub for the five Western counties. By investing in education-driven job growth, we can create more opportunities, stronger local businesses, and a thriving economy right here at home.

Protect Our Neighborhoods & Natural Environment

Poulsbo’s charming, quaint character – our “Little Norway” – has always been defined by our rich history, diverse community, and deep connection to the water and land. Protecting our environment means protecting our neighborhoods and preserving the tree-covered hills and shorelines that make our city livable and desirable.

As Poulsbo grows, we must balance development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that historic neighborhoods, mobile/manufactured home communities, and housing for our most vulnerable residents remain intact. This city was built by immigrants who settled alongside our Native American neighbors, and I pledge to honor that legacy by safeguarding the places that make Poulsbo home. With thoughtful leadership, we can preserve our history, protect our natural beauty, respect our neighbors, and build a thriving, inclusive future for all.