But now consider the impact of the Admiral Theatre as part of the overall vision for public investment. Maybe there's no performance at the Admiral tonight, but there are a few hundred visitors to the rec center. Maybe there's no performance, but there are 500 more people living in the downtown core. The aim of all these public investments, together, is to create a critical mass of downtown workers and residents who can support downtown commercial enterprise. A vibrant downtown is Bremerton's best economic hope.
Economic activity is contagious.
It generates more activity. Businesses that might never consider renting space in downtown Bremerton today would have a different reaction to a Bremerton with a more dynamic street scene. If downtown property becomes attractive again and starts generating income, it will build the city's tax base. Homeowners and renters will no longer bear as much of the city's property tax burden. That fact makes every Bremerton resident a partner in city revitalization.