City Manager to Retire at the end of January … This Weekend at BPA: Bainbridge Youth Orchestra Fall Concert, Sunday @ 3 p.m.; Seattle Comedy Competition @ 7 p.m.; Edge Improv Coming Up

The Island Wanderer | Posted on November 14, 2025 |

Bainbridge Island City Manager Blair King announced his intention to retire, effective January 30, 2026. King shared the news with the Bainbridge Island City Council during its November 12 meeting.

King was unanimously appointed by the City Council on March 8, 2021. With nearly five years of service, he has led the city through transformative projects, organizational improvements, and community challenges leaving a legacy of professional excellence and fiscal stability.

“Serving as City Manager for Bainbridge Island has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my 45-year career in public service,” said King. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented staff, a thoughtful and dedicated City Council, and an engaged community that truly cares about its future. Together, we’ve strengthened city systems, completed long-awaited projects, and built a culture of service and accountability that I know will endure.”

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According to a City Press Release, King’s accomplishments during his tenure included:

Infrastructure and Capital Improvements
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Permitting Reform
Fiscal and Organizational Excellence
Climate and Sustainability Leadership
COVID-19 Response, and,
Professional Recognition

Mayor Ashley Mathews praised King’s impact, stating: “Blair has led our City with wisdom, steadiness, and heart. His ability to navigate complex issues whether rebuilding infrastructure, guiding pandemic response, or advancing equity and climate goals has made Bainbridge stronger and more resilient. On behalf of the City Council and community, I thank him for his exemplary service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

The City Council will appoint an Interim City Manager to serve during the transition period and will launch a national search for a new City Manager.

Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra to Perform at BPA This Sunday

Looking for an escape from the rainy weather? Join the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra on Sunday November 16 at 3 p.m. at Bainbridge Performing Arts for an hour of inspiring and uplifting music! Performances by the Debut, Philharmonia, and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Justine Jeanotte, and Ryan Dakota Farris.

Debut will feature Beethoven’s famous theme and sounds of the fall season with King’s Court and Ghoulish Gavotte. Philharmonia will perform works by Joseph Bologne and Richard Meyer, along with a traditional Puerto Rican carol. Chamber will present masterworks by Eric Whitacre, Béla Bartók & Richard Wagner. Plus, a not-to-be-missed surprise encore!

The Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra, founded in 2001, is a training program for young string musicians seeking an orchestral ensemble experience. It has evolved into a three-tier orchestra program providing music education for all levels, from the emerging reader to the advanced musician. BIYO’s goal is to train the student musician in the craft of orchestra playing while instilling a deep love for music and fostering development of a well-rounded individual.

Tickets: Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra via ThunderTix

The Seattle International Comedy Competition returns to BPA on Sunday, November 16th at 7:30 PM!

The Seattle International Comedy Competition returns to Bainbridge Performing Arts for the final show of the Preliminaries. Sixteen outstanding comedians from across North America are chosen from hundreds of hopefuls each doing a tight, original five-minute show. Expect all types. Judges score the comedians, and the audience adds one crucial role: the better response, the higher the score. This show sells out well in advance, so get your tickets now! Please note this event is not suitable for younger audiences.

If any tickets are still available: 2025 Seattle International Comedy Competition via ThunderTix

The Edge Improv next show is slated for Saturday December 6th.

The Edge Improv has been making on-the-spot comedy in the Pacific Northwest for the last 30 years and is one of the longest-running improv groups in the world. Join us every first Saturday of the month for a night of randomized comedy that will have you laughing all the way home. Next performance is Saturday December 6th a 7:30 p.m.