The latest census (taken April 1) offered by the state Office of Financial Management reveals a trend that has been occurring on Bainbridge Island at least since the 21st century arrived – the city’s population growth has slowed to a trickle after the dramatic increases in the 1990s.

During the past year, the island’s population rose by an estimated 110 people for a total of 23,290 residents. The increase from 2007 to April 1, 2008 was 100, compared to increases of about 400 people during most of the years since the 2000 census, which estimated an island population of 20,308.

So, one might ask, if the growth has been flat for nearly a decade, why did the city government continue to grow and developers insist on building at rates comparable to the boom years of the 1990s, at least, until the economy took a dive last year? Asleep at the wheel? Doubtful.

The reasons are likely plentiful and complicated, but since the island’s economy has become dependent to a large degree on the real estate and construction industries, it’s obvious that changing directions in midstream was not a very palatable option. Yes, we’re in a slump, someone must have said, but let’s keep on keeping on because good times must be right around the corner. Wrong.

The correction is upon us, which means we now have no choice but to continue to downsize the city and make an in-depth analysis of what kind of government we want and can afford. Yes, we can thank the recession that now we positively know that the influx of people from the other side of the pond will no longer allow us to irresponsibly spend money like drunken sailors, as the cliché goes. Unfortunately, now we have to solve our problems all by ourselves, and it won’t be easy.

There are various theories as to why the population growth has dipped here while Poulsbo is thriving (up from 7,840 to 8,855 this past year), but it really doesn’t matter. Our time will be better spent trying to find ways to reinvent ourselves so we can continue to afford living in a civilized way on this beautiful island – just like our forefathers did. There are encouraging signs that it can be done if we just roll up our sleeves…