PRESS RELEASE – Leavenworth City Council Awards Affordable Housing Funds to Upper Valley MEND’s Workforce Duplex Development

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Kara Raftery (Zupke) | Communications & HR Manager
City of Leavenworth
509.548.5275 ext. 136 | media@col.dev.3sherpas.com

LEAVENWORTH, WA – October 3, 2025 – The Leavenworth City Council approved an allocation of affordable housing funds to support a vital workforce housing project by Upper Valley MEND. This commitment underscores the City’s dedication to increasing the supply of affordable homes for its local workforce.

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the City Council granted $58,869 from the City’s affordable housing fund to assist Upper Valley MEND with the development of a new duplex at 241 W Commercial Street in Leavenworth. This duplex is intended to be used permanently for affordable workforce housing.

“We are grateful to continue partnering with organizations like MEND to ensure affordable housing is achieved in the long-term with deed restrictions that are maintained in perpetuity for our working community,” said Mayor Florea. “This development will provide affordable home ownership opportunities for those who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy in Leavenworth.”

The funds awarded are specifically earmarked to cover the essential costs of utility extensions and system development charges, a critical step for project completion. The itemized use of the funds includes:

• Obtaining easement for sewer connection: $25,000
• Water system development charge, meter, and connection fees: $17,320
• Sewer connection and installation charges: $6,781
• Storm new connection charge: $2,068
• Power connection fee: $7,700

This approval follows a unanimous recommendation from the Housing Advisory Committee, which met on August 28, 2025, to discuss and advance the proposal. The site plan and building permit (BLD2025-072), issued September 4, 2025, were included in the Council’s meeting packet materials.

For those interested in purchasing a unit, Upper Valley MEND is currently accepting applications until October 31, 2025.  To learn more or apply, please visit https://www.uvmend.org/newhomes.

For questions or more information, please contact Kara Raftery (Zupke) at media@col.dev.3sherpas.com.

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