April 14, 2026
Greetings to our community,
Lately, there have been a lot of comments online about a recently presented concept to develop housing on Leavenworth’s golf course. Unfortunately, a kernel of truth can grow into a noxious weed if left unattended, so I am writing to you to share the real story and address some of the misinformation that is currently circulating.
First, this idea did not originate from me or anyone at the City. In February, our Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) reissued a Request for Ideas (RFI) inviting stakeholders—including builders, developers, architects, business leaders, financiers, and community advocates—to submit proposals that blend creativity with feasibility and support our local workforce. When they asked for ideas, they did not want to limit or restrict what might come forward, so they encouraged any and all ideas. The City has a bit over $500,000 to put toward one or more selected projects that would address the need for workforce housing and wanted to gather community input and ideas.
One such idea came to us from Steven Booher, a Principal with Syndicate Smith Architects. His idea is to develop the golf course to address multiple community desires and goals, including open space and community amenities, as well as housing. Among many of Steven’s interests and concerns, as expressed in his years serving on the Planning Commission, is for housing that addresses the full range of needs and incomes of our community. He is also focused on the quality of life for area residents. Thus, his BIG idea was presented to the Housing Advisory Committee as just that—an idea.
It’s important to note that this idea has not been formally discussed by the City Council since Booher’s presentation to the HAC in March. There are no plans in place, no research conducted, no numbers crunched, and there have been absolutely no decisions made.
Should this idea be given further consideration? That is really the very first decision that needs to be made. The HAC and the Leavenworth Golf Club Board will be making brief presentations to the City Council at the upcoming study session on April 28th. They will not be accepting public comments at this time. Rather, the City Council will simply be discussing whether they have an interest in exploring the idea of developing all or part of the golf course. If the decision is made to explore the options of any housing development on golf course property, there will be numerous opportunities for public engagement over the course of several years. The City has a contract with the Leavenworth Golf Club through 2033, and we intend to honor that agreement. This gives us plenty of time to give thoughtful consideration to what the community wants and needs, and how best to meet them.
We know some things for certain. The Leavenworth Golf Course is an enduring and beloved attribute of this community. Known to be the oldest continually operating golf course in the state, it is a place of pride and serves our community well for locals—including the high school golf team—and out-of-town guests alike. There are a lot of area residents who are very passionate and protective of this longstanding community asset. I know, as I have heard from several of them. And I get it; they have a very legitimate point.
We also know that Leavenworth has been losing its ability to house its own local workforce. Leavenworth is a beautiful and popular place that draws more than our share of people interested in our housing for a second home and developers looking to profit from this trend. This trend is nearly impossible to stop, or even slow down, without having land we can control, or major funding we can bring to bear, or both. The 104 acres that comprise the golf course are by far the largest undeveloped pieces of land in the City, public or private. And because it is owned by the City, it can be developed in such a way that any housing on it must be a primary residence and not simply add to the number of second homes. To that, any housing initiative supported by the City would be for the people who work here and at truly attainable rates. Many of our residents are very passionate about the need to keep Leavenworth a diverse working community open to all, and not just for sale to the highest bidder.
Two competing, passionate interests. That’s a big piece of what makes Leavenworth so special. People care. We should celebrate that. We should also be a community where we can share our passion and argue for our positions without denigrating or belittling those who view it differently. Those who cherish the golf course do so because of their love for our community and its future. Those who envision developing the golf course see it as an opportunity for our community and its future to provide more assets for more people. If we get to the point where it is decided that we should at least have these discussions and explore options, it is my hope that we can do so in a manner that is respectful of one another. While we may have different priorities, we are all driven by our love of this place and its very special people. Please keep that in mind as we seek solutions for our community. Bring your passion, yes, and also your care for all your fellow residents.
If you agree on nothing else, at least agree to being kind. Thank you for being such engaged and caring residents.
Carl Florea
Mayor | Office of the Mayor
cflorea@col.dev.3sherpas.com
(Updated on 4/17/2026)
