Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The City of Leavenworth is committed to providing safe and well-maintained roads. Road maintenance is a significant undertaking, and we face challenges due to our climate, which includes freeze-thaw cycles that can cause asphalt to crack and deteriorate. Additionally, the high volume of traffic, particularly from tourism, puts extra stress on our road infrastructure.

Most of the streets in Leavenworth started as dirt and gravel roads. In the 1970s, the City took out a voter-approved bond to pave the City’s streets. Pavement was applied to the existing dirt and gravel surface, but the streets were not rebuilt with proper substrate, crowning, and drainage. In addition, once that paving project was completed, ongoing maintenance, such as routine crack sealing, was deferred.

Given the poor condition of the City’s roads, the state Transportation Improvement Board funded 90% of a 2024 fog sealing and pavement preservation project. However, full depth reconstruction is needed on most of the City’s streets, which is an expensive endeavor that first requires that the existing utilities under the roads be upgraded.

To address these issues, the City Council has approved a multi-year pavement management plan that prioritizes repairs and resurfacing projects based on the condition of our roads. This plan is funded through a combination of city funds and grants. We are continually working to secure additional funding to accelerate these projects.

The City Council has approved a new water rate structure to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of our water system. The new rates, which increase on an annual basis were effective as of January 1, 2025, and can be found online at https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/utility-rates/ or in your utility bill.

To calculate your new bill, you will need to refer to the new rate schedule, which is typically broken down into a base fee and a usage charge per thousand gallons. The base fee covers the costs of maintaining the water system infrastructure, while the usage charge reflects the amount of water you consume. For a detailed breakdown and to use our rate calculator, please visit the City of Leavenworth’s dedicated webpage. 

In the City of Leavenworth, parking pays for parking. The revenue generated from parking programs is used to support a variety of essential parking-related services and projects that benefit the entire community.  The City has begun a feasibility study for a parking garage in the downtown core, which will require a subsidy from the parking enterprise fund. Specifically, these funds are allocated to:

• Parking infrastructure: This includes the maintenance and improvement of parking lots, signage, and enforcement technology. In 2024, the City paved the Glacier parking lot at the west end of Highway 2, which cost in excess of $3 million.
• Public safety: Parking revenue helps fund our parking enforcement officers who ensure compliance.
• Transit programs: In some cases, a portion of the funds may be used to support public transportation initiatives, which help reduce traffic congestion.

Tourism-related taxes, such as the Lodging Tax (also known as the Hotel/Motel Tax), are governed by strict state laws (RCW 67.28). These laws dictate how the revenue can be used. Generally, these funds are earmarked for projects and programs that “promote tourism and conventions.”

The City of Leavenworth allocates these funds to a range of activities that support our tourism economy. This includes:

• Marketing and promotion: Advertising campaigns to attract visitors to Leavenworth.
• Event funding: Supporting events and festivals that draw tourists.
• Facilities maintenance: Maintaining facilities that are used by tourists, such as the Leavenworth Festhalle.

Because of these state-mandated restrictions, we are unable to use these specific tax dollars for general city services like road repair. 

While there is no official definition or set time frame for being a “local” in Leavenworth, we recognize that it’s a feeling of belonging that comes with time and connection to the community. We are grateful for every resident who chooses to make Leavenworth their home.

We encourage you to continue to get involved, meet your neighbors, and participate in local events. The more you engage with the community, the more you will feel a sense of belonging. We’re glad you’re here and are happy to have you as part of our community.

Thank you for this suggestion! A parking pass for residents living within city limits has been considered and is frequently discussed by the Parking Advisory Committee (PAC). At this time, the City does not offer a free parking pass program for city residents. The City does offer two permit parking programs: ParkSmart and Residential Parking Zone. You can learn more about both programs at https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/your-city-hall/parking-information/permit-parking-program/.  

Further, the Parking Advisory Committee (PAC) is discussing two additional programs: a parking program for full-time residents within the Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service Area (a taxation district that includes the City and portions of Chelan County) and a downtown employee parking program. While neither program will provide free parking, parking fees will be greatly reduced for program participants. These programs are still under development and expected to be launched by mid-2026.

The PAC meets monthly every third Thursday at 4 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (with a virtual Zoom option). These meetings are open to the public if you’d ever like to attend in person or virtually. Learn more at https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/your-city-hall/parking-advisory-committee/.

To learn about property taxes for city residents, here are two great resources:

• Leavenworth, Miracle Town, Bavarian Village (start at timestamp 48:59) a presentation from the city’s Community Visioning sessions this last fall. You can also learn more here.
• Monthly Mythbuster: #1 The City’s Property Taxes are High

Thank you for participating in the survey for the Community Center! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. The City is currently in the process of collecting and analyzing all the survey data. Once the survey period has closed, the results will be compiled and presented to the City Council and the public. This information will be used to guide the next steps of the project, including design considerations, potential programming, and funding strategies.

You can stay informed about the progress of the Community Center project by visiting the City of Leavenworth’s official website and by attending public meetings, which are announced in advance.