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.
City staff typically park at City Hall, the Public Works campus, or other city facilities to keep downtown available to the community.
This specific pilot program is an optional discount for employees who wish to park in a downtown pay lot.
Free parking is still available to employees, including all-day parking at the Leavenworth and Wilkommen Park & Rides lots, which have a free shuttle to downtown. If employees prefer the convenience of parking closer to downtown, this program offers a 90% discount compared to daily rates in pay lots. Folks can also park for free on the street after 5 PM on weekdays, too (no permit needed).
Great questions! Free parking is still available to folks, including all-day parking at the Leavenworth and Wilkommen Park & Rides lots, which have a free shuttle to downtown. If employees prefer the convenience of parking closer to downtown, this program offers a 90% discount compared to daily rates in pay lots. You can also park for free on the street before 9 AM or after 5 PM on weekdays, too.
There are several downtown spots open before 9 AM. It’s a great time to visit since you can take advantage of the free on-street parking.
A dedicated or gated lot for employees is an interesting suggestion. Right now, this program will allow us to pilot permit parking for employees using our existing infrastructure. Thank you for the idea!
Thank you for that suggestion, and certainly another option for consideration!
We agree that our community wouldn’t be able to run without our local workforce. This pilot program is one solution to create more accessible parking options for downtown employees. We’re listening to feedback and appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.
Free parking is still available to employees, including all-day parking at the Leavenworth and Wilkommen Park & Rides lots, which have a free shuttle to downtown. If you prefer the convenience of parking closer to downtown, this program offers a 90% discount compared to daily rates in pay lots. Employees can also park for free on the street after 5 PM on weekdays, too (no permit needed).
This is a great question! 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. These funds are allocated to parking infrastructure (this includes the maintenance and improvement of parking lots, signage, and system technology), public safety, and, in some cases, transit programs.
Thank you for asking the question! We hear your concerns about the monthly cost. Right now, the pilot program provides employees with the option to receive a 90% discount for monthly parking in select pay lots downtown.
We’d love to hear your specific safety concerns, and you can reach out at hello@col.dev.3sherpas.com or join us at the next Parking Advisory Committee meeting on April 16 at 4 PM. In the meantime, Link Transit‘s schedules can be found at https://www.linktransit.com/.
We are launching this program as a pilot and are starting with a limit of 50 permits. Registered employees will have access to five downtown pay lots—offering over 250 spots on a first-come, first-served basis. These lots are available seven days a week, whether you’re on the clock or enjoying a day off.
The Enchantments Lot behind City Hall and the Library is currently free parking. Thank you for that suggestion regarding a new permit fee structure based on lot location.
Free parking is still available to employees, including all-day parking at the Leavenworth and Wilkommen Park & Rides lots, which have a free shuttle to downtown, too.
Parking has been an ongoing challenge in our community for many years. We hear you that the $50 monthly cost can be a real expense for employees, especially during slower seasons. This new pilot program is strictly optional for employees who find value in it.
Parking revenue updates are provided during the Parking Advisory Committee meetings. You can check out the latest update on our website calendar at https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Parking-Advisory-Committee-Packet.pdf. You can also review the City’s online budget book for parking at https://city-leavenworth-wa-budget-book.cleargov.com/19062/fund-summaries/parking. For a more detailed breakdown, please connect with our parking team at tapp@col.dev.3sherpas.com.
Parking concerns in Leavenworth began shortly after the success of Project L.I.F.E and the transformation of Leavenworth into the Bavarian Village, with tourism and visitors bringing vehicles and questions about parking. Parking is essential for residents, guests, and visitors, helps reduce congestion, and supports the City’s businesses and tourism-based economy. The history and conversation on parking is long: The first parking survey was completed by the City in 1989; in 1995 the City commissioned Perteet Engineering to conduct a Downtown Parking Study; in 2011, the City requested Republic Parking to provide a high level assessment of the parking resources in Leavenworth; and in 2012, the City purchased the Fruit Warehouse Property and implemented paid parking and timed parking at several of the off street City owned parking lots. Early in 2015, the City, Chamber of Commerce, and community once again began the discussion on addressing the ongoing need for additional parking. As a result, the Chamber and City both identified the need for the completion of the Parking Study and Assessment in their priorities for 2017. RWC was retained by the City of Leavenworth to conduct an evaluation of its downtown parking system and to develop a comprehensive Strategic Parking Management Plan, which resulted in a Downtown Leavenworth Strategic Parking Management Plan in 2018. In 2024, Rick Williams Consulting updated a 2018 parking study with a new downtown parking strategic management action plan. RWC also performed a financial pro forma for a potential parking garage.
Parking improvements have been underway since 2013 and have grown significantly since 2021, with the implementation of new paid parking in the downtown core.
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