LEAVENWORTH, WA – December 2, 2025 – The City of Leavenworth’s Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) has officially launched the “Build it Together Leavenworth: Community Housing & Workforce Innovation Challenge.” This Request for Ideas (RFI) invites builders, developers, architects, and community leaders to submit visionary proposals to address the city’s critical need for workforce and affordable housing.
To demonstrate its commitment to bringing these ideas to life, the City has set aside up to $500,000 to fund one or more selected projects. Selected proposals may also receive regulatory and permitting assistance, as well as dedicated municipal facilitation.
The initiative aims to solve the housing gap for essential local employees in industries such as healthcare, education, public safety, and hospitality who currently struggle to afford living within the community they serve.
“The vitality of Leavenworth depends on the people who work here—from our teachers and nurses to our hospitality staff and first responders,” said Mayor Carl Florea. “It is imperative that we find solutions that allow our workforce to put down roots. This challenge is a declaration that workforce housing is a top priority for our community’s future.”
The RFI specifically targets “middle housing” solutions (80-120% Area Median Income (AMI)). The HAC is seeking proposals that balance creativity with feasibility, incorporating sustainability and long-term affordability.
“The intent behind this RFI is to leverage the expertise already present in our region,” said Justin Horvath, HAC Chairman. “We are looking for innovative partnerships and practical concepts that can truly bridge the gap for our local workforce. The committee is incredibly excited to see what our local stakeholders can dream up for this community.”
How to Apply: Interested parties can view the full RFI document, submission requirements, and upcoming deadlines by visiting the Housing Advisory Committee page at: https://col.dev.3sherpas.com/your-city-hall/boards-commissions/housing-advisory-committee. Proposals must be submitted by January 12, 2026.
About the Housing Advisory Committee: The City of Leavenworth’s Housing Advisory Committee is comprised of volunteers appointed by the Mayor. They are dedicated to creating housing opportunities and finding solutions for the community’s housing needs.
For questions or more information, please contact Kara Raftery (Zupke) at media@col.dev.3sherpas.com.
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