City of Leavenworth approves funds for affordable housing, updates business license requirements

The Leavenworth City Council approved a funding allocation of nearly $59,000 for Upper Valley MEND to support an affordable housing duplex project. This funding will assist with utility extensions and system development charges, with the homes expected to be available for purchase in the low $300,000s next year. In the meeting, the council increased the revenue threshold for general business licenses from $2,000 to $4,000, with plans to periodically adjust this threshold for inflation starting in 2026. Councilmember Anne Hessburg raised concerns about the simplification of licensing fees, which have remained unchanged since 2010. The council also signed a resolution opposing the sale of public lands, emphasizing the need for continued federal management in a region where 80 percent of land is public.

Furthermore, the resolution urged Congress to oppose legislation negatively impacting public lands and called for collaboration with local communities. The council declared Sept. 23 as Digital Access Day, aiming to promote digital equity with the help of NCW Tech Alliance. These actions represent key steps in addressing affordable housing and digital access in Leavenworth.