Community Letter from the Mayor City of Leavenworth

The Mayor's letter to the Leavenworth community, dated February 9, 2024, outlines the urgent housing challenges faced by residents in a town renowned for its natural beauty. With increasing demand for housing, the Mayor highlights the need for a broader range of options, including smaller units and innovative housing types like tiny homes and townhomes. Rising property prices threaten to exclude the local workforce, making it imperative to explore new funding avenues for housing. The letter references two key legislative initiatives: a budget proviso directing WSU to study the effects of tourism on housing and ESSB 5334, which would enable local governments to impose an excise tax on short-term rentals to fund housing solutions. These initiatives represent significant opportunities for the community to address its housing crisis effectively.

The Mayor urges residents to engage with these proposals and consider how they can contribute to solving the housing issue. By fostering an inclusive community, Leavenworth aims to remain a vibrant home for diverse families and individuals. The call to action emphasizes the critical role of community support in shaping a sustainable future for Leavenworth.