WHO: Boards, Commissions, and Committees members may be a combination of:
-
- Two or Three current City Councilmembers,
- One or Two members of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Board,
- Two to Six at-large community members,
- One or more City of Leavenworth employee(s),
- The Mayor or a Mayor’s designee, an employee appointed by the Mayor, and/or
- Chelan County employee(s) or representative(s).
HOW: Members are typically appointed by the Mayor for the committee’s designated terms (two years is most common) except for the Mayor’s designee, a City employee, who has a one-year term.
The City of Leavenworth will often conduct public outreach efforts, inviting residents to submit letters of interest when there is a vacancy to be filled.
WHAT: Community Member positions on the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees are voluntary. Some positions offer stipends for their time.
WHEN: Many of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees meet on a regular schedule, with all meetings posted on the City of Leavenworth’s calendar. These meetings are open to the public. Meetings may occasionally be canceled or rescheduled; please refer to the City of Leavenworth calendar for the most current information.
WHY: The City has Boards, Commissions, and Committees to formally bring citizen expertise and diverse perspectives into City decision-making and policy development. These bodies provide specialized advice, foster community engagement, and offer input on special projects or complex issues. By studying topics, providing recommendations, and offering oversight, they help make local government more inclusive and responsive, connecting officials with residents and subject-matter experts.
YOU: The City of Leavenworth encourages everyone who lives, works, or owns property or a business in the community to attend public meetings. These meetings are a great way to stay informed, share your perspective, and be actively involved in local issues.
Most meetings include a designated public comment period, during which attendees may speak by stating their name and address. Speakers are asked to follow meeting decorum by addressing the topic clearly, providing relevant context, and being concise. Please note that public comments are not accepted from virtual attendees. Agendas and meeting minutes are available on the City’s website.
City Council Study Session & Regular Meetings
DATE: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the Month
TIMES: Study Sessions: 5:30 PM and City Council Meetings: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: City Council Study Sessions serve as informational meetings where Councilmembers gain a deeper understanding of issues or projects. Council members delve into specifics with staff, allowing for in-depth briefings, questions, and discussion in preparation for future official votes. On occasion, individual residents or groups are invited to make presentations or project proposals for consideration by the Council. These sessions do not include formal votes; the focus is on gathering information and analyzing problems.
WHAT: City Council Meetings are formal sessions where elected officials conduct official business, make policy decisions, adopt ordinances, approve budgets, and oversee City affairs, all while providing transparency and opportunities for public input. The City Administrator, City Clerk, and directors of Community Development, Public Works, and Finance departments attend to provide guidance and updates. These meetings, open to the public, involve structured discussions, formal votes, and designated public comment periods, serving as the primary forum for the Mayor and the seven elected City Council members to govern.
Meet the Mayor
DATE: Most Mondays throughout the year, check the City’s Calendar
TIME: Check the City’s Calendar, Coffee days are at 8:00 AM and Pint days are at 5:00 PM
LOCATION: These meetups rotate through businesses in downtown Leavenworth – coffee & tea at local coffee shops and cafes, or over a pint at local breweries and restaurants.
WHAT: Meet informally to chat directly with Mayor Florea during one of the “Grab Your Own Beverage” (GYOB) sessions. These gatherings offer relaxed opportunities to connect, ask questions, and discuss current community topics. Held on scheduled Mondays throughout the year, they encourage open conversation and invite residents to engage directly with the Mayor in a welcoming setting.
Planning Commission
DATE: 1st Wednesday of the Month
TIME: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Planning Commission is responsible for long-range planning and making legislative or policy recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Commissioners help achieve the community’s vision by developing the goals and policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and through updates to the Leavenworth Municipal Code and Shoreline Master Program.
Parks & Public Works Committee
DATE: 2nd Tuesday each month
TIME: 4:15 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Parks & Public Works Committee advises the City on planning, maintenance, and improvement efforts related to parks, public spaces, and essential infrastructure. The Committee supports implementation of City plans by providing input on capital projects, system upgrades, and public-space enhancements that promote safety, functionality, and community use. The Committee also offers feedback on initiatives and projects including park improvements, trail development, streets, utilities, and other public works services.
DATE: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month
TIME: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Design Review Board is responsible for reviewing applications for new development, renovations, or improvements within the City’s commercially zoned areas and Urban Growth Area to ensure consistency with the Old-World Bavarian Alpine theme. The Board helps maintain the community’s visual character by reviewing exterior design elements of buildings, structures, signage, lighting, and site features, and by making recommendations and/or approval decisions in accordance with the Leavenworth Municipal Code.
Parking Advisory Committee
DATE: 3rd Thursday each month
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Parking Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing parking-related policies and practices to support effective parking management and accessibility throughout the community. The Committee provides recommendations on improvements to parking systems by considering operational needs, public input, and the balance of use among residents, businesses, and visitors.
Finance Committee
DATE: 3rd Thursday each month (even numbered years)
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Finance Committee meets in even numbered years to assist in advising the City on the development and oversight of the biennial budget and associated financial policies. The Committee supports the budget process by reviewing monthly revenue and expenditure reports, making budgetary recommendations to the full City Council when necessary, and providing input on fiscal priorities to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and alignment with City goals.
Downtown Steering Committee
DATE: 4th Tuesday of each month
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Downtown Steering Committee advises the City on planning, design, and improvement efforts within the Downtown Commercial core. The Committee supports implementation of the Downtown Master Plan by providing input on capital projects and public-space enhancements that strengthen downtown as a pedestrian-focused destination. The Committee also offers feedback on downtown initiatives and projects, including plaza improvements, streetscape elements, and facility upgrades.
Housing Advisory Committee
DATE: 4th Thursday of each month
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Housing Advisory Committee advises the City Council on the use of City funds and strategies to support housing opportunities in the community. The Committee reviews funding proposals for housing development, land acquisition, and construction, and provides recommendations on infrastructure investments that promote a range of housing options.
Upper Valley Park & Recreation Service Area (PRSA)
DATE: Bi-monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers or join online Zoom Webinar
WHAT: The Upper Valley Parks and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) exists to provide recreational programs and facilities that enhance the quality of life in the Upper Valley community. The PRSA is a voter-approved Special Purpose District and a legal entity separate from the City of Leavenworth, governed by a six-member volunteer board representing Chelan County, the City of Leavenworth, Cascade School District #228, the Peshastin Community Council, and an at-large representative residing within the PRSA boundary but outside City limits. The PRSA service area includes the City of Leavenworth and surrounding areas along Chumstick Highway, Icicle Road, East Leavenworth Road, and portions of Peshastin. While the PRSA maintains a budget separate from the City’s, its funding consists of property tax revenues collected by Chelan County and transferred to the City of Leavenworth, which administers the funds for pool operations and maintenance.
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