Leavenworth receives 2023 Governor’s Smart Communities Award

The City of Leavenworth, Washington, has been honored with the prestigious Judges Merit Award at the 2023 Governor's Smart Communities Awards, as announced by the Washington State Department of Commerce. 

Since 2006, the award has recognized local governments whose planning efforts have meaningfully improved their communities in areas such as economic development, housing, parks and recreation, transportation, and land use planning and development.  

The City of Leavenworth received the Judges Merit Award for recognized success in more than one judged category. This is a legacy award and recognizes the vision, planning, and project implementation it took to create the Washington State landmark and top tourist destination that Leavenworth is today.  

The journey towards becoming the picturesque Bavarian Village that Leavenworth is known for today started in the early 1960s as Project LIFE, a collaborative community initiative. Project LIFE laid the foundation for several essential land use planning documents, including the 1968 Leavenworth Comprehensive Landscape Plan, which solidified the city's unique Bavarian theme and design.

“Today our Bavarian Village is a wonder and joy to residents and millions of annual visitors,” Mayor Carl Florea said. “As we continue to tackle our community needs and plan for the future, we honor the past work of so many visionaries. We are thrilled to be recognized by the Governor with this award.” 

Leavenworth's unique transformation from a quaint town to a Bavarian wonderland exemplifies the power of visionary planning and community collaboration, earning the city this prestigious accolade. The Judges Merit Award acknowledges the outstanding achievements that have made Leavenworth a true gem of Washington State.