Leavenworth City Council prioritizes arts education and water resources

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth City Council meeting on April 22 focused on key community priorities, including a proclamation supporting arts education and a presentation on the city’s future water sources.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community development and future planning including a presentation on water source feasibility from RH2 Engineering, a crucial step in ensuring the city’s long-term water supply amid simultaneous drought and growth.

The council also unanimously adopted Proclamation 02-2025, declaring May as Arts Education Month. Mayor Carl Florea signed the proclamation, emphasizing that “arts learning is a fundamental part of basic education for all Pre-K-12 students regardless of race, geography, ability, identities, and socioeconomic status.” The proclamation further acknowledged that “students benefit most when arts learning is designed to be accessible to all, and when curriculum is culturally relevant.” The proclamation also recognized the numerous benefits of arts education, including “increased confidence, academic achievement, understanding of cultures and histories, innovation, school engagement, and critical thinking,” and encouraged the community to “strengthen efforts that increase access to arts education for every student.”

Monica Miller, Executive Director of Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, spoke in favor of the proclamation, expressing her hope that it would spur on the arts in the Upper Valley. Tracey Edou, Cascade School District Superintendent, voiced her gratitude for those who support the arts in the community, emphasizing that art is a critical part of Cascade School District.

The council also unanimously formalized its commitment to “welcoming Immigrants” by adopting Resolution 09-2025, thereby affirming Leavenworth’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds. The resolution states that “our community’s success depends on making sure that all residents feel welcome,” and acknowledges that “newcomers bring energy and innovation to our economy and add to the richness of our community.” By formalizing its stance, the City joins a growing number of municipalities nationwide working to foster belonging, trust, and shared prosperity for immigrants and longtime residents alike.

The council also addressed other city business including passing Resolution 12-2025 to voice support for the Salmon Lifecycle Learning Landscape Project at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery and approving the first round of vehicle fleet purchases for 2025.

In short, the meeting highlighted Leavenworth’s focus on both planning for the future, particularly regarding water resources, and celebrating the arts and community values.

Caroline Menna is an intern for Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.