Leavenworth Community Engagement Night draws crowds to Festhalle

LEAVENWORTH - The Festhalle was abuzz with activity on the evening of Tuesday, February 4, as the City hosted its Community Engagement Night, an open house event to present information to residents and visitors on various city and partner projects. 

The event, which ran from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, welcomed all community members—residents, business owners, and employees alike—to learn more about important ongoing and upcoming projects that will impact the greater area.

In a relaxed, drop-in style setting, attendees had the chance to visit display tables showcasing plans and proposals, such as new City initiatives, Cascade Medical’s upcoming Emergency Medical Technicians levy renewal, increased composting efforts by Winton Mfg., TRIP-Link, a partnership between Trancare and Link Transit to provide free transportation to those in need in Chelan and Douglas Counties, and WSDOT’s 2025 project in and around Leavenworth. 

City staff, community partners, and project consultants were on hand to answer questions and provide detailed information and brochures.

“We’re thrilled to see so many community members engaging with us about the future of Leavenworth,” said City Administrator Matthew Selby. “It’s important that the City listens to its residents and stakeholders. This event is a wonderful way for us to get together and discuss projects and talk with city staff, organizational staff, and our neighbors.”

The City of Leavenworth featured its new utility rate structure and updates from Parking, Public Works, and Community Development, including the latter’s Comprehensive Plan and a potential expansion of the Urban Growth Area.

Highlights from partner projects included Washington State Department of Transportation’s Tumwater Canyon slope stabilization plan, summer pavement repair on US 2 through town and on US 97 north of Blewett Pass, installation of a traffic signal on US 2 and Main Street in Peshastin, and surface work at Coles Corner.

A variety of community-driven initiatives were also showcased, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library hosted by the Chelan Douglas Child Services Association, Winton Manufacturing’s Community Composting program, and Cascadia Conservation District’s Prescribed Burning efforts.

The City of Leavenworth began hosting quarterly Community Engagement Nights in November of 2023 to “celebrate the spirit of community” and “offer residents and business owners alike the opportunity to connect, learn, and ultimately engage with City staff and agency partners.” 

Held at the Festhalle, with free parking in surrounding lots, the event offers a family-friendly atmosphere with pizza, snacks, and childcare services. The Kinderplatz provides activities to keep young children entertained while their parents learn about the latest developments in and around the city.

“We always like having a presence at the City’s Community Nights because it gives us the chance to chat with residents of Leavenworth and share updates,” said Amanda Close, the Education and Outreach manager for Waste Loop, the non-profit that manages Leavenworth Recycling Center in partnership with the City. “It allows people to ask us questions regarding the recycling center and our other programs. It’s a nice way to connect.”

As the evening wrapped up, the positive energy and feedback from attendees underscored the success of the event. The City looks forward to future events, including the next Community Engagement Night on May 6th, that continue to build on this strong sense of community collaboration.

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.