Leavenworth staff outline $300 million CIP, push revenue bond and staffing plan for downtown parking garage

Leavenworth city staff presented a draft 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan Thursday, saying nearly $300 million in projects have been identified over the next six years and warning that cash-flow timing could push large costs into single years.

The staff presentation noted a steep $75 million increase in the plan for 2028, driven largely by a proposed downtown parking garage. "In reality, the cash flow is not exactly going to work out this way," a staff member said, urging staggered schedules or project deferrals to avoid managing $75 million of construction in one year.

Council members pressed staff on how the city would pay for the garage and handle higher invoice volumes. Staff described a revenue-bond financing option — backed by projected parking revenue — as a way to build the garage without a voter-approved general-obligation bond. "A revenue bond is you're demonstrating you have the revenue to afford the bond payments over a course of time," a council member said.

Members also questioned operational capacity. Staff recommended hiring a seven-month seasonal construction technician this summer and said the city may need to consider in-house construction inspection or consultants for large projects. "We're going to have to look at potentially either hiring consultants or facility employees to kind of build some of these roles," staff said.

The council received the overview and asked staff to return with more detailed cash-flow projections, a bond financing timeline, and options for staffing (seasonal hires, full-time employee, or consultants). Staff said consultants and long-term grant strategies will also be part of funding conversations.

The council did not take final action on the CIP at the meeting; staff said the plan will return for further review and for incorporation into the upcoming budget process.