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March 5, 2024
Dear Leavenworth residents,
This year’s negotiated Supplemental Capital Budget was made public this afternoon and could receive final Legislative approval as early as tomorrow. I am very pleased to share that the final budget proposes to fund my $1.3 million request to complete Upper Valley MEND’s Affordable Rental Project in Leavenworth.
Thanks to the Marson Family, Upper Valley MEND has a unique opportunity to preserve 31 apartment units in Leavenworth for affordable workforce housing. The organization has already received $600,000 from Leavenworth, $860,000 from Chelan County, and $1 million from the state. The proposed $1.3 million would close the final funding gap to secure the acquisition of the properties.
 The City of Leavenworth is a beautiful community and a highly desirable place to visit and live. As a result, unfortunately, people who provide essential community services – such as public works, schools, and healthcare – cannot easily afford to live in the city itself. This results in a gradual loss of the community over time.
Securing funding was a team effort
I’m excited the negotiated final budget recognizes Leavenworth’s need for more affordable housing. This project is a unique opportunity thanks to the Marson Family. Special thanks to Upper Valley MEND, City of Leavenworth, Chelan County, Representative Mike Steele, Representative Keith Goehner, community members, private contributors, and others who have worked together to make this possible.
The capital budget this year was especially tight, but when I learned that we might have flexibility in the budget for affordable housing, my first calls were to Mayor Florea and Kaylin Bettinger from Upper Valley MEND. They quickly helped me submit a very compelling request. Chelan County, City of Leavenworth, and Upper Valley MEND have been exceptional partners on affordable housing.
Thank you, Marson Family and Upper Valley MEND
 Thank you to Ken Marson and the family for their generous support in helping to make Leavenworth’s Affordable Rental Project possible. Thank you to Executive Director Kaylin Bettinger and Upper Valley MEND for their years of support toward affordable housing in Leavenworth. Click here to learn more.
Affordable Rental Project support
“The rural Upper Wenatchee Valley region – home to Leavenworth – is facing a crisis of affordable housing for local employees. Without housing for employees, local businesses are reducing their open hours, and services like the local hospital and school district struggle to hire and retain staff. Our expensive housing market has driven local workers out, which negatively impacts community vibrancy as well as our local economy.”
Kaylin Bettinger, Executive Director – Upper Valley Mend
“This is critical because, while Leavenworth has grown its tourism workforce by over 500 workers in the past 10 years, we have not provided more than a handful of housing units for these same workers over that period of time. We are fast becoming a community that is affordable only to wealthy second home buyers. This is not sustainable and not healthy for our community, our environment, or our businesses.”
Mayor Carl Florea, City of Leavenworth
Working together on affordable housing
Local officials have been working together to seek affordable housing solutions in recent years. In 2022, I partnered with the City of Leavenworth, Chelan County, and Upper Valley MEND to secure passage of my Senate Bill 5868, which allows counties to utilize their existing .09 sales tax dollars for affordable housing infrastructure or facilities. Chelan County has been utilizing this new authority to support project funding as part of its Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund.
 I have really enjoyed working with Leavenworth Mayor Carl Florea and the City of Leavenworth on affordable housing issues. We partnered with Chelan County in 2022 to approve my Senate Bill 5868 for affordable housing.
 Thank you to Mayor Florea and the City of Leavenworth for supporting my $1.3 million funding request for the Upper Valley MEND project. This funding closes the final funding gap when combined with previous city, county, state, and private funds. Thank you to my House seatmates, local leaders at all levels of government, Upper Valley MEND, and The Marson Family for making this project possible.
 Willkommen in German means “Welcome.” Leavenworth officials and key organizations have been working together to ensure that the community can welcome the workforce who helps support its local economy.
Session to adjourn on March 7
The state Legislature is expected to adjourn on schedule on March 7. If you have any questions about this session, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org. You can call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 if you need immediate assistance. Be sure to like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins for my latest updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
 Brad Hawkins
State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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