Leavenworth County Port Authority volunteers and partners told the Lansing City Council they will roll out an education campaign this summer to explain what the Port Authority and the Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC) do and to seek steady funding after county support declined over recent years.

Greg (last name in packet) — introduced to the council as a volunteer and board member for the Leavenworth County Port Authority — said the county’s annual contributions have dropped from roughly $350,000 in earlier years to an estimated $25,000–$75,000 for the current year. He said the Port Authority and LCDC seek a steadier revenue stream to preserve reserves and to enable the organizations to compete for larger industrial and commercial projects that now require million‑dollar infrastructure investments.

The campaign will focus on three themes: describing the public value of economic development, demonstrating transparency and accountability, and building trust with elected officials and the public. Campaign activities, the presenter said, include a polling phase (completed in February), stakeholder meetings, development of a frequently asked questions document and a press release. The campaign is expected to run six to nine months, with messaging tailored to different county constituencies. Sample social‑media graphics and press materials were included in the council packet.

Greg told the council that county tax receipts are currently about 90% residential and 10% commercial in Leavenworth County; Port Authority volunteers said the long‑term goal is to move that ratio closer to 70% residential / 30% nonresidential to relieve pressure on homeowner property taxes. He also said many corporate prospects require discreet handling and nondisclosure agreements, which limits the amount of public reporting the Port Authority can do about ongoing recruitment work.

Council members asked for measurable return‑on‑investment information and suggested including specific examples of how past projects have affected the county’s finances. Port Authority volunteers invited council members to provide questions or additional topics for the FAQ and to contact LCDC staff members for follow‑up. No formal funding request or motion was made at the meeting.