Leavenworth council adopts 2027–2032 six‑year transportation plan after public hearing

Leavenworth City Council voted unanimously June 23 to adopt Resolution 11‑2026, approving the city’s 2027–2032 Six‑Year Transportation Improvement Plan.

The adoption followed a public hearing in which staff explained that the TIP follows the state submission format and can be amended during the year. Council members asked questions about a sidewalk segment from Evans to Pine that has prompted resident concerns over tree removal and shade loss. Andy, a city staff presenter, said the project is currently in the right‑of‑way phase and construction is not planned until 2027; staff will request an arborist review to explore options such as elevating a sidewalk over tree roots and to evaluate the environmental thresholds that would trigger additional studies.

Councilmember Shane moved the resolution; Councilmember Zeke seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. Staff emphasized that although the TIP must be adopted by July to meet state deadlines, the plan can be amended later in the year to reflect changing priorities or design refinements.

Why it matters: The TIP programs capital work for the next six years and is the city’s primary tool for coordinating design and construction of streets, sidewalks and related projects. The discussion about the Evans‑to‑Pine sidewalk highlights a recurring trade‑off between mobility improvements and preservation of mature street trees; council and staff said they will try to balance regulatory limits on impervious surface with design approaches that reduce tree impacts.

Next steps: Staff will pursue an arborist assessment and follow up with council on potential design alternatives and environmental thresholds before the project enters the construction phase in 2027.