Leavenworth City Will Benefit from Economic Development Investment
The City of Leavenworth is a leading community in Leavenworth County, with high employment rates and stable jobs. However, towns and cities evolve throughout the years, and Leavenworth is poised for change.
Investing in economic development will keep the City of Leavenworth in a growth phase while also shaping the community based on residents’ desires and needs. Residents can have a say in what their neighborhoods will look like next year and 10 years from now.
Consider how economic development affects every single resident and shapes the future of Leavenworth. You might be surprised at how individual investments create significant ripple effects across the community.
Development Efforts Attract New Businesses
Business attraction is one of the primary roles of economic development. The Leavenworth County Port Authority (LCPA) works with companies looking to expand into Kansas or relocate their operations there. New businesses in Leavenworth create jobs, which can simultaneously reduce the unemployment rate while providing better work opportunities.
Business attraction doesn’t occur naturally. While some companies might have experience working in Kansas City, the LCPA must actively showcase the region and highlight the City of Leavenworth. If companies don’t know Leavenworth is the best place in the country to do business, they might choose other communities to expand their operations.
Residents who want job opportunities and new industries in Leavenworth should support economic development. Corporate investment diversifies the economy while increasing the taxes collected from these firms. The average resident can enjoy additional services, programs, and infrastructure even if they don’t work for the new companies that move here.
Economic Developers Focus on Strategic Growth
One benefit of economic development teams attracting and supporting businesses is that they can focus on key growth areas that support the region. For example, Leavenworth is home to Great Western Manufacturing, the oldest manufacturer in Kansas, operating since 1858. In the 167 years since it opened, other manufacturers have moved to the area and thrived because of the skilled and hardworking residents. A few prominent names include Zephyr Products and Marlow White Uniforms, both valuable job creators. Economic development teams know the region’s strengths and attract companies that need a similarly skilled workforce.
The LCPA fosters external economic investment while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to bring their manufacturing and industry visions to life. It developed the Gary Carlson Business Center, home to several businesses that employ more than 550 people combined. One notable tenant is CII Foods, Inc., a producer of food particulates that employs 200 people. Many companies moved to the business park when they were ready to expand from home businesses into commercial enterprises.
In 2025, the business park generated more than $466,000 in property taxes. Residents not employed by the companies or using their services still benefit from their presence in the area because of this tax revenue.
Desirable Communities Attract More Residents
While it may seem obvious that people want to live in beautiful neighborhoods and friendly cities, it’s essential to consider the economic aspects of talent attraction. With a positive reputation, healthcare providers in Leavenworth, like Saint John Hospital, will have an easier time hiring physicians and bringing specialists to the region. Residents won’t have to travel for quality healthcare and can enjoy faster appointment scheduling. Local schools can hire top teachers eager to work closer to home, leading to better education outcomes for families.
Talent attraction also brings entrepreneurs and service providers to communities. From real estate agents to accountants, the residents of Leavenworth can find the best people for the job.
Increased talent attraction creates a snowball effect, where new residents become job creators and industry leaders. The new jobs bring in additional residents and their families, further improving the Leavenworth community and economic ecosystem.
Support Economic Development to Build Leavenworth’s Future
While business attraction is a large part of economic development, the LCPA handles other projects that make the City of Leavenworth a great place to live. From downtown revitalization to workforce development, economic development supports people across all industries. Even Leavenworth’s youngest residents stand to benefit from economic growth, with the City investing in increased daycare options, better schools, and recreational activities at nearby parks.
Learn more about the efforts of the LCPA. You might be surprised at the effects of economic development on your day-to-day life.