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Leavenworth Today
By the People, for the People
Leavenworth City Commissioners Approve CoreCivic's Request to Reopen Private Prison
Commissioners add oversight committee to permit amid concerns over company's past behavior
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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After a marathon public meeting, the Leavenworth City Commission voted to move forward with CoreCivic's request for a special use permit to reopen its private prison facility as the Midwest Regional Reception Center. The vote came despite strong opposition from local residents, who cited the company's past issues at the facility. Commissioners added an amendment to the permit requiring a community oversight committee to monitor operations.
Why it matters
The reopening of the CoreCivic prison in Leavenworth has been a contentious issue, with the city and company locked in a legal battle over the facility. The decision by the city commission to approve the permit, despite community opposition, highlights the complex tensions between economic interests, property rights, and concerns over the treatment of immigrants in private detention centers.
The details
At the commission meeting, CoreCivic representatives faced harsh criticism from local officials, particularly Commissioner Holly Pittman, over the company's past behavior and advertising campaigns that she said "dragged my name through the mud." The commission ultimately approved moving the permit application forward, with Pittman's amendment to create a community oversight committee that will include CoreCivic representatives, local law enforcement, and community leaders. The final vote on the permit is scheduled for March 10, and the city and company are still engaged in a separate legal battle over the facility.
- The Leavenworth City Commission held a marathon public meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2026 to consider CoreCivic's request for a special use permit.
- The commission voted to move the permit application forward to a second consideration on March 10, 2026.
The players
Leavenworth City Commission
The governing body of the city of Leavenworth, Kansas that is responsible for considering CoreCivic's request to reopen its private prison facility.
CoreCivic
A private prison company that operates detention facilities, including the one in Leavenworth that it is seeking to reopen.
Holly Pittman
A Leavenworth City Commissioner who was highly critical of CoreCivic's past behavior and proposed adding a community oversight committee to the permit.
Rebecca Hollister
The Leavenworth City Mayor Pro Tem who was the sole dissenting vote on moving the permit application forward.
Pat Kitchens
The Leavenworth Chief of Police who previously had issues with the CoreCivic facility, including not being allowed to access crime scenes or being notified of crimes in a timely manner.
What they’re saying
“Last year, you guys put me through hell, political hell. You guys paid for these ads that drug my name through the mud and I didn't appreciate it. I want to be good partners and I want to make this happen.”
— Holly Pittman, Leavenworth City Commissioner (Kansas Reflector)
“Hearing the comments from Chief Kitchens was hard to hear, frankly. We've had a lot of conversations about how to rectify the communication problem previously.”
— John Malloy, CoreCivic Spokesperson (Kansas Reflector)
“How should we judge you on your credibility if it's not with the past, if it's not with Trousdale (Turner Correctional Facility in Tennessee) or some of the other facilities?”
— Rebecca Hollister, Leavenworth City Mayor Pro Tem (Kansas Reflector)
What’s next
The Leavenworth City Commission is scheduled to hold a final vote on CoreCivic's special use permit application on March 10, 2026. If the permit is approved, the company can move forward with reopening the private prison facility. If the permit is denied, CoreCivic can appeal the decision to district court.
The takeaway
The decision by the Leavenworth City Commission to move forward with CoreCivic's permit application, despite strong community opposition, highlights the complex trade-offs between economic interests, property rights, and concerns over the treatment of immigrants in private detention centers. The addition of a community oversight committee is an attempt to provide more transparency and accountability, but the long-standing tensions between the city and the company remain unresolved.
