Over the past week, I’ve shared how Duvall’s budget actually works—how our funds are structured, why reserves matter, and how we plan for stability and transparency. Now I want to talk about what comes next—and how I’d like to do things differently as Mayor.
Creating a city budget isn’t just about numbers. It’s about values, priorities, and trust. Some parts of the budget are non-negotiable—things we’re legally required to fund. Others are the community’s clear priorities—like safety, infrastructure, and parks. And then there’s a small portion that’s discretionary, where we have room to make meaningful choices.
That’s where you come in.
I want Duvall residents to have more than a seat in the audience—I want you to have a seat at the table. That’s why I plan to introduce “Balancing Act” workshops, where the community can walk through the real tradeoffs that go into building our biennial budget. These sessions will make the process interactive, educational, and collaborative—so everyone can see how decisions are made and share input before the budget is finalized.
A transparent budget process shouldn’t just inform people—it should invite participation. Together, we can make sure every dollar reflects the priorities of the people who live here.
Amy McHenry for Duvall Mayor 