Throwback Thursday to that strange and somber year when we had to cancel Duvall Days due to the pandemic.
But even in the quietest times, Duvall’s heart kept beating. One community member had the sweetest idea—to bring a little joy to the woman who carried the torch for Duvall Days for so many years: Kim Piira.
When the call went out to do a surprise parade past her house, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I took the top off my Jeep, buckled in a giant inflatable giraffe (love it or hate it—you’ve got to respect the spotted ungulate for finding its way into our town’s heart), and joined the celebration.
That drive-by wasn’t just about saying thank you. It was a reminder that even when events get canceled, community doesn’t
West Snoqualmie Valley Road & NE 124th Street isn’t just a rural intersection—it’s a critical connector for families, schools, farms, and commuters across the valley. While this intersection sits outside Duvall’s city limits, its daily impact on our community is undeniable. The good news: years of advocacy are paying off, and King County has listened.
I’m encouraged to see this corridor recognized across multiple priority lists in King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, with substantial investments identified to improve safety, reduce congestion, and protect these vulnerable roadways:
OP-INT-122 — NE 124th ST & West Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE: Construct turn pockets + replace signal | $5.77M
CP-15-3 — W Snoqualmie Valley RD from NE 124th ST to NE Novelty Hill RD: Construct congestion relief measures | $10.73M
CP-15-8 — NE Novelty Hill Rd from 243rd AVE NE to W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE: Major corridor upgrades | $92M
RC-39 — West Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE from NE 124th ST to Ames Lake-Carnation Rd: Retaining wall to prevent slides | $4.94M
These projects show a strong recognition by King County and our regional partners that these roads matter—not just for Duvall, but for the entire Snoqualmie Valley community.
As your next mayor, I’ll stay focused on advancing these priorities through collaboration, advocating for funding, and ensuring local voices are heard as solutions take shape. These aren’t just lines in a report—they’re lifelines for our community, and they deserve follow-through.
When cities, counties, and residents work together, we can make real progress on the roads that matter most.
The idea of police regionalization has been brought up in past City Council meetings. While regional partnerships can make sense in certain sectors—like our Fire District, which has been a successful and beneficial collaboration—I do not support regionalizing our police services.
Maintaining our own police department is about more than just cost. While some cities may see temporary savings when contracting out, those savings are often short-lived. Many are now experiencing steep increases in contract costs—and with far less local control.
But beyond the financials, what matters most is trust, relationships, and responsiveness. Our officers are not just public servants—they’re part of the Duvall community. I’ve seen them model a respectful, community-centered approach to policing that reflects the values we hold dear: integrity, accountability, and service.
As a parent, I’ve seen this connection in ways that truly stick with families. My kids still talk about the time they got “arrested” (all in fun!) at National Night Out, and the day our lieutenant played frisbee with them at a community picnic. Those small moments build familiarity, trust, and a sense of safety. My oldest—now a student at Cedarcrest High School—appreciates the presence of our School Resource Officer. That early connection with youth is vital to maintaining strong community relationships.
I believe a majority of the City Council shares this view, and for good reason. Our community values having officers who know our streets, know our neighbors, and are committed to keeping Duvall safe in a way that reflects our values.
People are often surprised to learn how I got into cake decorating—and to be honest, I didn’t exactly plan it.
Eventually, we decided I would step back from full-time work to raise our family. But I’ve always loved staying busy and creative. Around that time, my personal trainer—who’s also my unofficial life coach—encouraged me to get stronger not just physically, but professionally. She pushed me to take on new challenges and believe in myself.
By then, I had already started making birthday cakes for my kids—nothing fancy, just fun and homemade. But those early cakes caught the attention of friends, and before long, my trainer offered to be my very first official order. That simple act of encouragement gave me the confidence to lean into my artistic side and revisit something close to home- cake decorating, a skill I’d grown up watching my Mom bring to life.
As a kid, I loved watching my Mom decorate cakes at our kitchen table—she’d patiently pipe borders and flowers while I watched from afar, wishing for a turn. She always let me and my sister experiment with the little leftover bits of buttercream, giving us free rein with a piping bag and a few decorating tips. It was my first introduction to art and creativity in the kitchen—and more importantly, to the joy of making something beautiful for someone else. Those moments with her sparked something that stayed with me, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
If you ever see me driving slowly around town, chances are there’s a cake in the back of my Jeep—because I’ve also had to master the art of cake delivery! Every cake is a special creation, and getting it safely to its destination is part of the craft. I have grown my business into something I’m incredibly proud of. With every order, I get to blend creativity, precision, and joy—and that’s a recipe I’m grateful to share.
This journey has also taught me a lot about dedication, attention to detail, and the importance of serving others—qualities I bring into public service as well. Just like baking the perfect cake takes care, patience, and listening to what people want, good leadership means showing up, being responsive, and working together to build a community we’re all proud of.
Throwback Thursday to one of our favorite Duvall traditions—SandBlast Festival of the Arts!
This festival is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the arts, enjoy live music, and connect with local artists, all down by the river.
We’ve been attending since we first moved here, and it’s always been a highlight of the summer. My kids especially loved watching the giant mound of sand transform into a stunning sculpture over the weekend—it’s like magic in slow motion.
It’s family-friendly, creative, and so full of the community spirit that makes Duvall special. If you’ve never been, I hope you’ll check it out this year. And if you’re a longtime fan like us—see you there!
Here’s to sunshine, music, art, and all the things that bring us together.
OP-INT-122 — NE 124th ST & West Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE: Construct turn pockets + replace signal | $5.77M
Amy McHenry for Duvall Mayor 