I know a lot of you are voting this weekend and have questions! I will respond as promptly as I can however my youngest crashed and went over his handlebars mountain biking today so we are in the ER getting him checked out. He is okay!! But need to make sure nothing is broken. Thank you for your patience in my slower response time- family first always! **Update** Nothing is broken- thank you all so much for the well wishes! He is bruised up but on the mend. -Amy
From the Duvall Chamber of Commerce Candidate Town Hall — a question about infrastructure, growth, and accessibility.
Q: Construction projects (like the 3rd Avenue improvements) have impacts on customer traffic. How would each of you ensure that major infrastructure projects don’t unintentionally harm small businesses during implementation?
A: Infrastructure improvements are essential, but they can’t come at the expense of the businesses that make Duvall vibrant. Planning with—not just around—businesses ensures we come out of every project stronger.
My approach includes:
• Early communication and collaboration: Meet with affected businesses before projects start to plan for access, signage, and timing.
• Real-time updates: Use social media, email alerts, and signage to keep residents informed about detours and parking options.
• Support measures: Coordinate with the Chamber and community groups to drive traffic to impacted areas—through local promotions, “construction specials,” or city-sponsored events that keep people coming downtown.
From the Duvall Chamber of Commerce Candidate Town Hall — a question about supporting small business and economic growth.
Q: How do you plan to balance business diversity — supporting Main Street storefronts, off-main businesses, and home-based businesses alike?
A: Duvall’s economy thrives because of its diversity — from Main Street retailers to home-based entrepreneurs. Each brings something valuable to our community. As mayor, I’d:
• Update our business license and zoning data to better understand where growth is happening and tailor city resources accordingly.
• Ensure equal access to city support and promotion programs, whether a business operates downtown or from a home office.
• Encourage flexible space use downtown—such as pop-up shops, shared spaces, and incubator programs—to make it easier for startups and artisans to test new ideas locally.
We should celebrate and strengthen every kind of business that helps Duvall’s economy stay local and resilient.
Campaign season can get heated, and sometimes people say things that don’t reflect the kind of community we want to build together. I’m choosing to stay focused on what matters — serving Duvall and leading with respect and transparency. I believe voters deserve campaigns based on ideas and solutions. This biennium’s (2025–2026) budget reflects our current community input and available resources. It’s flexible and designed to meet present needs while giving the next mayor and council full freedom to adjust priorities.
Using accumulated cash balance for what residents value doesn’t create future obligations, it simply gives us time to pilot community-supported ideas and engage residents about what they’d like to continue. This approach is a standard practice in local government, and we also maintain healthy reserves. Each biennium starts fresh. Future councils and residents will decide whether to continue, modify, or discontinue programs based on updated revenues, needs, and feedback. Some parts of the budget are required by law, some reflect long-standing community priorities, and a smaller portion is discretionary.
I know our staff and elected officials are committed to cutting costs and maximizing every taxpayer dollar. My goal is to make sure residents understand how and why spending choices are made, and to invite them into those choices. We’ll do that through public budget workshops, online engagement, and a citywide survey to understand which nonessential programs matter most to you.
Nothing in this budget is permanent. Right now, we’re laying the foundation to discover what our community values most, what we can afford, and- if we can’t sustain everything within existing resources- whether there’s willingness to fund certain priorities through a levy or other funding options. Every answer and perspective is valid, and every resident’s voice will shape the path forward.
Click on the #budget hashtag below the photo to see all my Budget Related Posts from as early as February of this year!
Joren wants to remind you — make sure your voter registration is up to date! Or register if you aren’t already.
Update/change your address online by October 27th! Or in person through Election Day on Nov 4.
https://kingcounty.gov/…/register-to…/change-my-address
Register to vote online by October 27th! Or in person through Election Day on Nov 4.
https://kingcounty.gov/…/how-to-vote/register-to-vote
Amy McHenry for Duvall Mayor 