Tag: #CommunityLeadership

Throwback Thursday

amymcforduvall

Throwback Thursday to one of my favorite volunteer roles- serving as an art docent in our schools. I loved watching kids unleash their creativity—some needed more guidance and structure, while others wanted to be set free to follow their own inspiration. Both approaches are valid, and both create beautiful results.

That experience connects to my small business, where I create edible art, and also to how I see leadership. Just like in the classroom, leadership isn’t “one size fits all.” People thrive under different styles of support, and not everyone feels comfortable asking for a seat at the table. As Mayor, I’m committed to seeking out those missing voices and making sure they’re represented. Because a stronger, more creative, more connected Duvall comes when everyone has a chance to be seen and heard.

Protecting Duvall’s Environment Through Regional Leadership

amymcforduvall

From 2018 to 2021, I had the honor of serving on the King Conservation District Committee as a representative of Sound Cities Association (SCA), a regional body focused on sustainable land use, natural resource management, and conservation across King County.

Why does this matter for Duvall? Because our rivers, forests, farms, and open spaces shape our quality of life, property values, and community health. On the committee, I worked to ensure Duvall’s unique environmental needs were represented in regional planning and funding decisions.

During my service, I advocated for programs that supported local farmers, protected watersheds, and encouraged sustainable development. I also helped direct grants to strengthen our regional food system—supporting projects that kept farmland viable and connected residents to local food sources.

This behind-the-scenes work mattered. It helped small cities like Duvall have a voice, protected our natural resources, and supported a healthy Snoqualmie Valley for generations to come. These are the values I’ll continue to champion as your mayor.

Shaping Policy Together Through the Public Issues Committee

amymcforduvall

From 2022 to 2024, I had the privilege of serving as Duvall’s representative on the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee (PIC)—a regional table where every member city has a voice and a vote.

Why does this matter for Duvall? Because so many of the decisions that shape our daily lives—on housing, transportation, public safety, climate, and more—start at the regional level. PIC is where city leaders come together to review policy proposals, share perspectives, and make recommendations that go on to the SCA Board of Directors.

For Duvall, that means ensuring our unique needs as a small city are heard alongside those of larger cities. It’s where we can speak up about the realities of living and working in the Snoqualmie Valley, and make sure those priorities are reflected in regional policy.

It may be work that happens behind the scenes, but it’s one of the most important ways we protect our seat at the table—and make sure Duvall’s voice helps shape the future of our region.

A Little Bit About Me

amymcforduvall

Since our very first dog, Scout, I’ve loved dog training. Scout made it easy—bright, enthusiastic, and always up for agility courses (his favorite!). Then came Schatze, a rescue German Shepherd with a very different outlook—she preferred sprinting through Meadowbrook Farm and joyfully rolling in elk droppings. Let’s just say I had to level up quickly.

That learning curve shaped me not just as a trainer, but as a person. In early 2020, after losing our last beloved pup, we welcomed Joren into our lives. He’s full of energy, loves tricks and nose work, and keeps me constantly learning. Focused, curious, and always game for more—he’s a challenge, but a blast to train.

This lifelong passion has taught me the value of clear communication, patience, and meeting others where they are—skills I bring to my work in public service every day. Success, whether with dogs or in city leadership, comes from consistency, adaptability, and a whole lot of encouragement… and sometimes treats.

🎥 Enjoy this clip of Joren in action! It may look effortless, but it’s the result of years of steady effort. Just like progress in our city, what you see on the surface is only part of the story.