Working Together for Balanced Growth in Duvall and Beyond

This year, I began serving as an alternate member on the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Growth Management Policy Board—a place where regional leaders come together to guide long-term planning for housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability across the Puget Sound.

It took persistence to get onto this board—growth is a top concern for every community in Washington—and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring Duvall’s voice to the table.

As I get up to speed, my focus is on ensuring growth strategies respect our small-town character while supporting smart, equitable development that benefits everyone. That means planning for housing choices, reliable transportation, and protecting the natural environment we all value.

Planning for the future isn’t just about numbers on a page—it’s about making sure Duvall, and our region, remain places where families can thrive for generations to come.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to November 2021

Back in the thick of the pandemic—when every week seemed to bring new challenges—I wanted to find a way to remind the incredible people who keep Duvall running that they weren’t alone. So I reached out to our community and asked you to share words of encouragement for our City Hall staff, Public Works crew, and Police Department. And wow, you all showed up in such a big way.

With your words, I was able to fill three big signs—front and back!—handwriting heartfelt notes, kind words, and messages of gratitude for each building. I delivered them in person, hoping they would brighten a difficult season and let our public servants know how deeply they are appreciated.

It might have been a small gesture, but it carried a powerful message: that Duvall is at its strongest when we lift each other up, when we pause to say “thank you,” and when we remember that behind every service, there are real people showing up for our community every single day.

That’s the spirit I’ll always carry forward—because the heart of Duvall has always been its people. 💙

My Vision

A vision for Duvall isn’t about one person dictating the plan- it’s about setting a clear direction and creating space for community voices to shape the “how.”

I’m committed to safer streets, a thriving small-town economy, and infrastructure that keeps pace with growth- built together, not from the top down.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in Duvall’s future?

Protecting Our Community Through Smart Flood Management

Since 2024, I’ve served on the King County Flood Advisory Committee as an alternate member, working alongside regional experts and leaders to guide policies and investments that reduce flood risks across our area—including here in Duvall.

While Duvall’s homes aren’t directly in the floodplain, flooding can seriously impact commutes and safety, blocking key roads and emergency routes that residents rely on every day.

Through this role, I make sure Duvall’s unique transportation and safety concerns are included in regional flood planning—helping keep our roads open, our people safe, and our community connected during storm events.

By advocating for smart, science-based solutions, I’m committed to strengthening Duvall’s resilience and ensuring we’re prepared for whatever nature sends our way.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to Washington, D.C. and the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference!

One of the most important parts of serving in city leadership is making sure Duvall’s voice is heard on the national stage. During this last trip, we advocated for keeping municipal bonds tax-exempt. Why? Because if they lose that status, it could mean higher borrowing costs for cities like ours, fewer resources for infrastructure, and even higher local taxes on residents—essentially taxing families twice.

We also supported the City of Carnation’s message about the importance of safety in warning systems and monitoring of the Tolt Dam, as well as the critical need for improvements like the roundabout on SR-203 near Carnation. In addition to these shared priorities, we always make it a point to inform our legislators of Duvall’s needs—both current and future—so they understand the challenges and opportunities ahead for our community.

Over the years, the specific advocacy priorities may shift—from infrastructure to public safety to financial policy—but the core always stays the same: working for the people of Duvall and advancing the best interests of our community.

Being in D.C. is always a powerful reminder that local voices matter, and that small cities like ours play a big role in shaping the future.