Tag: #questionsandanswers

Snoqualmie Tribe Forum Q&A

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During the Snoqualmie Tribe Mayoral Candidate Forum we had time for one audience question: How will you address flood risks for residents and help keep flood insurance low for homeowners?

A: Flooding is a part of our local landscape, given Duvall’s location along the Snoqualmie River, so it’s important that we continue managing those risks responsibly. While most of the city limits are outside regular flood zones, we do have some low-lying areas within the 100-year and 500-year floodplains.

For most residents, the biggest impacts of flooding are mobility and access. We have one main road across the valley that closes during most floods reaching even minor flood stage. When that happens, it puts tremendous strain on our remaining routes. In major floods, both the north and south sections of the highway can go under water, leaving Duvall effectively isolated.

That’s why one of the most important things we can do is continue active participation on the King County Flood Control District Advisory Committee. Having a seat at that table ensures Duvall’s needs are heard when regional flood investments and priorities are being decided because the Snoqualmie Valley faces unique challenges that require regional solutions. I currently serve on that committee as an alternate member.

Locally, our focus should be on maintaining and upgrading stormwater infrastructure to help reduce impacts from major rainfall events, protecting natural floodplain areas that help absorb excess water, and ensuring clear communication and coordination during high-water events.

In terms of flood insurance, Duvall could explore joining FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) in the future. Participation rewards communities that take proactive flood mitigation steps and can help lower premiums for residents. King County already participates and demonstrates strong floodplain management practices, which could support Duvall if we decide to pursue our own application. Because most of our homes are not in floodplains, we’d need to assess whether the cost and benefits would justify the effort- but it’s worth evaluating.

Finally, homeowner education and individual preparedness remain key parts of our approach. Even though most of our city isn’t directly in a floodplain, staying proactive through regional collaboration and strong local planning is how we keep residents safe and protect property and access for the long term.

Snoqualmie Tribe Forum Q&A

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Here is another question from the mayoral candidate forum co-hosted by the Snoqualmie Tribe and the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County.

Q: What policies or initiatives would you champion to protect and maintain our community’s open spaces, like parks, forests, and natural areas, to strengthen climate resiliency?

A: Duvall’s open spaces aren’t just beautiful- they’re essential to our quality of life, our climate resiliency, and our small-town identity. They shape who we are as a community. Our forests, trails, and riverfront spaces give residents room to breathe, connect, and recharge, while also serving as natural infrastructure: filtering water, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for native species. As mayor, I’ll focus on three priorities: preservation, restoration, and connection.

First, preservation. Preservation starts with smart land use policy, making sure that as we grow, we’re not losing the very character that draws people to Duvall in the first place. We’ve made real progress here, including protecting critical habitat areas and, most recently, acquiring a key parcel before it was developed — an example of how the city can act quickly and strategically when opportunities arise.

I’ll continue to explore conservation partnerships and grant programs that allow us to identify and protect priority parcels before they’re gone. That includes working with regional and state partners to secure funding for open space acquisition and easements. These partnerships can stretch local dollars and help us protect land that benefits not just Duvall, but the larger Snoqualmie Valley ecosystem.

Our Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan has a stronger emphasis on habitat corridors, floodplain health, and ecological connectivity — not just recreation. Recreation is important, but true climate resilience means designing our open space network to support both people and wildlife, and to buffer against future flooding and temperature extremes.

Second, restoration. Restoration is about caring for what we already have. Duvall’s parks, streams, and natural areas are heavily used and deeply loved, but they also need ongoing care and investment. The city can play a stronger role in coordinating partnerships and volunteer groups, especially around invasive species management, tree canopy improvement, and climate-adapted native plantings.

I’d like to see a “Green Duvall” initiative that brings these efforts together under one umbrella, connecting tree planting, stream buffer restoration, and community stewardship programs into one coordinated vision. That could include things like a community tree nursery, volunteer restoration days, and partnerships with schools to engage youth in local ecology and climate learning. Small cities can make a big impact through consistent, community-based action, and Duvall has the passion and volunteer base to lead on that front.

Third, connection. Connection means ensuring our open spaces serve both people and nature, creating opportunities for residents to connect with each other and with the natural environment. Strengthening our trail network is a great example. When we connect neighborhoods to parks and natural areas, we make it easier for people to walk or bike instead of drive, reducing emissions while encouraging recreation and health. Every dollar we invest in maintaining and restoring our natural spaces pays back many times over, in flood protection, cleaner air and water, lower heat impacts, and stronger community pride.

Protecting Duvall’s open spaces isn’t just an environmental goal, it’s an investment in community resilience, local identity, and future generations. Duvall has always cared deeply about its natural surroundings, and as mayor, I’ll make sure that care continues to guide every choice we make so that 20, 30, even 50 years from now, people will still recognize the same green, vibrant, and connected community we all love today.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

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Here’s the next question from the Chamber’s Candidate Town Hall on how we lead, collaborate, and engage as a community.

Q: Transparency and communication are frequent concerns. What changes would you make to improve how the City communicates about projects, policies, and decisions that affect businesses and families?

A: I believe government should be as open and accessible as possible. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds a stronger city.

As mayor, I’d improve communication by:

• Expanding digital communication tools—like short project update videos, social media summaries, and a modernized city website that’s easier to navigate.

• Providing early, plain-language summaries of major projects so residents can engage before decisions are made.

• Bringing City Hall into the community—through pop-up listening sessions, neighborhood meetings, and business walkabouts.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

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Another thoughtful question from the Chamber Town Hall, this time on what makes Duvall a healthy, connected community.

Q: As Duvall continues to grow, how would you ensure that we preserve our small-town feel while meeting the needs of a changing population?

A: Preserving Duvall’s small-town feel is at the heart of every decision I make. It’s about growing thoughtfully—protecting what we love while preparing wisely for what’s next.

That means:

• Intentional growth management: Planning carefully for where and how development happens, so we maintain open spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and our natural beauty.

• Design standards and character-based planning: Ensuring new buildings and public spaces reflect Duvall’s unique charm.

• Engagement and transparency: Inviting residents into the planning process so growth reflects our vision, not just outside pressures.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

amymcforduvall

Another great question from the Duvall Chamber’s Candidate Town Hall — this one’s about Community Wellness & Quality of Life.

Q: Duvall’s identity depends not just on businesses but on a healthy, connected community. How would each of you define “community wellness,” and what key initiatives would you pursue to improve it?

A: To me, community wellness means a city where people feel safe, supported, connected, and proud to belong. It’s about more than services—it’s about how people experience daily life here.

I’d focus on:

• Investing in parks, trails, and gathering spaces that bring neighbors together.

• Supporting mental health and family resources, especially for youth and seniors, through partnerships with nonprofits and King County, as well as continuing to support our own Human Services Grant Program.

• Encouraging civic participation by making it easier for residents to volunteer, engage, and shape city decisions. I also plan to launch Civic 101 workshops—informal classes that help residents understand how local government works, empowering them to better advocate, participate, and lead within our community.