Tag: #smallbusiness

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.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

amymcforduvall

Here’s another question from the Duvall Chamber of Commerce Candidate Town Hall on Infrastructure, Growth & Accessibility.

Q: What are your priorities for improving transportation and parking?

A: Transportation and parking affect everyone in Duvall—residents, visitors, and businesses alike. A well-connected, accessible city supports both local commerce and quality of life.

My top priorities are:

• Improving traffic flow and safety along Main Street through crosswalk upgrades, signal coordination, and continued collaboration with regional partners

• Expanding and improving parking access by exploring shared-use lots, enhancing signage, and refreshing wayfinding. We already have more parking than people realize—it’s just not clearly marked or easy to find.

• Investing in safe walking and biking routes so residents can move through town comfortably and safely without always relying on cars.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

amymcforduvall

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.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

amymcforduvall

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.

Duvall Chamber Q&A

amymcforduvall

Here is another question from the Duvall Chamber of Commerce Candidate Townhall on Small Business Vitality & Economic Growth.

Q: Small businesses are the heart of Duvall’s downtown. What are the top three specific actions you would take in your first year as mayor to support and grow our small business community?

A: Small businesses are the backbone of Duvall’s economy and the heartbeat of our community. In my first year as mayor, I would:

• Establish a Small Business Roundtable — a regular forum where local business owners, the Chamber, and City staff can identify challenges, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions directly.

• Streamline and modernize business support by building clear, accessible online resources for permits, grants, and local promotion programs—making it easier to start, grow, or expand here in Duvall. With recent leadership changes in our Community Development Department, I’ll prioritize restructuring that team to bring an economic development focus and a customer-obsessed approach.

• Launch a “Shop Duvall” initiative in partnership with the Chamber and downtown businesses to promote local shopping and draw regional visitors, especially during construction or seasonal slowdowns.