Editor’s Note: Behind the Dais is a Q&A-style feature focusing on elected officials.

Since moving to town as a “wayward youth” seeking a safe, stable life in 2000, Deputy Mayor Amy Howard has found her community in Port Townsend.

Howard led the Boiler Room as its executive director from 2012 to 2019 and is now the volunteer engagement manager at Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County. First elected to city council in 2015, Howard wrote that she believes the most rewarding part of the job is seeing long-term policy changes come to light, such as implementing a sliding scale for water bills, which is somewhat unique to Port Townsend.

Howard holds a certificate of nonprofit executive leadership from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington and an advanced certificate in municipal leadership through the Association of Washington Cities. Howard serves on the City Council Finance and Budget Committee, the City Council Culture and Society Committee, the Housing Fund Board, the OlyCAP Board of Directors, the Port Townsend Main Street HUD Loan Committee, the Equity, Access and Rights Advisory Board and the Association of Washington Cities.

Like Mayor David Faber, Howard also said she believes in working for the benefit of the most people while harming the least. She champions the importance of community engagement in local government.

Q: What initially inspired you to run for your position, and what keeps you motivated to serve in your role? 

A: Port Townsend holds a special place in my heart because it truly changed my life. I arrived here as a wayward youth in search of stability and belonging, and this community provided both in ways I never expected. When I first ran for office, I was working with local youth who needed to see someone like them stepping up to lead — and they needed a voice in local government. I’m not affluent or retired; I’ve worked in many service industry jobs here, from day labor to restaurants and hotels. I understand how policies and taxes impact working people and those struggling to pay their bills because I have experienced it directly. Balancing community needs with legal constraints is challenging but I keep pushing forward because it truly matters.

Q: What do you see as a strength of the Port Townsend community?

A: Port Townsend’s greatest strength is its people. They genuinely care. This community is passionate and interested in local government in ways I haven’t seen elsewhere. Community-driven initiatives abound here, addressing everything from arts access to trash cleanup, food systems, and youth education support. When we see a problem, we work to find solutions. That collective drive to improve the community as a whole is what makes Port Townsend so special. There’s a strong commitment to building resilience and an understanding that we’re only as strong as our most vulnerable members.

Q: What is the city’s most significant challenge, and how do you plan to help address it? 

A: Port Townsend faces many challenges — aging and failing infrastructure, a high per capita unhoused population, wealth disparities, high cost of goods and services, and policies that don’t always address current needs. But the biggest challenge is the growing distrust of local government. In a small town like ours, the government isn’t some distant entity. It’s made up of neighbors who care deeply and work hard to serve the community. Every decision is made through a public process, and council members dedicate countless hours to learning and problem-solving, for little compensation and intense scrutiny. Constructive criticism is necessary, but harassment, hostility, and personal attacks only make it harder to address the complex issues we all care about. If we want a strong community, we need to call out bad behavior when we see it, especially when it’s directed at people just trying to do a difficult job. Building trust requires effort and accountability on all sides. Despite the challenges, I still believe Port Townsend’s greatest strength is its people. I hope we can all show up for each other in ways that reflect that.

Q:  What is your favorite way to spend a weekend in Port Townsend?

A: If I have a free weekend in Port Townsend, I love walking the trails with my dog. With an incredible network of trails crisscrossing town, it’s easy to find solitude without ever leaving city limits. Cappy’s Trails and the paths throughout Fort Worden are especially beautiful and also serve as vital wildlife corridors. I also enjoy supporting community causes that I care about by volunteering at fundraisers, shopping library book sales, and picking up litter (though I mostly enjoy the results of litter pick up, not the process). But honestly, my ideal weekend often involves staying home, reading a book, cleaning my house, and resetting for the busy week ahead.

Q: How do you describe Port Townsend to out-of-towners?

A: Port Townsend, Washington’s Victorian Seaport, is full of hidden treasures — stunning architecture, rich maritime culture, and an eclectic arts scene. Despite its small size, it boasts an impressive array of restaurants and world-class entertainment. The natural beauty surrounding Port Townsend is unmatched and you can go from beach to mountain top in the same outing. Festivals like the Wooden Boat Festival put us on the map, drawing visitors from around the globe.

But as the town grows, we wrestle with questions of sustainability, affordability, and how to honor the indigenous history of the land. Balancing progress with preservation is no small task. Through it all, Port Townsend remains home. I love it—sometimes with frustration, but always with deep appreciation.