EVERETT—The Building Bridges Project will host the 2026 Building Bridges Summit on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Washington State University-Everett, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, students, and residents for an evening focused on civic dialogue, political polarization, and strengthening community connections.
The summit will feature U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene as the featured speaker, along with a regional community leaders panel including State Senators Ron Muzzall and John Lovick, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, and Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring.
The event will also recognize Future Leaders Academy essay award winners from Marysville Getchell High School and highlight the importance of investing in the next generation of civic leadership.
“This summit was created because communities are strongest when people are willing to come together, even when they do not always agree,” said Jared Mead, co-founder of the Building Bridges Project. “We need more spaces where respectful dialogue, understanding, and collaboration can happen, and that is exactly what this event is intended to foster.”
“Our goal has always been to bring people together in a way that encourages engagement instead of division,” said Nate Nehring, co-founder of the Building Bridges Project. “At a time when polarization dominates so much of the national conversation, local leadership and community connection matter more than ever.”
Josh Estes, co-founder of the Building Bridges Project, said the summit reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to create meaningful civic engagement opportunities across generations and perspectives.
“We believe communities move forward when people are willing to listen, engage, and participate,” Estes said. “This summit is about creating a constructive environment where leaders, students, and community members can have important conversations about the future of our communities and the responsibility we all share in strengthening them.”
John Natterstad, AP Government teacher at Marysville Getchell High School, said the partnership has created a unique opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.
“This program has given students the opportunity to engage directly with important issues impacting their communities and to see that their voices matter,” Natterstad said. “Experiences like this help students better understand government, civic responsibility, and the importance of respectful dialogue in a democratic society.”
Wendy Poischbeg, President and CEO of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is proud to partner in supporting the event.
“Healthy communities and strong economies go hand in hand,” said Poischbeg. “Events like the Building Bridges Summit help foster the relationships, conversations, and civic engagement that contribute to a stronger and more connected region.”
The Building Bridges Summit will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Washington State University Everett Campus, located at 915 N. Broadway in Everett. The event is free and open to the public. Community members, students, business leaders, and civic partners are encouraged to attend.
While RSVP is not required, it is strongly encouraged to assist with event planning and seating accommodations. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/buildingbridgessummit
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
