During the October BDA Breakfast, titled “solving our region's biggest challenges,” a distinguished panel from the William D. Ruckelshaus Center engaged in a lively discussion about collaboration in addressing regional issues. The panel, moderated by BDA Board Member Tony Williams, included prominent figures like Betsy Cowles and former Senator Slade Gorton. They shared insights on the significance of collaborative governance, where government, private, and community sectors work together. Ralph Munro stressed the need for patience and building relationships before tackling complex problems, while Betsy Cowles highlighted the importance of grace and authenticity in engagement.

Michael Kern noted a crucial shift in perspective when evaluating policies, suggesting that understanding changes since a plan's development is vital. The panelists' engaging remarks, including Gorton's humorous take on learning through listening, resonated well with attendees. Their discussions underscored that while challenges such as growth and housing are complex, they are solvable with the right strategies and mindset. This event reinforced the idea that together, communities can create effective solutions to pressing regional issues.