Seattle Launches the C-ID Ambassadors Program for Community Safety and Economic Renewal
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the safety and economic vitality of one of Seattle's most cherished neighborhoods, Mayor Bruce Harrell, alongside The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), Amazon, and the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA), has announced the launch of the Chinatown-International District (C-ID) Ambassadors Program. This initiative, scheduled to kick off on June 1, 2025, is a part of a larger TAAF Cities initiative aimed at fostering collaboration across public, private, and non-profit sectors to uplift cities with substantial AAPI populations.
The historical Chinatown-International District, well-known for its rich cultural heritage, is set to receive a $1 million investment over the next two years, funded by the city and TAAF. This funding will facilitate the recruitment and training of neighborhood ambassadors who will work tirelessly to make the C-ID a safer and more inviting place for residents and visitors alike. These ambassadors, modeled after other successful programs in Seattle neighborhoods like the Downtown Seattle Association MID Ambassadors, will be actively engaged in supporting local businesses and enhancing community well-being.
The C-ID Ambassadors Program is designed not only to revitalize the community but also to instill a sense of security among residents and visitors, particularly in light of the increased anti-Asian sentiments witnessed during the pandemic. According to a 2024 TAAF survey, a notable percentage of respondents reported experiencing anti-Asian incidents in the preceding year, which underscores the urgent need for measures promoting public safety.
Part of the vision for this initiative includes daily patrols by trained ambassadors who will oversee the streets, ensuring they remain clean, safe, and welcoming. Responsibilities encompass providing directions to visitors, reporting maintenance needs, and addressing quality-of-life concerns faced by local businesses. Additionally, these ambassadors will offer empathetic and professional support to individuals in crisis, thus fostering a gentler, community-first response to public safety issues.
Amazon, a founding partner of the TAAF Cities initiative, has committed significant resources to ensure the program's success. This includes a $250,000 investment to support Friends of Little Sài Gòn, which aims to bolster economic development and safety programs. Furthermore, Amazon plans to reinstate the C-ID Night Market for a three-year run, promoting local culture and businesses within the district.
In conjunction with this program, the city will also be supporting the AMPLIFY Chinatown-International District initiative, which encourages consumer engagement with local businesses, particularly during AAPI Heritage Month. Local residents and visitors are invited to participate in this campaign, which offers promotional opportunities across 35 small businesses in the C-ID, fostering a sense of community and support for local entrepreneurs.
Officials and community leaders alike have expressed their enthusiasm for this innovative approach. Mayor Harrell emphasized the public-private partnership's role in uplifting Seattle’s historic neighborhoods, while local council member Mark Solomon highlighted the unique cultural richness of the C-ID, advocating for ongoing support and prioritization of its economic vitality.
Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, articulated a long-term vision to embed solutions that prioritize community needs while ensuring a broader sense of belonging within the cultural fabric of Seattle. The involvement of various stakeholders, including organizations like Intentionalist, highlights a comprehensive strategy that brings together local businesses and community members to foster a more robust economic and cultural landscape.
As Seattle prepares to implement the C-ID Ambassadors Program, it sets a precedent for other cities with diverse communities on how to achieve safety, economic growth, and cultural pride through cooperative efforts. This landmark initiative signifies a proactive approach towards fortifying the historical essence of the Chinatown-International District while engaging in meaningful community-centric solutions that will benefit residents and businesses for years to come.
The historical Chinatown-International District, well-known for its rich cultural heritage, is set to receive a $1 million investment over the next two years, funded by the city and TAAF. This funding will facilitate the recruitment and training of neighborhood ambassadors who will work tirelessly to make the C-ID a safer and more inviting place for residents and visitors alike. These ambassadors, modeled after other successful programs in Seattle neighborhoods like the Downtown Seattle Association MID Ambassadors, will be actively engaged in supporting local businesses and enhancing community well-being.
The C-ID Ambassadors Program is designed not only to revitalize the community but also to instill a sense of security among residents and visitors, particularly in light of the increased anti-Asian sentiments witnessed during the pandemic. According to a 2024 TAAF survey, a notable percentage of respondents reported experiencing anti-Asian incidents in the preceding year, which underscores the urgent need for measures promoting public safety.
Part of the vision for this initiative includes daily patrols by trained ambassadors who will oversee the streets, ensuring they remain clean, safe, and welcoming. Responsibilities encompass providing directions to visitors, reporting maintenance needs, and addressing quality-of-life concerns faced by local businesses. Additionally, these ambassadors will offer empathetic and professional support to individuals in crisis, thus fostering a gentler, community-first response to public safety issues.
Amazon, a founding partner of the TAAF Cities initiative, has committed significant resources to ensure the program's success. This includes a $250,000 investment to support Friends of Little Sài Gòn, which aims to bolster economic development and safety programs. Furthermore, Amazon plans to reinstate the C-ID Night Market for a three-year run, promoting local culture and businesses within the district.
In conjunction with this program, the city will also be supporting the AMPLIFY Chinatown-International District initiative, which encourages consumer engagement with local businesses, particularly during AAPI Heritage Month. Local residents and visitors are invited to participate in this campaign, which offers promotional opportunities across 35 small businesses in the C-ID, fostering a sense of community and support for local entrepreneurs.
Officials and community leaders alike have expressed their enthusiasm for this innovative approach. Mayor Harrell emphasized the public-private partnership's role in uplifting Seattle’s historic neighborhoods, while local council member Mark Solomon highlighted the unique cultural richness of the C-ID, advocating for ongoing support and prioritization of its economic vitality.
Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, articulated a long-term vision to embed solutions that prioritize community needs while ensuring a broader sense of belonging within the cultural fabric of Seattle. The involvement of various stakeholders, including organizations like Intentionalist, highlights a comprehensive strategy that brings together local businesses and community members to foster a more robust economic and cultural landscape.
As Seattle prepares to implement the C-ID Ambassadors Program, it sets a precedent for other cities with diverse communities on how to achieve safety, economic growth, and cultural pride through cooperative efforts. This landmark initiative signifies a proactive approach towards fortifying the historical essence of the Chinatown-International District while engaging in meaningful community-centric solutions that will benefit residents and businesses for years to come.
Topics General Business）
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