Mayor Harrell unveils initiative to improve Chinatown-International District

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a new initiative on Wednesday aimed at improving safety and revitalizing the economy in the Chinatown-International District (CID). This initiative specifically targets the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon and involves collaborations with The Asian American Foundation, Amazon, and the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, the initiative will emphasize support for local businesses through partnerships with Intentionalist, which helps consumers find small businesses. The CID has faced significant challenges, including a stabbing incident in November 2024 that injured five people. In response to safety issues, four bus stops in Little Saigon were closed in December due to concerns but reopened in March.

Additionally, an outreach team from We Deliver Care has been deployed in Little Saigon to foster community trust and combat crime. Harrell's executive order also includes the Spark Block project, which installed festive lights along South King Street to enhance neighborhood safety. These efforts aim to address crime, drug use, and homelessness in the area while promoting local economic growth.