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In a shared effort to support safety, economic revitalization, and community well-being in some of Seattle’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods, Mayor Bruce Harrell, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), Amazon, and the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) today announced the Chinatown-International District (C-ID) Ambassadors Program, which will launch on June 1, 2025.

Rooted in community care and cultural competency—and modeled after other successful ambassador programs such as the Downtown Seattle Association MID Ambassadors, Ballard Alliance Ambassadors, and the city’s Downtown Activation Team—the C-ID Ambassadors Program will train neighborhood ambassadors to serve Japantown, Chinatown, and Little Saigon. These teams will work on the ground, block by block, to assist small businesses, welcome visitors, and foster safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.

The program is made possible by a $1 million combined investment over two years from the City of Seattle and TAAF, and represents a growing commitment to deeper, place-based collaboration between public institutions, philanthropy, and community organizations.

Speakers and attendees include:
Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle
Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington State
Georgette Bhathena, Chief Programs Officer, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
Tuyen Than, Executive Director, Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA)
Taylor Hoang, Senior Manager Community Engagement, Amazon
Quynh Pham, Executive Director, Friends of Little Sài Gòn
Laura Clise, CEO and Founder, Intentionalist
Yenvy Pham, Owner, Hello Em and Pho Bac