In May 2025, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) launched our “TAAF Cities” initiative to strengthen safety and support economic revitalization in cities with major Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations. Our work kicked off in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (C-ID)—a major cultural and economic hub with some of the nation’s oldest and most vibrant AAPI communities.
Why Seattle?
- The city and its AAPI communities are poised for transformation, and Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (C-ID) is at the center of this opportunity.
- In the wake of COVID-19, our research shows safety and economic issues remain top of mind for residents. Nearly 2 in 5 Seattle-area AAPI adults experienced an anti-Asian incident in 2024, and 54% identified public safety as a pressing problem.
- Despite its deep, cultural significance and the resilience of its community, the C-ID neighborhood has long been under-resourced compared to its surrounding areas. Safety concerns have left the community in fear, resulting in declining foot traffic causing many small businesses in the area to struggle.
Our Approach
TAAF Cities is bringing together local community, government, business, media, and nonprofit leaders to design innovative, community-rooted solutions in Seattle.
01
Lead with Research
Grounded in our NYC-focused safety and business studies, TAAF conducts rigorous research to identify the most pressing needs facing AAPI communities — translating data into action and equipping local grantees with the insights to drive meaningful change.
02
Convene and Build Coalitions
We convene cross-sector leaders — from community organizations to government agencies to private enterprise — to develop tailored, locally-driven solutions centered on economic opportunity and collective power.
03
Pilot Solutions
TAAF Cities empowers communities to invest in their own futures. Through strategic grantmaking, we identify and fund high-potential solutions that directly address our community's most urgent challenges.
04
Scale Programs
Working alongside co-funders and community partners, we are committed to building long-term, sustainable impact. The most effective pilot solutions are scaled nationally — supported by multi-year funding commitments and robust capacity-building for local nonprofits.
C-ID Ambassadors Program
A Neighborhood Presences Rooted in Care
On May 14, 2025, TAAF joined Mayor Bruce Harrell, Amazon, and the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) to launch the Chinatown-International District Ambassadors Program. Made possible by a $1 million combined investment over two years from the City and TAAF, the initiative created a network of trained ambassadors to assist small businesses, welcome visitors, and foster safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.
01
Walk & Watch
Ambassadors provide a visible, welcoming presence — offering directions, assisting visitors, reporting issues, and ensuring blocks are safer, cleaner, and cared for.
02
Support Small Business Owners
Ambassadors deter disruptive behavior, respond to quality-of-life concerns, and help business owners access city services and support networks.
03
De-Escalate & Engage
Trained as "community-first" responders, ambassadors approach individuals in crisis with empathy and professionalism— restoring peace and dignity to public life.
Partners who made this possible
This program is supported by
