“Since 1906 Neighborhood House has been helping children and families in neighborhoods throughout Seattle and King County. It is in these neighborhoods where we find huge capacity and potential for people to work together to build stronger and healthier communities.”
— Mark Okazaki
Executive Director, Neighborhood House
“The International District is special. It’s important everyone gets involved in the community and becomes a part of it [for example] working with organizations such as the Business Improvement Area and the Public Development Authority to promote community events. It’s important people report crimes. If we do so often, there will be less criminals around. If you don’t complain, nothing will happen. For instance, I called and complained every day to the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) about the (full) dumpsters. I even sent them a photo to show them. Finally, SPU came and picked them up twice a day.”
— Cindy & Charlie Martin
Owners, Seattle Pinball Museum
“To have a vibrant neighborhood, the businesses should have a good customer base. To achieve that, ethnic businesses need to develop marketing plans. The Ethnic Business Coalition (EBC) is working hard to help ethnic businesses to meet some of their critical needs. Public safety is vital to businesses and residents. Lack of public safety in a neighborhood can break businesses. We can’t do it by ourselves. We need the city’s ears and support, and visible police presence and guidance. Building a strong community requires collaboration of the residents and businesses. EBC strives to be a bridge and promoter for ethnic businesses such as Asian, East Africans and Mexicans in diverse neighborhoods of Seattle.”
— Taylor Hoang
Executive Director, Ethnic Business Coalition
“Chinatown International District is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Seattle. Its physical layout is walkable with large streets, and good lighting. It has a good mix of businesses. Unlike Lake Union, people get out quickly after work. People who live here or do business here get engaged and involved. People here care about their neighborhood. We have pride and like to invest here. We have diverse organizations like the PDA and BIA to help showcase events, products, and services of the community.”
— Richard Chang
Owner, Kau Kau BBQ Restaurant
“A community and restaurant’s image, development and growth are inter-related. Their success is tied in with one another. An accomplished restaurant shines a bright light in the community. It enhances the community’s development and prosperity. A restaurant is a gathering place. Since its founding, China Harbor has served all kinds of customers, from all walks of life, professions, and every corner of the world. We couldn’t even keep track. We hope every customer who walks in will have a memorable impression of the restaurant and Lake Union. Indirectly, we have made a good impression on the community too. We are proud to be part of the Lake Union neighborhood. Its prosperity is our prosperity.”
— Hsiao-lin Wang
Owner, China Harbor Restaurant
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