Kincaid for Congress -- Statement on the Chinatown International District
In May this campaign published a warning: "Everyone is excited about the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle. Many restaurants and other businesses will see a big boost in traffic and make a lot of money. It is doubtful that businesses in Chinatown will see any benefits from it. Just like in all past big events that came to Seattle."
Months later the World Cup is here. And the prediction did not just come true. It came true on the record, press, and in the community's own words.
What Actually Happened
Seattle is celebrating a record breaking tournament. More than 750,000 visits to official fan celebration sites. Pioneer Square posted its highest single day foot traffic since records began in 2019. With some businesses reporting sales up to ten times a typical day. Bars near the stadium had the busiest days their staff had ever worked.
Blocks away in the Chinatown International District. Community leaders held a press conference and reported that sales at some businesses are down as much as 22 percent . During the biggest event in the city's history. One bakery owner said World Cup match days are among his worst days for business. A retail owner said business "Got quieter and slower when FIFA started." A lobster roll shop reported sales down 20 to 25 percent since the tournament began.
The CID Business Improvement Area put it in writing. The neighborhood has seen "far fewer of the estimated 750,000 visitors." While regular customers are staying away to avoid crowds and traffic. Its executive director told city and county leaders directly. "The economic benefits have not been equal across all of our neighborhoods." One bar near the light rail station saw more foot traffic during January's NFC Championship game than during the USA vs. Australia World Cup match.
And the phrase this campaign was criticized for repeating in February? Community advocates used it again this week. Accusing the city of treating the CID as a "human dumping ground."
What the Community Did Anyway
Here is the part that should make every Seattle official uncomfortable. The one bright spot in the CID this tournament was not delivered by the city. The community built it themselves. On June 18 the neighborhood organized the CID Summer Kickoff and set a Guinness World Record for the largest dim sum gathering . 830 people eating together on South King Street.
The community showed up for itself. On Monday residents will gather at Hing Hay Park. For a "Come to CID" rally before the Round of 16 match. Handing out neighborhood maps and personally inviting soccer fans to visit.
This Was Never a Conspiracy Theory
When this campaign said in May that the CID would be excluded from the World Cup's benefits. The claim was called speculative. It was not speculation. It was pattern recognition.
The same neighborhood that had 15 homeless shelters within one mile by 2022. The same neighborhood where a 270 bed shelter was expanded into a 419 bed services hub before residents were even told. The same neighborhood where the Navigation Center opened in Little Saigon without consultation.
And it is the same pattern seen in city after city. Philadelphia proposed a federal prison for its Chinatown. New York is building the world's tallest jail in its Chinatown. Boston officially zoned its adult entertainment district next to its Chinatown in 1974. Portland's Old Town Chinatown became the city's primary homeless district.
When a city needs somewhere to put the burdens no other neighborhood will accept. It puts them in Chinatown. In the area of the American Asian community . Seattle just demonstrated the other half of the pattern. When the benefits arrive Chinatown is passed over.
The Federal Response
The May commitment stands and the case for it is now stronger. If elected Kincaid will formally request that HUD and the DOJ Civil Rights Division investigate the treatment of the Chinatown International District by the city of Seattle and King County. Shelter placement. The redirection of homeless populations into Chinatown before big events. The systematic economic exclusion of Seattle's Asian American community. Including potential violations of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.
The World Cup did not create this problem. It documented it. In real time. In public view. With the whole world watching.
The data is in. The quotes are on the record. The question is no longer whether the pattern exists. The question is whether anyone in power is willing to do something about it. Kincaid is.
Link-
Kincaid for Congress -- Washington's 1st District

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