Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing protests from residents and business owners in the Chinatown International District (CID) who allege her administration has allowed crime and open-air drug use to proliferate, turning their neighborhood into a "human dumping ground." These accusations come as the city hosts matches for the FIFA World Cup.
Organizers from local Chinese and Vietnamese communities, along with business owners, claim that safety concerns are driving people away from the CID and "Little Saigon," diminishing potential economic benefits from the World Cup crowds. Despite being located less than a mile from Lumen Field, the stadium hosting major matches, businesses in the district report a significant drop in foot traffic and revenue.
Gary Lee, a CID advocate, stated at a rally that Mayor Wilson, who identifies as a progressive, has failed marginalized communities of color by allowing the CID to become a "human dumping ground." He contrasted the perceived vibrancy of the waterfront and Pioneer Square with the "dead" and "ghost town" atmosphere in the CID.
In response to the growing frustrations, Wilson's office issued a statement acknowledging that "crime and disorder issues in the CID have gone unaddressed for far too long." The office added that they "continue to work with the CID community to address their concerns and ensure it is a safe, active, and vibrant neighborhood."
When addressing the concerns, Wilson mentioned that "a lot of energy was put into trying to make sure that as visitors are coming, they are, you know, venturing out of that downtown corridor." However, community activist and former city council member Tanya Woo reported that many businesses in the CID are experiencing a 10-20% decline in sales compared to the previous year. Woo organized efforts for community members to walk to the stadium area to encourage World Cup fans to patronize local businesses.
Woo also noted that "Seattle’s Chinatown International District should be benefiting from the FIFA World Cup, not being left behind," adding that the neighborhood has largely become a zone for rideshare drop-offs and pickups rather than a destination for visitors.
Mayor Wilson did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication. The protests highlight ongoing tensions in Seattle regarding public safety and homelessness, issues that have intensified as the city hosts international events.