Seattle City Councilmember Tanya Woo is stepping up to the plate by organizing a public safety forum for the Chinatown-International District. Set against the backdrop of the CID's vibrant streets, the forum aims to tackle the tough questions surrounding neighborhood safety and crime prevention. Woo along with other city officials and community leaders will field questions and outline their plans to address the concerns of residents and business owners plagued by the specter of violence and criminal activity.

According to a recent update from the Seattle City Council's website, the event will include notable figures such as Council President Sara Nelson, public safety personnel, and representatives from the Chong Wa Benevolent Association. While the forum's panel will boast a roster of key players in Seattle's public safety and policing, the primary focus, according to Woo, remains on those directly affected by the security issues besetting CID. As the councilmember put it, "Almost daily, I hear concerns from constituents about Seattle’s public safety challenges. The ongoing violence and crime in areas like the historic CID are unacceptable,” and continues asserting, "This forum is great opportunity to learn about what the City of Seattle officials and this council is doing to improve public safety in our neighborhoods."

The venue for this critical discourse will be the Chong Wa Benevolent Association, situated heartily in the neighborhood for which safety has become a paramount concern. Slated for September 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., this forum has been positioned as a bridge, whereby citizens and legislators can walk toward a common goal: that of a safer, more secure CID.

Community members are not only welcome but encouraged to partake in the dialogue, albeit with a note to register in advance due to space constraints. As an additional nod to the inclusive spirit of the event, Cantonese interpretation services will be on hand. Those needing other language assistance were prompted by the council's announcement, expressing the importance of such requests being made at least 24 hours before the forum. This is a nod to the neighborhood's diverse demographic, ensuring that language is not a barrier to participation and communication.