The Navigation Center will remain open until March, instead of moving in January as originally planned. This is an important development, but it also presents a crucial moment for us to come together and address the ongoing challenges in the neighborhood around 12th and Weller, King, and Jackson. Over the past month, we’ve seen too many incidents — stabbings, shootings, the closure of the bus stop, and far too many overdoses. These are not just statistics; these are real issues affecting real people who live, work and run businesses.  They demand our attention. 

To that end, we invite you to add your name to this letter and join us:
Press Conference
Monday, January 13th, at 10 a.m.  
Sidewalk in front of 611 12th Ave S.  Seattle, WA  98144 (across the street from the Navigation Center)

At this press conference, we will not only express our gratitude to the city but also outline our calls to action—urging the city to continue its services while appealing to both the county and state for their support.

Here’s what we’re asking for:

1.  Community meetings with the Mayor, City Councilmember District 2 appointee, County Councilmember, County Executive, and the Governor — We need to make sure the voices of the people are heard, that the concerns of this community are front and center, and that we have a clear, actionable plan to move forward.

2.  A task force — Let’s bring together business owners, residents, community leaders, Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), Seattle Indian Services (property owners), and representatives from all levels of government — city, county, and state. This group will meet every two weeks to provide updates and oversight on the situation around 12th and Jackson after the Navigation Center closes. We want to be partners in restoring our neighborhood, and we want a seat at the table as decisions are made and implemented for the future. We deserve to be part of the solution.

3.  Continued police presence, social workers, and clean-ups — Even after  the Navigation Center transitions out, our community deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen. We need continued, constant and ongoing resources to ensure our streets are clean, that people are safe, and that those in need get the help they deserve.  

4.  Implementation of City Council budget items — We want to see the funds allocated to the Chinatown-International District (CID) used effectively — addressing our community’s needs and supporting efforts to revitalize this vital part of our city.  Our goal is to empower this vital neighborhood to thrive once again.

5. A partnership in rebuilding the Little Saigon community — Little Saigon has been a cornerstone of our city for generations. It’s time for us to come together and make sure this community continues to thrive. We stand behind the recommendations put forward by Friends of Little Saigon, and we’re asking for those to be implemented.  We also seek a firm commitment and the necessary resources to implement the Downtown Activation Plan effectively for Little Saigon.   As the state legislature convenes, we strongly advocate for the passage of the proposed new iteration of House Bill 1510 in its current form, without any modifications.

The people of this neighborhood are committed to working together. We’re committed to creating a place where everyone — no matter who they are or where they come from — has the opportunity to thrive. But to do that, we need leadership that listens, leadership that partners with us, and leadership that prioritizes the well-being and future of the Little Saigon community.