Signature count update:

As of July 9, we have gathered 2,634 in-person signatures, bringing our combined online and in-person total signature count to 4,637 Thank you so much for all of your support - this is just the beginning. Please continue to share with friends and family!

Read the petition:

To the Revitalization Zone Committee, Smith Entertainment Group, Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City Council regarding SB 272 - The Capital City Revitalization Zone:

This petition is to raise awareness of the Japanese American community’s desire to have a role in the planning and funding of SB 272. We have been a part of our capital city’s cultural fabric nearly as long as the LDS pioneers and we appeal to you, our community leaders, to be included in the project area designated in SB 272 and a portion of the accumulated funds to be specifically set aside for our community to develop a modern, vibrant city center for businesses, restaurants and community events to once again thrive and showcase our presence in Salt Lake City.  

Demolition of Salt Lake City’s Japantown in 1965 to build the Salt Palace Convention Center left a hole in the heart of the community. Prior to the demolition, it was an energetic, bustling cultural center which nearly 8,000 residents called home. It was a safe haven for families after experiencing the injustices of the WWII internment camps. 

For almost 60 years, there has been no non-religious space to gather and commune, until now.  We need your support to restore a piece of what once was - to resurrect a modern Japantown Street which preserves and celebrates our Japanese American experience as an established part of Utah’s history. Together, may we showcase our capital city’s diversity as we progress into the future. We implore you to be our ally and advocate in this monumental time in history, so that our community may be uplifted in conjunction with Salt Lake City’s rising skyline. 

Thank you!

**Donation Update**

While the donations thus far have been deeply appreciated, if you would like to donate to the cause, please wait to do so at a later time. The funds that are donated stay within Change.org and cannot be withdrawn to any local Utah Japanese American organizations. Thank you!