[VT – Philadelphia] On May 28, 2025 – During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made his first visit to Philadelphia’s Chinatown. He toured local small businesses and held discussions with community leaders, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to cultural preservation, economic development, and community safety.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, the state has allocated $49,800 to support the “Main Street Matters” initiative in Chinatown. The funding will help revitalize the neighborhood, enhance the streetscape, attract tourism, and preserve the historic and cultural character of the area.
“Philadelphia’s Chinatown has a history of over 150 years and is one of the most culturally significant Asian American communities in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “Our administration is making real investments and improving access to services to ensure cultural hubs like Chinatown continue to thrive.”
Rejection of Arena Project Draws Community Praise
One of the stops on the Governor’s tour was Asia Crafts, the only authorized Sanrio retailer in Chinatown. Shop owner Mrs. Debbie Law showcased popular items like blind boxes and cartoon-themed keychains while expressing her appreciation for the state’s opposition to the now-canceled proposal for a new 76ers arena nearby.
Governor Shapiro had previously pledged not to allocate state funds for the proposed arena. During the visit, he praised residents and business owners—like Mrs. Law—for their civic advocacy in protecting the community, calling it “a reflection of how democracy is supposed to work.”
While at the shop, the Governor also purchased a Philadelphia Phillies-themed Tokidoki unicorn figure and a Hello Kitty keychain for a staff member. He joked that the anime posters reminded him of his father-in-law’s home décor from his younger years.
Focus on Language Access and Immigrant Community Support
During the visit, Mrs. Law also raised concerns about language barriers. In response, the Shapiro administration has launched a Chinese-language version of vote.pa.gov and appointed the state’s first Language Access Coordinator to improve access to services for non-English-speaking residents.
Mohan Seshadri, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance (API PA), noted that a pervasive “climate of fear” exists in immigrant communities, especially among green card holders, visa holders, and undocumented residents. Many community members also expressed concern about immigration policies under the Trump administration.
At a roundtable discussion held at Vivi Bubble Tea, Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his stance: if the federal government imposes punitive measures on so-called “sanctuary cities”, such as withholding federal funding, he would not rule out legal action to defend the rights of Pennsylvania residents.
Driving Growth for AAPI-Owned Small Businesses
In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the state of Pennsylvania spent nearly $700 million with small diverse and veteran-owned businesses, including more than $145 million with AAPI-owned businesses. Governor Shapiro has also signed executive orders to streamline the small business certification process, reducing certification time by 33% to expand access to state procurement opportunities.
Wei Chen, Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, said:
“We really appreciate the Governor for coming out today despite the heavy rain. When I invited him to visit Chinatown back in February, he expressed a genuine interest, and I’m grateful for the trust he placed in me. During his visit today, he emphasized continued support for small businesses in Chinatown and other historic districts. Many business owners expressed their appreciation, especially for his opposition to the use of public funds for the harmful arena project.”
Notable attendees included:
- Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs
- Wei Chen, Chair of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs
- Mohan Seshadri, Executive Director, API PA
- John Chin, Executive Director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)
- James Wang, President, Asian Bank
- Alan Chen, Executive Chairman, Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition
Asian Bank President James Wang stated:
“We appreciate Governor Shapiro’s dedication to inclusive small business growth. As Philadelphia prepares for a significant tourist influx for events like the FIFA World Cup, 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and the 250th anniversary, his focus on integrating Chinatown’s small businesses into the tourism marketing plan will ensure its cultural vibrancy thrives alongside the economic growth.”
