Community members, City of Seattle staff, King County Metro, and partner organizations celebrate the unveiling of the new Filipinotown design on the Seattle Streetcar on May 21, 2025. Blog stats: 800 words | 4-minute read
At-a-glance:
- The Seattle Streetcar has a new cultural update on the Chinatown-International District (C-ID) streetcar vehicle design with text representing Filipinotown.
- This design commemorates the rich cultural history and lasting contributions of the Filipino community, particularly in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
- The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and King County Metro held an event on May 21 to celebrate the new design.
- The unveiling is part of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which continues throughout the month of May.
- This update follows community requests to reflect the Filipino identity via the streetcar, honoring the area’s diversity and vibrant cultural heritage.
- You are invited to take a ride on the Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line and enjoy the new artwork for yourself, or alongside a family member, colleague, or friend.
On May 21, a new “Filipinotown” addition to the Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line Chinatown-International District vehicle design was officially unveiled. This new design highlights the important contributions of Filipino Americans to Seattle’s rich cultural tapestry. A celebration was held at SDOT’s Charles Street facility, bringing together community leaders, cultural advocates, and residents to participate in the meaningful milestone.
“The First Hill Streetcar is more than just transit – it’s a connection through some of Seattle’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. As the city’s steward of the streetcar and in close partnership with King County Metro, SDOT is proud to help celebrate the rich Filipino American history with the ‘Filipinotown’ update. It’s a meaningful reminder of the diverse communities that make Seattle so special.” – Adiam Emery, Interim Director, Seattle Department of Transportation
“Streetcar is proud to be a part of the Chinatown-International District community, and proud of the role transit plays in connecting people within the community. We are excited to include ‘Filipinotown’ to honor the history, cultural heritage, and contributions of Seattle’s Filipino community.” – Jeremy Valenta, Streetcar Section Manager, King County Metro
“This moment marks not just the unveiling of a streetcar. It’s a reclamation of memory, a recognition of Filipino American history, and an invitation for future generations to learn about the deep roots of Filipinotown in the International District. The update honors a long history and corrects a long-standing oversight. It symbolizes decades of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering love for place and people – our kababayan. It affirms our past, empowers our present, and ensures that future generations of Filipinos know they belong and always have.” – Cynthia Mejia-Giudici, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Seattle Chapter Former President & Former FANHS National Trustee
Honoring Culture Through Transit
Public transit does more than connect neighborhoods – it connects people and reflects the communities it serves. Since its inception, the Seattle Streetcar has been a canvas of cultural representation, starting with its connection to Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
Back in 2015, the original streetcar wrap debuted to symbolize the rich history of the Chinatown-International District with a design created by Jamie Santillan.
Over the years, the need for more inclusive representation became clear. In 2017, the Seattle City Council officially recognized Filipinotown as part of the Chinatown-International District. This acknowledgment paved the way for today’s action, ensuring that the Filipino community’s voice and history are woven into Seattle’s urban narrative.
The Journey to Filipinotown
This celebratory update wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of community champions. Guided by leaders from organizations such as the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), advocates pushed for greater cultural representation within the streetcar design. Their efforts remind us of the importance of unified voices in driving lasting change.
The Filipinotown addition signifies much more than aesthetic enhancement. It symbolizes the deep roots of Filipino Americans in Seattle and their longstanding contributions to the city, from early labor movements to thriving businesses and vibrant cultural traditions.
Heritage and Recognition
What better time to unveil this cultural milestone than during AANHPI Heritage Month? This month-long celebration each May honors the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history. Adding Filipinotown to the streetcar now holds even greater resonance, emphasizing the rich diversity of Seattle’s neighborhoods and the stories they hold.
The wrap doesn’t just display a name; it tells a story. Every streetcar rider and passerby will now see a prominent reminder of the Filipino community’s vital place in Seattle. For Filipino Americans, it’s an affirmation of identity and belonging. For others, it’s a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate alongside their Filipino neighbors.
Moving Forward Together
The updated streetcar wrap is more than a design; it’s a legacy. It shows a shared commitment from SDOT, King County Metro, and the community to honor and celebrate Seattle’s diverse heritage. By recognizing the unique contributions of Filipino Americans, the city has taken yet another step toward fostering inclusion and belonging.
For visitors and residents alike, the decoratively wrapped streetcar serves as a moving tribute to the vibrant spirit of Filipinotown. It’s a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and an inspiration for the future.