Date: October 2025

For nearly two decades, La Shawn K. Ford has served as a State Legislator dedicated to fairness, equity, and opportunity. Drawing on that experience, he is making this public commitment — outlining clear, measurable priorities to strengthen Chicago’s Chinatown and the broader Asian-American business community through federal collaboration, community engagement, and transparency.

Compliance Statement

This statement reflects policy priorities and intentions if elected to Congress. While no elected official can guarantee specific federal funding outcomes, La Shawn Ford commits to advocate actively for these priorities and work closely with federal agencies and community leaders to pursue available programs and resources.

This is a non-binding public commitment, not a contractual or financial exchange, and is made in accordance with federal election and ethics regulations.

Priority 1 — Federal Investment for Chinatown Corridor Revitalization

Objective:
Pursue $10 – $20 million in federal infrastructure and tourism investment to redevelop Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road into a new cultural landmark for Chicago’s Chinatown.

Actions:

• Collaborate with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE and Reconnecting Communities programs, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s EDA Tourism & Outdoor Recreation grants.

• Support creation of a “Chinatown Gateway Corridor Plan” featuring improved lighting, signage, pedestrian safety, and bilingual cultural interpretation.

• Provide semi-annual public updates on progress.

Target Timeline:

• Application submission within 12 months of taking office.

• First demonstration block completed within 36 months.

Priority 2 — Support for Asian-American Small Businesses & Regional Supply Chain

Objective:
Help local and regional Asian-American small businesses — including those in Chinatown, nearby suburbs, and regional manufacturing hubs — access federal procurement and contracting systems.

Actions:

• Host bi-annual Asian Small Business Procurement Workshops with SBA, GSA, and SSBCI representatives.

• Assist at least 40 businesses within 24 months to complete SAM.gov registration or secure federal subcontracting opportunities.

• Develop an Asian Supply Chain Directory for federal agencies and prime contractors to connect with verified Asian-owned suppliers across the region.

Target Timeline:

• First workshop within 6 months.

• 40 qualified suppliers within 24 months.

Priority 3 — Establishment of an Asian-American Community Task Force

Objective:
Ensure ongoing communication and timely access to federal programs for the Asian-American community.

Actions:

• Appoint a dedicated Asian-American Community Task Force within 3 months of taking office.

• Publish bilingual (English / Chinese) notices of federal grants, resources, and programs.

• Hold quarterly community briefings to gather feedback and share progress.

Priority 4 – Development of a Chinese American Senior Nursing Home

(Skilled Nursing Facility)

Objective

Prioritize the adaptive reuse of an existing facility near Chinatown, including the property located near 18th Street, to establish a culturally and linguistically competent senior nursing home serving the Chinese American community, addressing the long-standing lack of skilled nursing and post-acute care services.

Actions

• Convene a project coordination meeting with the HUD Office of Residential Care Facilities (ORCF), state health facility regulators, potential operators, and financing partners to evaluate feasibility and financing pathways, including HUD Section 232.
• Support coordination with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to advance the Certificate of Need (CON) review process.
• Facilitate engagement with CMS and state Medicaid agencies regarding certification, reimbursement structure, and compliance requirements.

Target Milestones

• Within 6 months of election: Host a federal and state coordination meeting to confirm project feasibility and regulatory pathways.
• Within 12 months of election: Support completion of a formal project roadmap, including CON strategy, HUD 232 financing plan, and operational certification timeline.
• Provide semi-annual public progress updates outlining regulatory milestones and next steps.