LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PHIL CHIN

Phil Chin has been at the forefront of every transit issue related to Chinatown over the last five decades. His early work in advocating for the needs and safety of the community were groundbreaking for transportation, open space and housing, developing a solid infrastructure for the growing number of immigrants living within and outside the neighborhood. In 1976, he co-founded Chinatown Transportation Research and Improvement Project (TRIP), successfully lobbying Muni for a new bus line through Chinatown. After the demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway in 1989, Phil, along with Rose Pak of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, led the organizing effort to bring the Central Subway and T Third Line into Chinatown and fought for a new garage and park-and-ride program to sustain Chinatown’s economy. He is as persistent about finding ways to improve the conditions and safety of San Franciscans and Chinatown residents as he is with mentoring and developing the next generation of Asian American leaders.