WHEREAS, The Asian American population has grown faster than any other major racial or ethnic group in the United States over the last decade. Today, there are approximately 25.8 million Asian Americans and 1.8 million Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, together representing just over 8 percent of the United States population; and
WHEREAS, In the Commonwealth, there are more than 650,000 residents who trace their roots to Asia and the Pacific Islands, and in Philadelphia, approximately 145,000 residents identify as Asian alone or in combination with another race, representing over 9 percent of the City’s population; and
WHEREAS, The Asian American and Pacific Islander community of Philadelphia is a diverse and dynamic group of 25 distinct ethnicities, enriching and contributing to all facets of our great City; and
WHEREAS, There are more than 680,000 AAPI-owned employer firms in the U.S., providing approximately 5.4 million jobs and generating more than $190 billion in annual payroll and close to $1.2 trillion in annual business receipts. These businesses create vital job opportunities for their communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania, the number of Asian-owned businesses has significantly increased over the past decade, making them a growing segment of the Commonwealth’s small business sector and contributing to entrepreneurship, workforce participation, and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, AAPI residents are an integral part of the labor force in key sectors such as small business ownership, technology, healthcare, and education. Asian-owned businesses account for a significant share of restaurants, retail establishments, and other enterprises in major commercial corridors. These employers support thousands of jobs and serve as an essential driver of the City’s economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 2026, the Asian American Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia will host a special gala in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. This event will unite over 400 diverse business, community, nonprofit, and civic leaders, along with professionals and emerging leaders from the tri-state region; and
WHEREAS, AABAGP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering businesses and entrepreneurs through business development, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that drive job creation and expand access to economic opportunities, partnerships, and resources
across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; and
WHEREAS, This year’s AAPI Heritage Month is especially meaningful as Philadelphia leads the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence. At this historic moment, AABAGP’s gala will honor the enduring contributions of
Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, from defending the nation’s freedoms to strengthening communities, driving economic growth, and expanding opportunity for all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the Asian American Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia for hosting the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month Gala in celebration of AAPI heritage and the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, and recognizing the historic and ongoing contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to our City, Commonwealth, and Nation.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Asian American Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia as evidence of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End