Skyway Resource Center Celebrates Grand Opening as Community-Owned Hub
Hundreds celebrate milestone moment for local access to essential services and opportunity
SKYWAY, WA - May 31, 2025 - The Skyway Resource Center (SRC), located in unincorporated King County, is the outcome of a collective effort among community leaders, partners, government agencies, and elected representatives. The SRC was born out of expressed needs by the community of Skyway, initiated and carried forward by Renton Innovation Zone Partnership (RIZP), and is now ultimately community-owned and operated by Skyway Coalition.
“Despite the many years in the making, our grand opening is day one, and we’re just getting started.! It is our collective duty to continue to build, lead, and claim our place amongst the greatest changemakers positively impacting Skyway,!” said Rebecca Zapata, Executive Director at Skyway Coalition. “This is our call for partners, investors, and innovators to join us in serving with and alongside our mighty community of Skyway!”
Several years ago, after U.S. Bank had to make the difficult decision to close the doors to the banking institution that served Skyway for decades, many community leaders saw this building as an opportunity for a future resource center. As a result of community advocacy and deep, trusted partnerships, U.S. Bank quickly responded, making this incredibly special opportunity possible. One of the first donations of its kind in their history, U.S. Bank did not hesitate to step up and lead in supporting this community-driven initiative.
“We’re excited to announce and celebrate this new phase of the Skyway Resource Center with ownership and operations led by Skyway Coalition.! Since RIZP’s transition from the Skyway Resource Center, Coalition staff have put in a lot of time and effort to ensure the building is ready as they support the needs of our community. Our collective work to date has put them in a strong position to lead the center now and into the future,” said Ryan Quigtar, Executive Director at Renton Innovation Zone Partnership (RIZP).
On May 31, 2025, Skyway’s first community-owned and operated resource center celebrated its grand opening with over 300 neighbors and friends.! The event’s goals included celebrating the journey of this deeply community-led project, highlighting the integral partnerships and investments that made this possible, and calling for continued support to ensure Skyway continues to be connected to resources and opportunities families need to thrive.
“U.S. Bank is proud to be a partner of the Skyway Resource Center, and we’re humbled knowing that this facility will provide countless resources to the Skyway community. It’s comforting to know that it will continue delivering on that mission by ensuring this community has access to the tools, resources, and networks that allow individuals, families, and businesses to thrive,” said Chris Befumo, Branch Banking Market Leader for Washington at U.S. Bank.
The celebration featured A Taste of Skyway, sponsored by U.S. Bank, which included several local businesses sharing samples from their menu, ranging from beverages to desserts. Community partners offered opportunities for guests and families to create art, enjoy fellowship through games, and connect with local vendors for resources and support.
“This new multi-service resource center offers the culturally vibrant Skyway-West Hill community more opportunities to achieve their goals in education, economic mobility, health and wellness, and leadership. The King County Housing Authority is honored to support this effort and excited to see this community continue to grow,” said Robin Walls, President and CEO at King County Housing Authority.
The program kicked off with a performance by the Majorettes with Baile Dior and was crowned by another community performance by the Electronics Hi-Steppers Drill Team. The Coalition’s Executive Director, Rebecca Zapata, and her team hosted and celebrated many lead partners and guest speakers, including MC Cherryl Jackson Williams, Ryan Quigtar, Washington State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Washington Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, King County Housing Authority, King County Department of Local Services, U.S. Bank, and King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay.
“Growing up in Skyway, I saw firsthand how our community lacked the kinds of essential resources that so many others take for granted. The Skyway Resource Center is a powerful response to that long-standing inequity. It represents the voices, resilience, and determination of Skyway residents who have fought for a future where every family has access to opportunity, stability, and support,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay.
Skyway Coalition actively welcomes tenants into the SRC and prepares shared spaces to serve new partners and the community. They also invite inquiries and collaboration to grow the support ecosystem needed to ensure essential resources remain accessible in Skyway.
“Skyway Coalition is extremely excited to welcome our tenants into the beautiful new Skyway Resource Center. This center will offer much-needed resources for the Skyway community, including mental and community health, youth development, substance abuse counseling, food insecurity services, and more. We will also have vital gathering and meeting spaces that come at a premium in the neighborhood,” said Jeannie Williams, Land Housing and Development Manager at Skyway Coalition.
The grand opening celebrated a new facility, the recognition of community-led development and ownership, and a showcase of the people and partnerships that help Skyway thrive. Local vendors, community-based organizations, and future SRC tenants came together to highlight the vibrant ecosystem growing within and around the center. Their presence reflected the heart of the SRC’s mission: connection, collaboration, and culturally rooted service.
Taste of Skyway:
My’s Vietnamese Sandwiches and Deli
Grand Opening Tabling Partners:
Vendors:
Performers and Entertainers:
DJ Surreal
SRC Tenants:
Department of Local Services (DLS)
Good Intentions Counseling Services
Urban Food Systems Pact (UFSP)
About Skyway Coalition:
Skyway Coalition is a community-centered nonprofit organization committed to uplifting our community through the core programs of advocacy, economic growth, and affordable housing.
