Garay Cooperative Network
Who We Are
Garay Cooperative Network (GCN) is a San Diego–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a cooperative ecosystem in California’s Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). Operating under PEACE Schools Network (EIN: 85-1165021), GCN integrates renewable energy, food security, education, affordable housing, and fabrication into one interconnected, community-owned framework.
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Inspired by the Mondragon cooperative model, our approach aligns democratic governance with forward-thinking innovation. Rather than addressing community challenges in isolation, we build systems that reinforce one another—creating economic mobility, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience.
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Our five cooperative pillars work together as a closed-loop ecosystem:
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• Solar Farm Co-op – Deploying distributed renewable energy systems.
• Food Security Co-op – Advancing emergency food production and community meal programs.
• Home School Co-op – Delivering robotics-forward education and workforce pathways.
• Affordable Homes Co-op – Designing sustainable housing models.
• Mining & Fabrication Co-op – Recycling and fabricating materials to support infrastructure.
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We believe real change happens when communities become owners—not just participants. Through cooperative ownership, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact, Garay Cooperative Network is building scalable models of resilience designed to empower underserved neighborhoods today while preparing them for tomorrow’s industries.
Mission
Our mission is to build self-sustaining communities through cooperative ownership, renewable energy, food security, education, and workforce development. We design integrated systems that generate measurable economic and social impact in California’s Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Vision
We envision underserved neighborhoods transformed into innovation hubs—where communities collectively own the infrastructure that powers energy production, housing development, food systems, and future-focused education.
Cooperative Model
Garay Cooperative Network operates as a federated cooperative ecosystem. Each pillar functions independently while reinforcing a shared, closed-loop system—creating operational efficiency, workforce pipelines, and long-term asset ownership within the community.
