Building Capacity. Breaking Barriers.

Since 2019, Tacoma Cooperative Network has worked to strengthen community access to fast, reliable, secure, and affordable internet while building the workforce and local capacity needed to sustain it.

We believe meaningful connectivity happens when communities have both access to infrastructure and the skills to participate fully in today’s economy.

OUR CORE MISSION

Building Skills, Connection, and Opportunity

Tacoma Cooperative Network (TCN) builds the workforce and community capacity needed to support long-term access to fast, reliable, secure, and affordable internet while bringing people together to participate in their communities and collaborative economies.

We focus on both connectivity and capacity: expanding access while developing the skills, leadership, and partnerships needed to sustain it.

Our Purpose

Access to the internet is essential for education, employment, healthcare, communication, and civic participation. But access alone is not enough.

Our purpose is to ensure that communities have:

  • Reliable and affordable access to high-quality internet
  • The technical skills to build, maintain, and support digital infrastructure
  • Clear pathways into workforce development and career opportunities
  • Opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and grow local economies

We believe infrastructure should strengthen community participation and expand opportunity. By investing in people as well as systems, we help create solutions that are sustainable, secure, and community-driven.

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Our Journey

2019 – The Beginning

Tacoma Cooperative Network launched its first pilot project in southern Hilltop, working alongside residents to expand connectivity and build local capacity.

2024 – Growing Community Impact

Through workforce partnerships and community-based programming, TCN helped deliver 170 workshops and trainings, support over 100 public events, and reach more than 45,000 attendees across Washington State.

2026 – Building the CyberAI Workforce

TCN is launching an ambitious initiative to train 1,000 CyberAI professionals over the next 24 months, creating pathways into high-impact careers in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Today – Expanding the Model

What began in Tacoma has grown into a broader effort to strengthen communities through connectivity, workforce development, and collaborative economic participation.

Our Global Commitment

We align our local actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Goal 8

Decent Work &
Economic Growth

Goal 9

Industry, Innovation
& Infrastructure

Goal 10

Reduced
Inequalities

Goal 11

Sustainable Cities
& Communities

Goal 16

Peace, Justice &
Strong Institutions

Goal 17

Partnerships
for the Goals

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