Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Public Policy OfficesDistrict of Columbia, United States11-50 Employees
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is a nonprofit research and education organization based in Washington, D.C., that provides technical assistance and information on sustainable development to government agencies, citizen groups, and industry. Since its founding in 1974, ILSR has examined the technical feasibility and commercial viability of environmentally sound technologies with the aim of strengthening local economies. In its public policy work, the organization develops practical analysis and resources to support local decision-makers pursuing community-based solutions, including efforts around composting and broadband governance. Recent activities include launching the Local Composting Toolkit during Earth Week 2026 and forming a 2026 partnership with the American Association for Public Broadband to support webinars on the legal landscape of community broadband.