The Institute for Local Self-Reliance

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance envisions communities that are vibrant, diverse, and fair. To achieve this goal, we empower local voices to stand against corporate dominance. As a national research and advocacy group, we collaborate with partners nationwide to promote an economy that prioritizes local needs and is accountable to both people and the environment. Local self-reliance means individuals can take charge of their lives, including how they support their families, manage community resources, and influence decisions made by government and businesses that affect us all. We understand that one of the greatest challenges facing the U.S. today is the overwhelming power of corporations, which weakens community influence and threatens the foundations of our democracy and local economies. We believe that fostering local self-reliance is the most effective way to address these issues. Whether it's pushing back against the immense power of monopolies like Amazon, ensuring everyone has access to quality local broadband, or advocating for the retention of locally-generated renewable energy, ILSR champions solutions that empower citizens and strengthen communities.

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Community Solar Tracker - ILSR Energy Democracy Initiative

2 weeks ago | ilsr.org

Explore the latest quarterly update on community solar capacity in states with formal programs that allow non-utility ownership.
Alaska’s Community Solar Program - ILSR Energy Democracy Initiative

1 month ago | ilsr.org

Discover how Alaska’s community solar law can promote energy democracy through inclusive ownership, fair compensation, and access for low-income households.
Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Mar 12, 2025 | ilsr.org

In Boston, a creative cooperatively-run solar developer is combining the best of Massachusetts’ equity-focused climate opportunities to distribute the benefits of the climate transition.
The 2025 Community Power Scorecard - ILSR Energy Democracy Initiative

Feb 19, 2025 | ilsr.org

ILSR’s annual scorecard surveys a suite of 18 state-level policies that help or hinder local clean energy action.
Maryland Bill to Fund Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Reintroduced for 2025 - Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Jan 5, 2025 | ilsr.org

Visited 497 times, 16 visit(s) today
ILSR Applauds Judge’s Decision to Block Kroger’s $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons

Dec 10, 2024 | ilsr.org | Reggie Rucker |Ron Knox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor media inquiries, please contact: “Blocking this merger is a crucial step in restoring healthy competition to food retailing,” says ILSR’s Ron Knox. WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 10, 2024) – Ron Knox, senior researcher and writer at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), made the following statement in response to Judge Adrienne C. Nelson’s ruling in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the agency’s move to block Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons.
In the Atlantic: The Great Grocery Squeeze

Dec 2, 2024 | ilsr.org | Stacy Mitchell

While many have long believed that food deserts arise in areas that just can’t attract a grocery store, Stacy Mitchell argues in The Atlantic that the modern food desert is actually a result of the federal government’s early-1980s decision to stop enforcing the Robinson-Patman Act. In fact, there’s ample evidence that before the 1980s, many neighborhoods that are now food deserts actually had a diverse and competitive grocery landscape.
A Political Moment 50 Years in the Making

Nov 22, 2024 | ilsr.org | John Farrell |Stacy Mitchell |Jess Del Fiacco |Luke Gannon

Over the last 50 years, too many of the decisions coming out of Washington have stripped everyday people of their collective agency and power. These choices have gutted local economies and turned self-conscious and self-directing communities into places controlled by far-off boardrooms.
Amazon, Labor, and Race

Nov 14, 2024 | ilsr.org | Danny Caine |Reggie Rucker |Susan Holmberg |Katy Milani

Podcast (buildinglocalpower): Play in new window | DownloadFor many years, Reverend Ryan Brown has been a picker at Amazon’s RDU1 warehouse outside of Raleigh, NC. In 2020, he was asked to work in a part of the warehouse he knew was a dangerous COVID hot spot.
With ILSR Assistance, Composting Education Hub Opens in Maryland

Nov 4, 2024 | ilsr.org | Linda Bilsens Brolis

On October 25th, 2024, ILSR participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Composting Education Hub (CEH) at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The CEH is the first county site dedicated to training both residents and farmers about food scrap composting, and demonstrating how to recycle nutrients to create high quality compost for local use.