David Morris, co-founder of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and a pioneering voice in the movement toward community-based economics, has died at 79. His five-decade career positioned him as one of America’s most prescient critics of corporate monopolization and a champion of local economic democracy.
David co-founded ILSR in 1974 with recycling specialist Neil Seldman and urban agriculture activist Gil Friend in Washington D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood. What began as experiments with growing sprouts and worms in the basement and tomatoes in the rooftop greenhouse, installing the neighborhood’s first solar hot water system and compost toilet, evolved into a nationally influential think tank that has shaped policy on everything from antitrust enforcement to renewable energy.
Travel Through David's Brilliant Career
David Morris in the Self-Reliance Newsletter, 1976“When centralization of power and control robs us of our power to protest and our ability to choose, we must act to reverse the trend towards concentration.”
David Morris talks with Christopher Mitchell, Director of ILSR’s Community Broadband Networks initiative about why the message of local self-reliance is as relevant today as...
Reflecting on ILSR’s DC origins 50 years later, when the seat of federal power inspired three pioneers to build local power.
ILSR co-founder David Morris offers a history lesson on the self-reliance framework that underpins ILSR’s work, and how that framework has evolved over the years.
In May of 1991, David Morris was featured in Minnesota Public Television’s (TPT) Portrait series on prominent Minnesotans. During the 25 minute interview David discussed...
John Bailey, veteran at ILSR and current Development DirectorDavid was a mentor and a teacher to so many people over his lifetime. What gifts he gave to our world, his intensity and brilliance at work and caring and kindness to those close to him. I could always count on him for support if I needed it or if times were tough and I will miss him dearly.
