Our Story

Founded in 2003, ISD has remained steadfast in its commitment to community and economic development.

Our History

ISD is founded

Rooted in the spirit of collaboration, a consortium of business and academic leaders in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, convened to create a fellowship for innovation and research for community development.

2003

ISD launches TFLA

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, ISD worked with Los Angeles county and business leaders to help small businesses get back on their feet in the face of extreme uncertainty. By April 2020, ISD co-launched Together for Los Angeles (TFLA), a growing network of resources for small businesses.

2021

By 2018, ISD hit its stride, restructuring into a formal think tank based in Washington, D.C. and more directly engaging with the home of policy and research.

ISD moves to D.C.

2008

ISD Rebrand

As our network and projects increase in scale, ISD has outgrown the title of solely a "think tank". Now, we are proudly a "think and DO tank", calling for a small rebrand and revitalization of services that help communities proactively prepare for, rebuild, recover from disasters.