The Institute for Local Innovations, Inc. (ILI) is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities by fostering innovative, place-based solutions that advance equity, sustainability, and resilience. Since its founding, ILI has worked tirelessly to bridge systemic gaps in economic development, environmental justice, and social innovation, enabling marginalized communities to thrive through creative and collaborative approaches.
M. von Nkosi is a distinguished leader, technologist, and architect with a solid foundation in strategic planning, community development, and equity-focused initiatives. His extensive experience over decades and dedication to community and business stakeholders uniquely position him to support public, private, and philanthropic needs.
As the founder and President of the Institute for Local Innovations, Inc. (ILI), a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) organization, von Nkosi has been committed to helping communities maximize their potential through local efforts since June 2012. Notably, he led the design team for the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District in Atlanta in the early 1990s, aiding the transformation of a troubled neighborhood into a sustainable community.
Nkosi’s expertise spans technology and innovation, marked by Space Act agreements and licenses with NASA from 2017 to 2025. His award-winning collaborative work aims to advance technologies into the marketplace, focusing on entrepreneurs of color and addressing climate impact issues, showcasing his ability to blend cutting-edge solutions with community development.
His skills in strategic planning and implementation are demonstrated by his work on the Mixed-Income Communities Initiative and the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). These projects highlight his capability to develop and execute comprehensive plans aligned with broader community goals.
Nkosi’s commitment to liberatory practices is evident through initiatives like the Mi Rialiti (“my reality”) platform. This platform enhances data capture through media (audio, video, photo, and documents) of individual, organizational, and community narratives to drive smarter public, private, and philanthropic decision-making, reflecting his dedication to centering community voices and promoting equity.
Throughout his career, von has excelled in collaboration and relationship building. He has united diverse groups of professionals and stakeholders, fostering partnerships for clients where collaboration is a core value. His extensive experience in public policy and disaster recovery includes directing $30 million for housing programs in post-Katrina New Orleans, showcasing his ability to manage large-scale projects with a focus on equity and sustainability.
Nkosi is also a renowned public speaker and facilitator, leading numerous high-profile conferences, workshops, and training sessions. His strong communication skills enable him to convey complex ideas and foster meaningful dialogue among stakeholders effectively. Combined with his extensive project management experience, this ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality and safety standards. His expertise in strategic planning, urban/community planning, equity, collaboration, communication, and project management makes him exceptionally well-suited to support any public, private, and philanthropic endeavor. His proven track record of integrating equity into strategic initiatives and fostering partnerships is invaluable in achieving long-term visions for civil societies.