Charles T. Brown

Charles T. Brown is a force to be reckoned with in the world of urban planning, policy, 
and research. As the founder and managing principal of Equitable Cities LLC, he has 
dedicated his career to advancing transportation, health, and equity across the world. 
With 20 years of public and private sector experience, Charles is an award-winning 
expert in planning and policy, known for his groundbreaking studies on the role of race 
and racism in transportation and mobility.

A military veteran and recipient of the Mississippi Commendation Medal and Global War 
on Terrorism Service Medal, Charles holds a Master of Public Administration and 
graduate certificate in urban and regional planning from the University of Central 
Florida. He is also a certified instructor with the League of American Bicyclists, received 
a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Professional Designation from the 
National Institute on Crime Prevention, and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi 
Fraternity Inc.
In addition to his work at Equitable Cities, Charles is an adjunct professor at the Edward 
J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He has also 
served as an instructor for the National Transit Institute, Federal Transit Administration, 
Federal Highway Administration, and the Walkability Action Institute, funded by the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Charles is a former trustee with the Urban 
League of Essex County (New Jersey) and a member of the board of directors with 
America Walks. He is also a member of the TRB Pedestrian Safety Committee, TRB 
Bicycle Transportation Committee, and Region II Healthy Equity Council.
Charles is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader, known for his 
electrifying presentations on transportation, health, and equity. His work has been 
published in several international journals and featured in numerous national and local 
media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, 
The Guardian, VICE, Streetsblog, and Bloomberg CityLab.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to transportation safety and 
advocacy, Charles has been honored with several notable awards. He received the 
2023 Public Service Award for the National Highway Safety Administration, the 2022 
Bicycle Friendly America Leadership Award from the League of American Bicyclists, 
and the 2022 Streetsie Award as a “Transportation Superhero” from Streetsblog 
America.
Charles was also part of the inaugural class of the Public Voices Fellowship on the 
Climate Crisis, which is managed by the Yale School of the Environment. His passion 
for creating equitable cities and advancing transportation, health, and equity continues 
to inspire and motivate audiences around the world.