Our Story

DL Howard Consulting Group was founded by David Howard, a dedicated thought-builder and public policy leader with an impressive track record in transportation, urban development, and community impact. As a former Chief Deputy Secretary for NCDOT and Charlotte City Council member, David L. Howard’s leadership journey is defined by his commitment to equitable solutions that benefit all. DL Howard Consulting Group embodies this mission, integrating his vast experience in government relations, infrastructure, and strategic planning to drive growth and transformation for clients.

David L. Howard is a distinguished senior executive recognized for his transformative leadership across multiple industries, including transportation, technology innovation, equity, community economic development, and public policy. With a strategic mindset and a robust professional network at local, state, and national levels, David excels at driving continuous improvement and crafting innovative solutions to complex challenges. As the Principal of DL Howard Consulting Group, LLC, based in Charlotte, NC, David provides strategic guidance in smart cities, transportation equity, innovation, development, and public policy. Known for his analytical prowess, he is a trusted visionary and thought leader in both the public and private sectors.

David’s leadership journey is marked by a series of impactful roles that underscore his ability to drive transformative change:

LEADERSHIP

DL Howard Consulting Group, LLC: As Principal, David leads a reputable consulting firm specializing in innovative solutions for public policy, transportation, and urban development. He advises clients on cutting-edge strategies that integrate emerging technologies and foster equitable economic development.

  • KRJ Consulting: As a Management Consultant, David is a key member of the business development team at KRJ Consulting in Columbia, SC. He collaborates with stakeholders to identify opportunities and build impactful partnerships. He provides strategic guidance for U.S. Department of Transportation projects, emphasizing the inclusion of small and historically underutilized businesses. His contributions include enhancing the operations of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and driving the Pathways to Equity (P2E) initiative.

  • Rekor Systems, Inc.: In his role as Director of Business Development - East, David expanded Rekor’s footprint in intelligent infrastructure by leading business development efforts across the eastern United States. He secured major opportunities in traffic management and smart city solutions, advancing the company’s mission of creating safer, more efficient transportation systems.

  • NC Pandemic Recovery Office (NC PRO): As Deputy Director and COO, David managed $3.6 billion in federal pandemic recovery funds. He ensured equitable distribution and accountability while spearheading strategic initiatives to address state-level economic recovery needs.

  • North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT): Serving as Chief Deputy Secretary, David oversaw critical divisions such as Rail, Multimodal Transportation, Civil Rights, and Logistics. Notable accomplishments include securing $225 million in federal grants to modernize rail infrastructure and implementing programs to increase small business participation in state transportation projects.

  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): Appointed as Associate Administrator for Policy and Government Affairs, David led the implementation of the $305 billion FAST Act and spearheaded the Ladders of Opportunity initiative. This effort enhanced access to jobs, education, and healthcare through equitable transportation investments.

PUBLIC SERVICE

David’s commitment to public service is evident in his numerous roles and initiatives:

  • North Carolina Global TransPark Authority Board: As Chair, David revitalized this multimodal industrial and logistics hub, attracting $50 million in investments and creating over 500 jobs while aligning strategic plans with regional economic goals.

  • Charlotte City Council: During three consecutive terms as a Council Member At-large, David championed transformative infrastructure projects, including light rail expansion, airport upgrades, and urban streetcar development. He also chaired the Transportation and Planning Committee, advocating for regional connectivity and sustainable growth.

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission: As a member, David provided strategic oversight on land use and urban planning, facilitating the approval of policies that supported equitable housing and transit-oriented development.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

David’s passion for community development is reflected in his extensive contributions:

  • ReThink CLT: As Founder, David launched this platform to drive dialogue and innovation in urban development. He organized public forums and led delegations to the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, exploring global best practices.

  • U.S. State Department Delegation: Representing North Carolina, David participated in a delegation to Botswana, fostering international collaboration on transportation and infrastructure initiatives.

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership (CMHP): Serving as Senior Vice President, David led initiatives over 18 years that resulted in 1,400 affordable housing units and the $120 million BrightWalk redevelopment. This project became the largest LEED ND-certified initiative in the Southeast, promoting mixed-income, sustainable urban living.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS

David’s career is punctuated by numerous milestones and recognitions:

  • Transportation Equity: Under his leadership at NCDOT, small and minority business participation in projects surged from 9% to 19% within four years.

  • DMV Accountability Dashboard: David spearheaded the creation of a data-driven tool that reduced DMV wait times by over 50%, significantly improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

  • BrightWalk LEED Certification: David’s leadership in the BrightWalk project earned national recognition for its sustainable design and community impact.

  • International Recognition: Through the German Marshall Fund’s BUILD initiative and the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network, David has contributed to global urban innovation efforts.

  • Professional Affiliations: David actively participates in organizations such as the Urban Land Institute, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he mentors emerging leaders and advances equity-focused initiatives.

Our Mission

To empower our clients through strategic insights and innovative solutions that foster economic growth, enhance quality of life, and create inclusive communities.

Our Vision

A world where visionary ideas translate into measurable impact, where communities thrive through equitable access to resources, and where innovation shapes a future that benefits everyone.

Our Values

Integrity

Upholding ethical excellence and transparency in all endeavors.

Innovation

Leveraging forward-thinking strategies and technologies to solve today’s most pressing challenges.

Thought Leadership

Inspiring ideas that drive progress and redefine possibilities.

Collaboration

Building strong partnerships that amplify impact and foster meaningful change.