Charlie Santo

Charlie Santo is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of City & Regional Planning at the University of Memphis. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies from Portland State University (2005), an M.U.R.P. from Virginia Commonwealth University (1999), and a B.A. in Politics from Washington and Lee University (1996). His research focuses on urban economic analysis, public finance, and community development, with notable work on art-based revitalization in Memphis' Soulsville USA and the impact of sports facilities on cities. He has received several honors, including the University of Memphis' Distinguished Research Award for Engaged Scholarship (2013, 2016) and the Dunavant Professorship (2019).

Dr. Santo has led over $1.5M in grants, including the Memphis Music Magnet project ($678,000) and the Meeman Shelby Forest CCC Camp Restoration Plan ($51,390). He chairs the Memphis 3.0 Transit Working Group and serves on boards like BLDG Memphis. His teaching spans courses on comprehensive planning, economic analysis, and community development finance.

His recent research emphasizes smart cities, autonomous vehicle readiness, and transportation equity, with publications in journals like Journal of Urban Affairs and Journal of Planning Education and Research. He co-edited Sport and Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Political Perspectives (2010) and has advised numerous community initiatives, including the Youth Neighborhood Mapping Program.