Rohit Acharya

Rohit Acharya is a nonresident fellow at Brookings Metro. Acharya is an expert in using applied data science to generate new insights into the challenges facing U.S. cities. His research focuses on reducing poverty without displacement, enhancing public safety and health outcomes, improving education, and building wealth among low-income populations.

Acharya is also a founding partner at Common Good Labs, a research organization that designs actionable solutions to improve communities. Common Good Labs uses data science tools, including geospatial modeling, machine learning algorithms, and network analysis, to empower leaders in foundations, nonprofit organizations, and government. He previously served as co-founder and chief data scientist of First Access and worked in portfolio management at Bridgewater Associates.

In Pittsburgh, Acharya serves as board treasurer of the Environmental Charter School, a public K-12 school with a curriculum focused on eco-literacy, and as a board member of New Sun Rising, a community development nonprofit.

In 2025, he was appointed chair of the decennial Allegheny County Government Review Commission, which reviews the county’s charter and recommends ways to make local government more effective.

Acharya holds a B.A. in applied mathematics from Harvard University and is a chartered financial analyst.