From Local Advocacy to National Impact: John Habermann’s Appointment to the USDOT Human Trafficking Advisory Committee

For John Habermann, improving transportation systems has always been about more than roads, bridges and construction projects. Throughout his career, he has focused on how transportation affects people’s lives and contributes to safer communities. Over time, that focus evolved to include exploring how transportation systems can help prevent human trafficking and support response efforts. That work recently led to his appointment to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) 2026 Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking (ACHT), a federal committee that advises the Secretary of Transportation on strategies to combat human trafficking throughout the transportation sector.

Expanding transportation’s role

Transportation research is often associated with congestion, mobility and infrastructure. Habermann believes human trafficking presents another important dimension of transportation safety.

“Transportation professionals work every day to create mobile, healthy and connected communities,” he said. “When transportation is used as a tool of restraint, coercion or exploitation, that runs counter to everything we’re trying to accomplish.”

Human trafficking frequently intersects with transportation systems. Whether through highways, transit systems, truck stops or other transportation facilities, traffickers often rely on mobility to move victims and conduct criminal activity. As a result, transportation agencies and employees may be uniquely positioned to recognize indicators and help connect potential victims with assistance.

One of Habermann’s core messages is that awareness can create opportunities for intervention.

“If transportation agencies have thousands of employees, that’s thousands of eyes across the transportation system,” he said. “If we can effectively train those eyes to recognize potential signs of human trafficking, we may be able to turn those observations into success stories.”

From community service to national leadership

Habermann’s journey into anti-trafficking research began outside the transportation profession.

After becoming involved with the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition in Waco, he attended meetings, learned from advocates and survivors, and helped support local awareness efforts. Sometimes, that meant simply distributing educational materials and hanging posters in businesses throughout the community.

Over time, those experiences deepened his understanding of the issue and exposed him to a broad coalition of partners, including law enforcement, medical professionals, school districts, prosecutors, counselors, nonprofits and survivor advocates.

“The strength of the coalition has always been the partnership,” Habermann said. “No one organization can address an issue this complex alone.”

That local involvement eventually informed a series of transportation-focused research efforts examining how agencies across the country were approaching human trafficking prevention and awareness.

At the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), Habermann has helped advance projects focused on crime prevention, public safety awareness and transportation’s role in identifying and responding to human trafficking. Working with TTI colleagues, national partners and with strong support from TTI leaders, he has contributed to resource guides, training materials and transportation-focused toolkits designed to help agencies and frontline personnel recognize and respond to trafficking.

Research with real-world impact

A recurring theme throughout Habermann’s work has been the importance of implementation.

Before joining TTI, he worked at Purdue University helping local agencies apply transportation research in practical ways. At TTI, he continued that focus through projects involving highway construction communication, work zone operations, stakeholder engagement and technology transfer.

That same approach now guides his work related to human trafficking.

“We’re not trying to turn transportation professionals into investigators,” Habermann said. “What we’re trying to do is help people understand what trafficking can look like and know what to do if they encounter something concerning.”

Many of the educational resources developed through transportation research emphasize awareness and reporting. Habermann often references a lesson learned from survivor advocates and community partners.

“We can’t train your gut,” he said. “But we all know what it feels like when something seems off. The important thing is not to ignore that feeling.”

Survivor-informed perspectives have played an important role in the development of training materials and research products. Habermann believes those voices are essential to creating resources that accurately reflect the realities of trafficking and avoid reinforcing common misconceptions.

Looking ahead

As a member of the ACHT, Habermann will work alongside experts from across the country to develop recommendations and materials for USDOT, with a focus on helping transportation agencies build sustainable programs and strengthening collaboration with law enforcement and community organizations.

“USDOT has made a significant commitment to this topic,” Habermann said. “One of the opportunities in front of us is helping institutionalize these efforts so they remain part of transportation practice for years to come.”

As his three-year appointment begins, Habermann hopes to continue building momentum around an issue that increasingly intersects with transportation systems nationwide.

“What started with a few people trying to make a difference grew into something much larger,” he said. “It’s a reminder that small efforts matter, and that research, partnerships and persistence can lead to meaningful change.”

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