Yolando Mullen

Yolando is a passionate urban planner from the East Side of Buffalo, New York, with a deep commitment to community development and neighborhood planning. Joining UBRI in 2025, Yolando is leading projects focused on community development and tree equity in the City of Buffalo.

With a strong belief in the power of community-driven change, Yolando is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that promote equality and access for all residents. He is particularly interested in the intersection of urban planning and social equity, aiming to ensure that urban environments reflect and serve the diverse needs of the people who inhabit them.

Prior to joining UBRI, Yolando worked as a Project Manager for the Ralph Wilson Park and Downtown Development at the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) and as a legislative aide in the NYS Assembly. Additional experience include working as a graduate assistant for the UB Center for Urban Studies, where he contributed to research aimed at addressing urban challenges and an internship with the City of Buffalo’s Office of Strategic Planning, further honing his skills in city planning and community engagement. In May 2024, Yolando earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo.
In his free time, Yolando enjoys staying informed by reading the news, listening to jazz music, and exploring new cities to gain inspiration from different cultural and architectural landscapes. This curiosity fuels his desire to continually seek out innovative approaches to urban challenges and contribute to the betterment of communities.