Join Our Team - Be a part of the solution

Be a part of our team

At the UB Center for Urban Studies, we believe that theory and practice are interconnected forces in the production of knowledge for social change. This process of knowledge production requires the blending of “expert” and “street” knowledge, enabling us to reimagine the metropolitan city-building process and transform underdeveloped, marginalized neighborhoods into healthy, thriving, and joyful communities.

Urban Planners: Frontline Workers for Justice

Urban planners play a vital role on the frontlines of building just and equitable communities. To succeed, they must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical insight necessary to challenge and reshape existing urban development processes. Our goal is to train urban planners with the knowledge and skills to create spaces that nurture residents and inspire them to believe in—and fight for—justice, equity, inclusion, diversity, and systemic change.

Opportunities to Engage

The UB Center offers multiple ways for students, scholars, practitioners, and community activists to join us in advancing racial and socioeconomic justice:

Neighborhood Development Internship Program

Undergraduate and graduate students can earn academic credit by participating in hands-on neighborhood planning and development initiatives.

Research Associates Program

Scholars, practitioners, and community activists can collaborate with the Center as Research Associates, contributing to both Research and real-world neighborhood transformation projects.

Graduate Assistantships

We employ graduate students as administrative and research assistants. These positions come with a stipend and, when available, a full or partial tuition scholarship.

Get Involved

For more information about programs, internships, or assistantships, please contact:

Professor Henry-Louis Taylor, Jr.

📧 Email: htaylor@buffalo.edu

📞 Phone: 716-829-5877 or 716-829-5910

Transforming Buffalo: What we can do for you!

In addition to research and student engagement, the UB Center for Urban Studies partners with community organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and public agencies to support local development efforts through targeted planning and assessment services.

We offer expertise in the following areas:

Needs Assessments

We work with communities to identify critical needs, service gaps, and resource deficiencies, providing actionable insights that support strategic planning and program development.

SWOT Analyses (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

Our team conducts in-depth evaluations to help organizations understand their internal and external environments, identify opportunities for growth, and anticipate potential challenges.

Neighborhood Planning

We assist in designing comprehensive neighborhood plans that reflect community priorities and promote sustainable, inclusive development. Our approach emphasizes resident engagement, data-driven analysis, and strategies for health equity, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

Whether you are launching a new initiative, seeking to strengthen your organization’s impact, or developing a long-term neighborhood plan, the UB Center can provide the support and expertise needed to guide your efforts.

To learn more about our planning and assessment services or to explore potential collaborations, please contact Us