Abdullahi Abdulle is an award winning urban planner, military veteran, and community leader known for advancing equity in public policy and project delivery. Elected in 2020 as the first person of color on the New Brighton City Council, he has built his career around centering underserved communities in government decision-making.

He founded Humanize MN in 2023 to help public agencies design infrastructure and services that reflect community needs. Previously, he led the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Advancing Transportation Equity Initiative, establishing the agency’s first statewide equity commitments.

Abdullahi’s project work includes co-leading the Senior Leaders Institute for Minnesota Management & Budget, directing the Gaps Analysis for Homeless Youth for the Department of Education, managing MnDOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, and overseeing statewide Community Conversations to identify transportation barriers across Minnesota.

He is recognized for strategic leadership, effective facilitation, and a consistent commitment to equity and meaningful engagement.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management and Master of Arts degree in City/Urban and regional Planning, both from the Minnesota State University