Lincoln Square Neighborhood Improvement Program Neighborhood Improvement Internship, Chicago

Title:  Lincoln Square Neighborhood Improvement Program Neighborhood Improvement Internship 

Type:  June 2025 – September 2025 (flexible start and end dates) 

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay:  Monthly stipend of $1,296 ($3,888 in total) 

This internship is ideal for urban planning, geography, or public policy students interested in gaining hands-on experience in placemaking, corridor planning, and community engagement within a real-world municipal and nonprofit setting. 

Apply here.

Key Responsibilities 

Special Service Area (SSA) Program Support 

Work alongside the Vice President/Director of Community Development on projects that improve the public realm within the Lincoln Square SSA district and support the formation of a new SSA. 

• Support updates to the neighborhood’s street pole banner program 
• Help implement the PaintWorks mural program 
• Conduct research to inform new SSA programs and initiatives 
• Assist with general tasks supporting SSA 21’s beautification and improvement efforts 

Western Avenue Corridor Plan 

Contribute to the development of a new planning vision for Western Avenue, a major commercial corridor on Chicago’s North Side. 

• Collect data and conduct fieldwork to inform planning decisions 
• Attend and help staff stakeholder and public meetings 
• Assist with outreach to residents and businesses 

Zoning Review & Policy Analysis 

Gain experience with municipal zoning and land use policy through project-based work. 

• Analyze proposed developments for alignment with the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan 
• Research zoning policies and development trends relevant to Lincoln Square and citywide 
• Support ongoing efforts related to zoning code reform or small-scale rezonings 

Qualifications 

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, or related field 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks 
• Interest in community engagement, placemaking, and local government 
• Familiarity with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, or data analysis a plus, but not required 

To Apply: Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position to ian@lincolnsquare.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.