Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency Internships

Type: Part Time / In Person

Location: Chicago, IL

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Apply through the linked website.

Planning Intern

CMAP is seeking two summer interns with interest in various aspects of local and regional planning, including Housing and Land Use, building capacity, and economic development. The preferred candidates will have the ability to work independently and on project teams, and work on multiple projects simultaneously. CMAP Interns participate in projects and engage in activities that support the work of the agency. The CMAP internship program runs June-July and interns work up to 29 hours per week during summer months. Internships may be extended through the academic year at the discretion of the agency with work hours reduced to 29 hours per pay period.

Field Data Collection Intern

CMAP is seeking 3 interns to engage in projects and activities that support the agency’s planning efforts. The internship program runs from June to July, with interns working up to 29 hours per week during the summer, with possible extensions into the academic year at reduced hours. Responsibilities include field data collection, roadside equipment monitoring, and maintaining GIS data for traffic forecasting and transportation inventories. Interns also prepare reports, maps, and graphics to effectively communicate data and analysis results.

Transportation Improvement Program Intern

CMAP is seeking one intern to actively contribute to agency projects and activities, supporting its mission through meaningful work. The internship program runs from June to July, with interns working up to 29 hours per week during the summer, with potential extensions into the academic year at reduced hours. Responsibilities include compiling and analyzing data from spreadsheets and databases, preparing visual materials like charts and presentations, and producing written summaries such as reports and fact sheets. Interns also utilize advanced Microsoft Office tools, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP, to perform accurate data analysis and deliver actionable insights.

Geographic Information Systems Intern

CMAP is seeking 4 interns to contribute to agency projects by supporting various initiatives and activities. The program runs from June to July, with interns working up to 29 hours per week during the summer, with potential extensions into the academic year at reduced hours. Interns analyze urban datasets, including census and zoning data, and assist in automating workflows using Python or other programming languages. They also utilize GIS software to create static and interactive maps that align with project goals.

Regional Policy & Implementation Intern

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire up to five (5) interns to contribute to regional planning and policy projects in northeastern Illinois. The internship positions will be housed within CMAP’s Regional Policy and Implementation division and are intended to support the advancement of CMAP’s ON TO 2050 work and contribute to the updated regional plan, expected in 2026. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency’s vision and core values. Successful candidates will demonstrate interest and skill in quantitative and qualitative analysis across a range of topics, which include climate, economic, and/or transportation planning and policy. Ideal candidates will be able to effectively communicate and assist in collaborative engagement efforts with project partners. Examples of work to which the successful candidate could contribute include: A plan to modernize and fully fund the region’s transit system. A regional climate action plan. A plan to advance traffic safety throughout the region. A new regional comprehensive plan. An approach to transportation asset resilience under a changing climate. A report on the disparate impacts of property tax policy in Cook County. An index that measures local-level susceptibility to flooding. An analytical approach to promoting equitable infrastructure investments. A plan that sets criteria to guide federal transportation capital investments in northeastern Illinois.

Transportation Modeling Intern

CMAP is seeking one intern to contribute to agency projects and activities that support regional planning efforts. The internship program runs from June to July, with interns working up to 29 hours per week during the summer, with possible extensions into the academic year at reduced hours. Intern responsibilities include conducting data analyses using GIS software or scripting languages like Python or R, assisting with modeling tools and dataset quality control, and preparing maps, graphics, and written summaries to communicate findings effectively. These tasks help interns develop technical skills while supporting CMAP's planning objectives.

Communications and Engagement Intern

CMAP seeks a Communications and Engagement intern to develop and manage CMAP content in a variety of print and electronic formats and to assist with community engagement with CMAP stakeholders and constituents. The position requires excellent attention to detail, writing and editing skills, familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, and some experience using social media, newsletter distribution, and web content management systems. The ability to think critically and work independently is essential. Over the course of the internship, the intern will work on projects across a variety of planning and policy issues. 

San Francisco 2023 Summer Planning Internships

For more information and to apply please visit: San Francisco Planning Internships Summer 2023

The San Francisco Planning Department is currently looking for twelve (12) bright and enthusiastic interns to work full-time with staff on a variety of planning projects this summer from June 5, 2023 thru Aug. 25, 2023. This will be a rewarding and valuable experience for those interested in the planning field and desire introductory work experience or college credit. Interns will conduct research, collect, and analyze data, and prepare draft documents for planning work related to housing, historic and cultural resources, social and racial equity, community engagement, urban design, climate change, and many other issues.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:59PM, PST
Selection/Notification: Friday, April 14, 2023
$31.69/hr

Planning Intern/Management Analyst - City of Highland Park, IL

Highland Park - Planning Intern/Management Analyst

Salary 

$19.10 - $23.87 Hourly

Location 

Public Services Building; 1150 Half Day Rd.; Highland Park, IL

Job Type

Part-time

Department

Community Development

Closing

10/6/2022 12:00 AM Central

To learn more and apply visit Highland Park Intern 

Primary Purpose: 

Performs a variety of entry-level professional planning and management analyst tasks involving land use regulation and program and development services administration.

Supervision Received: 
 
Works under the direction of Deputy Director, and other Senior Mgt.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists management and other staff with various research projects, report writing and presentations as assigned. Performs data collection and analysis, prepares memorandum and reports and creates presentations related to regulatory, operations and long-term planning initiatives.  Researches, compiles and analyzes data from multiple sources to provide information to address a number of current and long-range planning, development service and program matters.  

Prepares narrative reports regarding various land use, operations, strategic planning and program considerations.  Assists other staff in delivery and analysis of programmatic services related to affordable housing, permit services, regulatory board / commission, long-term planning, or other special projects / programs.  Assist management in the monitoring and analysis of operations and the development and implementation of new systems, procedures, or practices for the delivery of services. Make recommendations to management through presentations or written reports.

Other tasks include preforming routine office tasks, including data entry, electronic file management, copying and answering telephone. Assists with other administrative functions as needed. May conducts site visits to properties and collects information about field conditions.  May assists staff representatives during public participation events or public meetings. Performs other related work as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required Minimum Qualifications:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing and able to perform all essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Education:   

Enrollment in a Master’s degree program in architecture, business, public administration, public policy, urban planning, geography, or related field.
 
Experience:   

Previous paid employment for 12 months (may be non-consecutive) is preferred.

Certification or license:  

Driver License

To learn more and apply visit Highland Park Intern 

Planning and Projects Intern, Park District of Highland Park, Illinois

Planning and Projects Intern

Level: Entry

Job Location: West Ridge Center - Highland Park, IL

Position Type: Internship 

Salary Range: $13.00 - $15.00 Hourly 

Apply Here: Planning and Projects Intern (paycomonline.net)

Summary: Under the supervision of the Planning and Projects Manager, the Planning and Projects Intern will get first-hand experience working with GIS and asset management. The intern will lead the Park Districts initiative to create a centralized dynamic inventory system that is accessible to various users. The internship opportunity offers students the opportunity to create deliverables that assist in communicating asset information to internal and external audiences. Examples of possible deliverables include park asset maps, an online story map featuring the Park Districts parks, and an internal organizational online tool to search park information.

The intern will be offered opportunities to participate in other projects of interest, if desired and time allows. Other projects could include project management, sustainability planning, and bike/walk planning/design.

The internship program is designed to provide the intern with firsthand experience using GIS mapping tools alongside online database tools for organizational purposes. The deliverables produced by the intern are intended to be used Districtwide to enhance operations and communication. The student will have the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge, theory, and understanding from the academic setting to the "real world" working environment. The summer internship is generally a 40 hour/week position and will typically run 8-10 weeks (June August). $13-$15/hour.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Update Park District GIS data files
• Create an online dynamic inventory for staff using SmartSheets or other online tools.
• Create individual park maps showing existing conditions using GIS
• Create Story Map featuring Park District parks using ArcGIS online
• Develop framework to train staff on how to use the tool(s) created
• Develop framework to maintain and update information
• Attends staff meetings and project related meetings as necessary and available.
• Assists with other department tasks as needed.

Education/Experience: Junior/Senior level college student in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource Planning, or other related field.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office and ESRI GIS (preferred).

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to efficiently present information one-on-one.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
 

The Park District of Highland Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CMAP - Plan Implementation Intern 2022

Job Description

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire three (3) interns in the Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs Division. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency’s vision and core values.   

The interns will support CMAP’s ON TO 2050 plan implementation work, which carries out regional planning projects, policy research and analysis, and collaboration among stakeholders. These efforts are focused on three critical areas: climate mitigation and resilience, ensuring an equitable transportation system, and growing an economy that works for everyone. Plan Implementation interns will be assigned to work within one of the three focus areas: 

• Climate. This intern will support climate mitigation and adaptation projects by performing research and writing about assigned topics, conducting geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and participating in regional engagement efforts. Project assignments may touch on regional transportation mitigation and resilience strategies, local climate action and capacity building, state and federal climate initiatives, and advancing CMAP's climate data collection, analysis, and inventory. 
• Transportation safety. This intern will support CMAP’s regional safety action agenda by assisting staff with ongoing engagement efforts and meeting coordination as well as conducting research and data analysis. Project work is likely to cover topics like speed management and bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as the development of implementation tools. These tools could include new policy ideas, roadway design, or data resources that equitably improve the safety of all modes in our region.  
• Policy analysis generalist. This intern will support various Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs projects with research, analysis, and engagement work. This intern is likely to join ongoing projects including the development of an Equity Framework for transportation investments; the identification and advancement of policy interventions to combat disinvestment; and the development of a new CMAP program to promote equitable engagement in CMAP projects and committees. In addition to the skills and functions listed below, ideal candidates for this position will have interest in equitable community development and transportation planning, as well as lived experienced that demonstrates an ability to work with diverse community and government stakeholders. 

 Essential Functions 

Primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following: 

• Research and writing. The intern will assist project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products. This may include assisting in the development of reports, memos, and policy briefs. It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas. The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner. 
• Data analysis and mapping. The intern will help with regional data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to ON TO 2050 implementation. Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills. The intern may also prepare maps or other graphical representations of data for internal or external use. 
• Engagement. Plan implementation involves engaging regional stakeholders. The intern will assist with various elements of engagement including coordination, gathering feedback, meeting logistics, facilitation, and note-taking.  

Skills 

Interns to do not need to demonstrate all of the following skills, but qualified applicants will be adept at multiple of the following skills and have a desire to learn: 

• GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with spatial data 
• Microsoft Office 
• Outreach, engagement, facilitation  
• Generalist and Safety positions: data analysis and statistical skills (advanced Excel and/or comfort in R or Python) 
• Climate and Safety positions: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) 

Equipment 

• Part of the work will be done remotely therefore interns will need access to a Windows computer, in good working order.  If the intern does not have access to this equipment it can be provided upon request.   

Who should apply? 

Applicant with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, public policy, economics, geography, transportation, environmental studies, or a related field.  Applicant enrolled in a master's program preferred.  

Ready to join us? 

Apply here between February 18, 2022, through March 18, 2022. 

• Internship will last for three months, June 1 through September 1, 2022 and will work no more than 29 hours/week.  There are limited options to continue on as part-time (up to 19 hours/week) basis into the school year. 
• Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made. 
• Interns able to participate at least 50% of their hours in person are preferred. If necessary, CMAP will consider other hybrid work alternatives. 
• Interviews will be held early April 2022. (Shortlisted candidates will be contacted). 
• CMAP internships pay $17.00 hourly. 

CMAP - Planning Intern 2022

Job Description

The intern will support CMAP’s technical assistance and capacity building programs, which provide assistance to communities across the Chicago metropolitan region to develop local land use and transportation plans and assist in the implementation of those plans.  The intern will be expected to support projects by performing geographic information system (GIS) analysis, researching, and writing about assigned topics, and participating in community engagement efforts.  Project assignments will be determined based on program needs and the intern’s interests and skill sets.  However, the intern should have a strong understanding of transportation and land use planning topics.   

Essential Functions 

The intern’s primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following: 

•  Research and writing.  The intern will assist project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products.  This may include assisting in the development of existing conditions reports by reviewing and providing written summaries of past plans and ordinances.  It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas.  The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner. 
•  Data analysis and mapping. The intern will help with regional and community-focused data collection, analysis, and mapping.  This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to communities or ON TO 2050 implementation.  Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills.  The intern will also prepare maps to appear in interim and final documents related to projects.  
•  Outreach. Projects involve staffing many public meetings.  The intern will assist with various elements of public engagement including table facilitation, registration, and note-taking.  
•  Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP): The intern will assist with CMAP’s FLIP program, a free leadership development program for high school students. The intern will help CMAP staff administer the program and facilitate interactions with regional leaders.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Interests 

• General knowledge of, and interest in, urban and/or regional planning issues and practice such as transportation, land use, environmental, and social considerations in planning.  
• GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with large regional datasets.  
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and SketchUp 
• Microsoft Office 

Equipment 

Part of the work will be done remotely therefore interns will need access to a Windows computer, in good working order.  If the intern does not have access to this equipment it can be provided upon request.   

Who should apply? 

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.  Applicant enrolled in a master's program preferred.  

Ready to join us? 

• Apply here between February 18, 2022, through March 18, 2022. 
• Internship will last for three months, June 1 through September 1, 2022 and will work no more than 29 hours/week.  There are limited options to continue on as part-time (up to 19 hours/week) basis into the school year. 
• Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made. 
• Interns able to participate at least 50% of their hours in person are preferred. If necessary, CMAP will consider other hybrid work alternatives. 
• Interviews will be held early April 2022. (Shortlisted candidates will be contacted). 
• CMAP internships pay $17.00 hourly. 

 

Internship, The Magnificent Mile Association

Internship with The Magnificent Mile Association

The Magnificent Mile® Association’s Planning and Advocacy Division is seeking interns to work on various Urban Planning and Policy related projects.

Work may include:

o Assisting the Planning & Advocacy Division in updating and expanding the existing demographic,

employment, and economic overview of the Magnificent Mile District.

o Assistance with the drafting and creation of brochures and information for members and the public related to public art walks for tourists, signage regulations and ordinances involved with uses of the public right-of-way.

o Researching and assisting with various initiatives including building inventories, art and public space inventories, regulations pertaining to uses of the public way, and funding sources for specific initiatives including way-finding signage and creation of gateway markers.

o Coordination of long-range physical planning proposals within the district, including open space, streetscape plans and transportation related plans.

o Creation of various charts and tables for reports and GIS maps.

o Administrative support for the various planning committees and task forces related to the

Association.

o Otherduties/projectsasassigned.

Additional internship information:

o A background in research and urban planning is required, as is the ability to work with diverse groups of people.

o Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and GIS is required.

o ExperiencewithIMPLANpreferred.

o Provide a current resume and cover letter letting us know about yourself, what type of

Contact person:

Ian M. Tobin, Director of Planning and Advocacy The Magnificent Mile Association

625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 401

Chicago, IL 60611 itobin@themagnificentmile.com

Research Assistant Positions, Metropolitan Planning Council (Chicago)

The Metropolitan Planning Council is seeking applicants for our Fall 2021 Research Assistant positions. MPC is carefully following health and safety guidelines as recommended by the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health. The organization has implemented a work from home policy for all staff and research assistants.

Because of your familiarity with our work and your expansive professional network, can you help us identify strong candidates for these career-building opportunities?

Research assistants play an important role at MPC, offering essential support for our projects, working with staff on a daily basis, attending meetings, and learning about how urban planning policy works in the real world. We are seeking applicants who are talented writers, researchers, communicators, and/or GIS users. Fall and Winter RAs will support a range of research, advocacy and community-based projects listed on our website.   

Please share these postings far and wide with your talented network: http://www.metroplanning.org/about/Employment0.html .

The priority application deadline for all positions is September 7, 2021 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis before and after this deadline.

APA Judith McManus Price Scholarship for Women and Minority Planning Students


Judith McManus Price, a planner for more than 30 years before her death in 2001, was an exceptional woman with extraordinary talents that she freely shared, not only with her family and friends, but also with her community, her colleagues, and her profession. She served the public sector in a variety of planning positions facing challenges with strength and optimism — her trademark.
Her husband, Thomas Price, continues her gift of sharing with a generous endowment to the Judith McManus Price Scholarship to help women and minority students enter the field of planning.

Eligibility: Women or minority (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an approved Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) planning program. Students must be citizens of the United States.

This scholarship is awarded annually to students intending to pursue careers as practicing planners in the public sector and who are able to demonstrate a genuine financial need.
Awards will range between $2,000 and $5,000.

James J. Stukel Fellows Program - UIC Great Cities Insitute

Who: Great Cities Institute

What: Under Dr. James J. Stukel’s leadership, UIC created a Great Cities initiative to embrace its commitment as an “engaged” university. As part of GCI’s 21st anniversary celebration, the GCI James J. Stukel Fellows Program was established as a prestigious award for graduate students.

The mission of the UIC Great Cities Institute is to link its academic resources with a range of partners to address urban issues by providing research, policy analysis and program development. Tied to UIC’s Great Cities Commitment, GCI seeks to improve quality of life in Chicago, its metropolitan region, and cities throughout the world.

Students that are selected to participate in the James J. Stukel Fellow Program will have the unique opportunity to interface directly with the GCI team and receive support for their research and planning pursuits.

Opportunities include participation in:

Spring Intern - Design Workshop (closes Oct. 22)

Who: Design Workshop Inc. is an internationally recognized firm focused on landscape architecture, urban design, community and regional planning, market analysis and strategic services. We believe that when environment, economics, art and community are combined in harmony with the dictates of the land and needs of society, magical places result- sustainable places of timeless beauty, significant value and enduring quality. Through a closely collaborative process at all levels, Design Workshop is dedicated to creating legacy projects for our clients, for society and for the well-being of our planet. Our pioneering efforts have been recognized with more than 260 awards from such organizations as the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute.

What: We are seeking interns for our spring semester internship program. Design Workshop internships are designed to expose students to a collaborative, professional office environment and a team of experienced design professionals. Selected individuals will participate in a 12-week internship at Design Workshop from January to April/May. Students will be exposed to both the creative and business environment.

This spring, we are offering spring internships in our following offices: Aspen, CO, Austin, TX, Chicago, IL and Lake Tahoe.

Fall 2018 Internship - Lakeview Chamber of Commerce (Chicago, IL)

 Who: Do you get excited about city data, local businesses and public space? The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, sole service provider for Special Service Area 27 (SSA 27), seeks a part-time urban planning intern who is interested in urban planning, economic development or public administration. The intern will gain hands-on experience collecting and utilizing data for economic development and planning purposes, with the goal of improving the Lakeview neighborhood. We offer a $1,000 stipend and will work with students on class credit.