Community Development Intern

The Community Development Intern will support the Community Development Department by assisting with research, marketing, and stakeholder communications related to the implementation of a Business Retention and Expansion program. The intern will also help administer planning programs and projects including City Code text amendments and communications and engagement efforts related to the City’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. Based on the successful candidate’s interests, they will also have opportunities to contribute to a variety of other community and economic development and planning initiatives. This role will be on site at Columbia Heights City Hall.

1. Assist Community Development staff in developing and implementing initiatives as part of a Business Retention and Expansion program.
2. Assist in researching and preparing text amendments for the Land Use chapter of the City Code.
3. Help administer communications and engagement efforts related to the City’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
4. Conduct research and provide support for other Community Development-led initiatives, focus areas, and City Code updates, including data collection, trend analysis, and the preparation of reports and presentations.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Completion of at least two semesters of an undergraduate program, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the internship as outlined above.

• The ability to fluently speak, read, and write in a language other than English.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.
• Completion of an undergraduate program or one semester of a graduate program, in a related field.

• Self-motivated, resourceful, and capable of completing tasks or assignments with moderate supervision.
• Demonstrated interest in community development, urban planning, real estate, economic development, and/or public policy.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and local government processes.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and software applications, including Geographic Information Systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, public agencies, elected officials, and the general public.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information in a professional manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, detailed reports.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to community and economic development and planning initiatives, including trends and demographics.
• Experience or interest in interacting with diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government officials.

Hours:  10 - 25 hours per week. Hours per week are flexible. Total hours over the course of the internship is 300 (expected to be approximately 15 weeks in duration). 
This internship does not qualify for benefits.

--AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER--  M/F/V/H

The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services.