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Temp Seasonal Community and Economic Development - Intern

City of Spokane
2 days ago
Internship
On-site
City of Spokane, Washington, United States

CLASS SUMMARY

Community and Economic Development Intern 


The City of Spokane has a paid temp seasonal position as an Economic Development Assistant for the summer of 2026. This is a great opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students, recent graduates, or emerging professionals who want to participate in real world application of local urban planning and economic development. This position will support a range of Community and Economic Development Division activities such as small business support, code research about economic development incentives, outreach to local developers, and public engagement. The position will report to a Principal Planner.


Temp-seasonal employee, this position works 20 hours a week. 






EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

Project Description:


The Economic Development Assistant will have an opportunity to be a part of the Long-Range Planning team in the Community and Economic Development Division and support a number of planning projects that better connect transportation, land use, and housing with a focus on enhancing equitable outcomes. Possible projects include supporting the City’s growing shared mobility program and supporting the coordination of a subarea plan to enhance transit-oriented development (TOD). The position will work with Planner I’s to gather data and research, prepare written materials, track best practices, conduct field work, and support community engagement activities.

More than one Economic Development Assistant may be hired from this posting, depending on need. This position may be eligible for remote or hybrid options, however the position will be required to work in the Spokane area for occasional outdoor field work and small group or individual in-person meetings as needed. Expected up to 20 hours a week.


Examples of Job Functions:


The following responsibilities are intended to serve as a representative summary and are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. 

General Functions:

  • Researching and writing policy briefs, in-depth policy reports, and/or internal memos on topics such as:
    1. State incentive programs, both from Washington State and best practices from other states.
    2. Trends analysis on active Qualified Opportunity Funds and the types of projects they invest in.
    3. Best practices research from the regional Federal Reserve Banks (San Francisco, Philadelphia, etc.) that provide guidance policy and implementation to support local economic mobility.
    4. Research on site readiness certifications and companies, best practices for municipalities looking to establish certified site readiness programs for development.
    5. Effectiveness of pop-up business leases and cities that have successfully implemented programs to match vacant properties with interested local businesses.
  • Assist staff in conducting Spokane Municipal Code reviews for possible amendments to city incentives programs like Multifamily Tax Exemption, Parking 2 People, Commercial Building Conversion, Special Valuation, Parking and Business Improvement Areas, and others.
    1. Research municipal and state code requirements.
    2. Review and edit proposed code amendments.
    3. Develop public engagement items such as blogs, social media posts, open houses, and online recording.
    4. Assist staff with in-person meetings with the public to collect feedback.
  • Asset map the various small business support and small land developer assets within the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene metro.
    1. Diagram the various state and local resources that support small businesses.
    2. Identify the organizations, community organizations, and leaders within the community.
    3. Propose public engagement opportunities for the City to conduct this fall and winter.

Knowledge of:

  • The principles and practices of urban planning, community development, real estate development, or business administration.
  • Knowledge and interest on topics and best practices related to land development, land use and zoning, housing, equity in planning, housing construction, and or small business support.
  • Advanced knowledge of the structure and content of the English language.
  • Knowledge of public involvement / online tools.
  • Familiarity with graphic design and online graphic design tools.
  • Familiarity with data collection and analysis, and knowledge of data sources and tools, like Census data or data from the Federal Reserve.

Skill in:

  • High comfort level with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well the basics of project management tools from time tracking to budgeting.
  • Excellent communication skills. Comfort with public speaking.
  • Critical thinking skills, including analysis and judgment.

Ability to:

  • Write clearly and concisely, and to express technical data and conclusions in a form that is accessible to a fourth grade reading level. 
  • Ability to use a personal computer and applicable software, and general office equipment.
  • Set up and utilize a variety of audio/visual equipment and presentation equipment.
  • Apply oneself with initiative and resourcefulness.
  • Adhere to ethical principles through honesty and integrity.
  • Manage daily tasks with good time management skills and preparation.
  • Be self-motivated, reliable, responsible, dependable, and to fulfill job obligations.
  • Collaborate with others – to build, foster, and retain relationships, to work cooperatively, and to display a cooperative and helpful attitude.
  • Organize and work on multiple varied projects concurrently. Use good judgment in evaluation of alternatives.
  • Ability to work in varied settings, including remotely, in the office, and outdoors for extended periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally this will include:

  • Completion of at least one (1) year of study in a program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree from a four (4) year college or university with a major in city, urban, regional, or environmental planning, real estate development, business administration,  urban studies, environmental studies, geography, public affairs, or a program related to planning career fields.
  • At least one (1) year of professional planning experience along with possession of a closely related Bachelor’s degree may also be qualifying.


EXAMINATION DETAILS:


Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume.   

This temporary position may be staffed through September 2026