NLC - Census Policy Intern

Intern Federal Advocacy - Census

Job Description

The National League of Cities (NLC) is a non-profit membership organization comprising elected officials from cities, towns, and villages across the U.S. The Center for Federal Advocacy (FA) leads NLC’s national advocacy, regulatory, and policy efforts with Congress and the Administration. The Center ensures that local priorities are part of the national conversation and that federal policies reflect the needs of local governments. It serves as a critical bridge between local leaders and federal decision-makers.  

The Center for Federal Advocacy, in partnership with NLC’s Research and Data Analysis (RDA) team, is seeking an analytical and policy-minded intern to support research, data, and education efforts related to the 2030 U.S. Census. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of research and advocacy, contributing to projects that help local governments prepare for and participate in Census-related initiatives such as the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) and the 2026 Census test sites. 

Intern Position Title: NLC Census Intern 

Dates of Internship: January 2026 – September 2026 

Location: Hybrid 

Number of hours per week: 15-20 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Responsibilities:  

Intern activities may include but are not limited to: 

• Supporting the creation of written materials, including one-pagers, blogs, briefs, and reports, on Census-related topics such as the 2026 test sites, LUCA process, and preparation for the 2030 decennial Census.
• Supporting outreach to cities, partner organizations, and other stakeholders for events, meetings, and initiatives.
• Assisting with planning and execution of census-related events at conferences.
• Collecting, cleaning and organizing city-level panel data with economic and social variables from the U.S. Census and American Community Survey (ACS).
• Assisting with research, including on the population trends from recent years and work on LUCA and the 2030 Census.
• Collaborating across departments, including with the Federal Advocacy, Research and Data Analysis, and Digital Engagement, Marketing, and Communications teams.

Interns will have the opportunity to: 

• Analyze quantitative datasets to explore key social policy questions impacting cities.
• Contribute to qualitative research by gathering and synthesizing data from federal sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Build professional writing, analytical, and presentation skills through mentorship and feedback.
• Gain experience translating research into advocacy tools that inform and influence federal policy.
• Develop professional relationships with NLC staff and peers across departments. 

Qualifications:  

• Current undergraduate (Junior/Senior only) student in Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Urban Studies, or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and packages such as Microsoft Office Excel or STATA.
• Experience with qualitative research methods and data collection. Experience with data analysis is highly recommended but not expected.
• Familiarity with U.S. Census and American Community Survey (ACS) datasets preferred. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.