Intern (Planning – Multiple Positions)

This posting will remain open until May 5, 2025, or until 250 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is thrilled to offer a paid internship that provides students and recent graduates with practical work experience in regional planning and the opportunity to build valuable relationships with industry experts, community partners, and colleagues. As interns at SCAG in the Planning Division, you will be an integral part of our team, supporting our departments through various administrative and technical tasks. From conducting in-depth research to crafting compelling reports, supporting participatory community engagement, and delivering impactful presentations, you will have the chance to make a real difference. Join us in a dynamic and engaging environment where you can develop your skills and leave a lasting impact on sustainable and resilient development in the Southern California region.

SCAG is seeking 11 interns in the Planning Division to support our Community & Economic Development, Housing, Integrated Planning & Programming, Mobility Planning & Goods Movement, Modeling & Forecasting, Planning Strategy, Sustainable & Resilient Development, and Partnerships, Technology & Innovation departments.

Internships will begin approximately mid-July and will be limited to a maximum of 29 hours a week for the duration of the internship (750 hours). Interns are required to work at least 15 hours per week.

SALARY

Interns’ salary will depend on their in-progress or highest completed degree:

Interns working toward or who possess a Bachelor’s degree will start at $21 per hour

Interns working toward or who possess a Master’s degree will start at $24 per hour

Community & Economic Development Department (1 Internship Position Available)

The Community and Economic Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing key strategies in support of Connect SoCal, the region’s adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. The department consists of two business units: Capacity-Building and Placemaking, and Land Use and Economic Development. 

Key Responsibilities:

Support the development of an evaluation strategy and tool(s) for the Go Human traffic safety and community engagement program to assess the impact of temporary traffic safety demonstration projects. Evaluation shall support storytelling, project catalogue development, data tracking, impact and mapping.

Coordinate materials and proposal development to replicate Go Human’s Kit of Parts Lending Library for peer agencies across the state and nationally.

Support Go Human’s community-led messaging research,strategy, and expansion.

Support social media content development and management to amplify program and partner work and expand engagement.

Collect feedback for grant program guidelines and application development.

Provide administrative support and curriculum development for SCAG’s Young Leaders Initiative to support leadership development, civic engagement, and skill-building projects for young adults in the planning field.

Support the integration and implementation of action plans and research findings to improve and expand the reach and accessibility of the Go Human program.

Housing Department (2 Internship Positions Available) 

The Housing department develops and implements regional housing policies and manages the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) methodology and allocation processes. This team manages REAP 1.0 and the land use components of REAP 2.0.

Key Responsibilities:

First internship opportunity:

Develop a baseline report of existing and emerging community land trust (CLT) organizations and affordable homeownership programs in the region.

Gather available guidance for establishing and expanding community land trusts or affordable homeownership programs, including information and links to guiding documents from leading organizations (e.g., the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy's Preserving Affordable Homeownership - Municipal Partnerships with Community Land Trusts report).

Compile information and links to resources for funding affordable homeownership, including:

California CalHOME Program

Federal Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program

Local and regional resources such as philanthropy

Provide insights on how CLTs and homebuyer programs can support equitable recovery following climate-related disasters.

Second internship opportunity:

Develop a baseline report of existing and emerging regional affordable housing trust fund organizations, as well as jurisdictions and agencies utilizing dedicated funds for affordable housing in the region.

Compile available guidance for establishing and expanding a trust fund, including information and links to existing guiding documents from leading organizations and institutes (e.g., the Institute for Local Government's Guide for California Officials on Establishing a Local Housing Trust Fund).

Provide information and links to resources for funding an emerging fund, including:

California Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program

National Housing Trust Fund Program (NHTF)

Local and regional resources, including the emerging LACAHSA and philanthropy

Examine how trust funds can support equitable recovery following climate-related disasters.

Integrated Planning & Programming Department (2 Internship Positions Available) 

The Integrated Planning & Programming Department is dedicated to ensuring SCAG complies with key obligations as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the region. This includes complying with FTIP requirements and MPO selection of federally funded projects. Additionally, the department supports and coordinates transportation planning activities for the Connect SoCal update, prepares and coordinates transportation revenue and cost estimate, develops and coordinates funding strategies, and leads congestion pricing studies and pilot initiatives. The team prioritizes transportation system preservation activities and supports strategic, integrated transportation planning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

First internship opportunity:

Prepare transportation project reports via the FTIP database.

Learn and contribute to the process of analyzing FTIP amendments.

Assist with mapping FTIP and RTP projects for public availability on the FTIP and RTP public websites.

Contribute to the development of data used for future Title VI and Performance Measures analysis.

Assist with integrating the RTP project list into the combined FTIP-RTP database for Connect SoCal 2028.

Second internship opportunity:

Support SCAG in managing the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding programs.

Assist with the call for projects processes, including project tracking and ensuring alignment with Connect SoCal priorities.

Track Carbon Reduction Program(CRP)/CMAQ/STBG-funded project obligations and delivery.

Mobility Planning & Goods Movement Department (1 Internship Position Available)

The Mobility Planning and Goods Movement Department focuses on improving mobility, optimizing the goods movement network, and expanding transportation choices. The department achieves its goals through demand management, multimodal system integration, and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic efficiency, safety, and air quality. It is divided into two business units: Goods Movement & Aviation and Multimodal Integration.

Key Responsibilities:

Expand SCAG's understanding of shared micromobility activity and trends in the region by building off the existing shared micromobility inventory and connecting with local jurisdictions to develop a process for gathering data to establish regional trends.

Assist in the development of the Regional Safety Action Plan by tracking safety projects also funded by SS4A in the region to ensure coordination between local safety plans and the regional safety action plan. 

Establish a general inventory of safety-related plans to complement the bicycle, pedestrian, and safe routes to school plans that are currently tracked through Connect SoCal.

Track active transportation-related efforts in the region, including plans, programs, and infrastructure projects in support of Connect SoCal 2024 implementation and Connect SoCal 2028 development.

Provide research, data collection, assist with GIS analysis, and updates to interactive maps to support Connect SoCal initiatives, Innovative Clean Transit, and the Mobility Hubs network.

Assist with Regional Transit Technical Advisory Committee meeting preparation, data analysis of ridership trends, and federal performance measures target setting, while supporting coordination with transit agencies and stakeholders.

Support implementation for Connect SoCal 2024 and advance research for Connect SoCal 2028, ensuring alignment with regional transit goals and updates.

Modeling & Forecasting Department (2 Internship Positions Available)

The Modeling and Forecasting Department consists of three business units: Modeling, Growth Forecasting, and Data & Visualization (GIS). This department collaborates with local jurisdictions to develop socioeconomic growth forecasts for planning activities and provides modeling services for developing SCAG’s plans, programs, and projects. This department is also responsible for geospatial data development, analysis and visualization functions for SCAG’s innovative planning and data-driven decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities:

First internship opportunity:

Update the pedestrian and bike network to be used in Scenario Planning Model (SPM)'s accessibility module, including conducting research on a method to assess the level of traffic stress for pedestrians and cyclists.

Update intersection densities based on the 2024 street network.

Explore and retrieve data to update assumption sets for SPM analysis modules, which involve energy use, water use, and local fiscal reports.

Second internship opportunity:

Assist in developing SCAG regional land use parcel data, including general plan, specific plan, zoning, and existing land use.

Contribute to the creation of Data/Map Books in preparation for the 2028 Connect SoCal plan development.

Assist in developing geospatial dataset of SCAG Public Owned Land Inventory.

Support the Local Information Services Team (LIST)by providing technical assistance to regional partners, tracking requests, and assisting with planning and execution of Toolbox Tuesdays.

Planning Strategy Department (1 Internship Position Available)

 

The Planning Strategy Department works collaboratively across the Planning Division to produce innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for Southern Californians through leading the development of Connect SoCal, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The department is also responsible for several state and federal compliance requirements and the regional performance assessment program.

Key Responsibilities

Support the development and implementation of Connect SoCal by creating an external progress tracking process to capture implementation by local jurisdictions and agencies.

Organize greenhouse gas reduction strategies by reviewing those of peer metropolitan planning organizations and exploring new strategies based on SCAG’s Future Communities Pilot projects.

Assist with secondary ad hoc projects as needed to support project management of Connect SoCal, which may include developing internal or external discussion materials, updating schedules, and taking meeting minutes.

Sustainable and Resilient Development Department (1 Internship Position Available)

The Sustainable and Resilient Development Department focuses on advancing and implementing strategies and tools in support of Connect SoCal, the region’s adopted Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. The Department is organized into business units and program areas, with work focused on three areas: Resilient Communities and Resource Conservation, Sustainable and Connected Communities, and Regional Demographics and Growth Vision.

Key Responsibilities: 

Support the Natural and Agricultural Lands Economic and Resilience Benefits Study by:

Assisting in the development of landscape analysis on natural and agricultural lands.

Supporting the Project Manager's review and validation of consultant deliverables through desktop and GIS analyses. 

Supporting outreach activities by tracking engagement, stakeholder participation, and organizing feedback.

Support the Regional Resilience Framework by engaging with stakeholders for training and technical assistance to roll out SCAG's upcoming Resilience Toolkit.

Support technical analyses on gaps in physical infrastructure for the Infrastructure Study and Water White Paper Phase II.

Partnerships, Technology, & Innovation Department (1 Internship Position Available)

The Partnerships, Technology & Innovation Department is committed to advancing transformative technology and transportation initiatives in line with Connect SoCal, other policies, and SCAG’s Regional Council directives. It operates through two main units: Regional Pilots and the Technology and Innovation Business Unit, fostering partnerships for innovative pilot projects. The selected intern will support the Technology and Innovation Business Unit.

Key Responsibilities: 

Support the Broadband program by providing outreach support, assisting with GIS, conducting document review, and taking general notes during project management meetings for Local Agency Technical Assistance Project.

Provide support for planning efforts related to the upcoming Smart Cities Strategic Plan by researching various topics related to smart cities.

Assist with the preparation for the anticipated Technical Advisory Committee/working group.

Assist with the Smart Cities Program (SCP) Call for Projects.

Conduct quarterly fuel pricing reporting, support stakeholder coordination, and assist with reviewing documents for the Clean Technologies and Clean Cities program.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. 

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG?CORE VALUES

Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative, and transparent in the work we do.

Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.

Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.

Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

Perform a wide variety of administrative and technical assignments to assist departments or sections and to receive on-the-job exposure to various government issues; depending on assigned work area, learn to perform various administrative, planning, analytical, and financial tasks.

 Research, write, and present reports and recommendations on a variety of government topics; participate in conducting studies and analyses involving assigned programs and functions concerning policies, practices, procedures, financial resources, facilities, proposals, staffing, new programs and projects, effectiveness of programs, and planning.

Collect, compile, describe, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data and information related to area and issues under study.

Assist in the coordination of data and materials for the department or section; consult with businesses, citizens, SCAG personnel, consultants, governmental agencies, and associations to obtain and distribute information and data.

Perform a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of SCAG programs; answer phones and assist the public; maintain a variety of records.

Perform other duties as assigned. 

What you'll bring to this role

An undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a university or community college taking classes towards a Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Environmental Science,Geography, or other related fields, or who has graduated within the previous 12 months.

We’ll be a great match if you also have: 

Strong research skills, policy, data, and/or statistical analysis and experience extracting data.

The ability to handle multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with a successful outcome.

Experience preparing, writing, and presenting reports.

Knowledge of urban planning theories and principles, local general plan, specific plan, and zoning planning process, demographics and economics, planning analysis, and research methods. 

Great customer service skills with effective clerical and administrative skills.

Proficient Microsoft Office skills with a strong focus on Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

Strong attention to detail and communication skills both verbally and in writing.

Ability to thoughtfully cultivate relationships with community partners.

Ability to engage with communities and participatory planning processes.

Knowledge and/or experience with GIS concepts, principles, and/or programs.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until May 5, 2025, or until 250 applications are received, whichever occurs first. The first application review will take place on April 21, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks