Housing Policy Intern

Urban Planning Partners is a land use planning firm that provides consulting services to public entities, property owners and developers, and nonprofits. We are seeking a student Housing Policy Intern for a part-time, paid internship focusing on California housing laws and policies.

Our firm is currently working on several significant housing policy projects and to help support our work we are seeking to hire a Housing Policy Intern for a minimum of one year (starting in June and going through the academic year).  The intern will be expected to work independently to perform secondary (desk) research, synthesize information, and present findings verbally and in writing.

Examples of UPP’s current and recent housing policy work includes:

• Helping jurisdictions develop and adopt policies and processes to become pro-housing and comply with new housing legislation (e.g., objective standards, residential zoning, ADU ordinances, and improved processes to support construction innovation).
• Preparing housing elements for several Bay Area communities and the Town of Paradise.
• Serving as the Planning Collaborative Coordinator for Alameda County and its local jurisdictions. The Planning Collaborative is an inaugural initiative initiated and funded by ABAG/MTC to help all Alameda County jurisdictions achieve HCD certification on their housing elements, build a culture of collaboration across the region, and cultivate innovative housing policy implementation that can make a difference.

Responsibilities: The intern will be responsible for tracking 2025 California housing legislation and maintaining our database of California’s housing laws. Other responsibilities: conduct research and administrative tasks, follow and disseminate legislative updates relevant to housing policy, present research findings during staff meetings or via written materials, create graphics and reference materials for implementing housing legislation, and draft blog posts related to housing policy issues to be posted on the Urban Planning Partners website and other social media. The intern may assist with housing related projects for our clients. There may also be opportunity to assist with specific projects including our work with MTC/ABAG and the Alameda Housing Collaborative.

Requirements: Candidates should have strong organization, policy analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills. They should be flexible, motivated to learn, and have strong attention to detail. Candidates should be pursuing studies or be recent graduates of undergraduate or graduate-level programs in planning, public policy, law, social justice, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will be able to work independently with little oversight. Interest in housing policy is required and exposure to existing California housing policy is a plus. Although the intern can choose to work remotely during the school year, it is preferable that they have familiarity with California and/or Bay Area politics.

About Us: Urban Planning Partners is a small boutique consulting firm with diverse clients and projects. The firm’s services include land use policy, environmental review, community engagement, contract planning, grant writing, and entitlement assistance. The firm enjoys well-earned respect within the planning and real estate development industries. We are based in Downtown Oakland.

Job Details: We are seeking someone to start this June and continue on during the academic year. Compensation will be provided at $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience. The ideal candidate would be available full time during the summer (in-person, 4 days per week) and part time during the school year, a minimum of 2 days, 8-12 hours per week, with one day spent in the office. We would mutually agree upon the total hours and schedule prior to final selection depending on the candidate’s availability and qualifications.

Other Perks: The intern will gain practical experience in research and planning policy and will come to be an expert on housing policy. The intern will be an integral member of our team, contributing to the housing policy branch of our firm.

To Apply: Please apply at https://uppartners.bamboohr.com/careers/34 with your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please express why you are a great fit for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

No phone calls please.

Thanks, and Good Luck!

UPP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to apply.