The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire five (5) interns in the Regional Policy and Implementation (RPI) Division. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region's comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency's vision and core values.

The interns will support CMAP's ON TO 2050 plan implementation work, which carries out regional planning projects, policy research and analysis, and collaboration among stakeholders. These efforts are focused on three critical areas: climate mitigation and resilience, ensuring a safe and equitable transportation system, and growing an economy that works for everyone. Although RPI interns will be assigned to work within one of the following five focus areas, there is flexibility according to interest and need. Applicants should indicate which focus area(s) they would like to work on.

• Climate. Supports climate mitigation and resilience projects by performing research and writing about assigned topics, conducting geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and participating in regional engagement efforts. Project assignments may touch on regional transportation emissions reduction and resilience strategies, local climate action and capacity building, state and federal climate initiatives, and advancing CMAP's climate data collection, analysis, and inventory.
• Transportation safety. Supports CMAP's Safe Travel for All Roadmap (STAR) by assisting staff with policy development, ongoing engagement efforts, safety and mobility planning projects as well as conducting research and data analysis. Project work is likely to cover topics like developing a regional framework for safety planning that focuses on historically disadvantaged areas and vulnerable roadway users, implementing speed management strategies through design guidance, legislation and engagement and local planning projects to address safety issues with a comprehensive approach.
• Regional Economy. Supports various staff working on regional economic policy projects with research, analysis, and engagement work. This intern is likely to join ongoing projects including the identification and advancement of policy interventions to disrupt disinvestment and support increased inclusive growth. In addition to the skills and functions listed below, ideal candidates for this position will have interest in (regional economic analysis, equitable community development, municipal finance and tax policy, and transportation planning), as well as lived experienced that demonstrates an ability to work with diverse community and government stakeholders.
• Transportation Data. Assists in evaluating transportation system's funding, performance, and investment needs by developing datasets on safety, equity, emissions, system condition, congestion, transit usage, and other performance measures. The ideal candidate for this internship will have strengths in quantitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and basic coding applied to large datasets. Potential projects include enhancing the agency's capacity to evaluate the benefits of transportation projects, reduce GHG emissions, fund the transit system, and comply with federal regulations.
• Water supply. Supports the development of a water supply sustainability plan for 80 communities dependent on groundwater and river water for their drinking water supply. Over-withdrawal, contamination, and climate change pose challenges to maintaining a reliable and safe drinking water source in these locations. Project assignments will include researching existing conservation and efficiency measures occurring at the municipal scale and summarize baseline information on current and feasible implementation. Other tasks could include outreach and communication activities, drafting memos, and presenting findings to regional stakeholders.

Essential Functions

Primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following:

• Research and writing. Assists project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products. This may include assisting in the development of reports, memos, and policy briefs. It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas. The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Data analysis and mapping. Helps with regional data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to ON TO 2050 implementation. Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills. The intern may also prepare maps or other graphical representations of data for internal or external use.
• Engagement. Plan implementation involves engaging regional stakeholders. The intern will assist with various elements of engagement including coordination, gathering feedback, meeting logistics, facilitation, and note-taking.

Skills

Interns do not need to demonstrate all of the following skills, but qualified applicants will be adept at multiple of the following skills and have a desire to learn:

• GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with spatial data
• Microsoft Office
• Outreach, engagement, facilitation
• Regional Economy, Transportation Data, and Safety positions: data analysis and statistical skills (advanced Excel and/or comfort in R or Python)
• Climate and Safety positions: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

Equipment

An agency-issued laptop may be provided as required.

Who should apply?

Applicant with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, public policy, economics, geography, transportation, environmental studies, or a related field. Applicant enrolled in a master's program preferred.

Ready to join us?

• Apply here between February 1, 2023, through Feb 28, 2023
• Internship will last for three months, starting approximately June 1 through September 1, 2023, and will work no more than 29 hours/week. There are limited options to continue on as part-time (up to 19 hours/week) basis into the school year.
• Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made.
• Targeted start dates:
  • Group 1: May 30,2023
  • Group 2: June 12, 2023
• Interns able to participate in person for at least 50% of their hours are preferred. If necessary, CMAP will consider other hybrid work alternatives.
• Interviews will be held in March 2023. (Shortlisted candidates will be contacted).

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region's comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency's vision and core values.

CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! This position will remain open until filled.