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 summer 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:
- Working with ABAG/MTC to lead their Housing Policy Technical Assistance for Local Governments for 2023. This work entailed supporting ABAG-MTC staff in gathering information about housing policy adoption by Bay Area local governments, establishing frameworks for identifying regional policy priorities and evaluating local housing policies, and developing technical assistance for local governments.
- 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 2024 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.