With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Department of Planning and Development makes sure Philadelphia has well-planned neighborhoods, with affordable housing options and access to public art. We oversee historic preservation to honor the City’s unique history; help developers move their projects forward; create citywide and neighborhood plans; and implement zoning.

Our department includes:

• Art Commission
• Philadelphia City Planning Commission
• Developer Services
• Division of Housing and Community Development
• Historical Commission
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

Other agencies have key roles, too. We also partner with:

• Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation
• Philadelphia Land Bank
• Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority

Together these agencies are charting a vibrant future for our city.

The Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is the outreach and education entity of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. CPI has been offering bi-annual classes since 2010 to educate Philadelphians about city planning and encourage residents to learn more about creating a more livable, green, and sustainable Philadelphia.  Successful graduates completing the 15 required hours of classes receive a Certificate of Completion as a Citizen Planner. To date, the 450 graduates of the program represent 18 of the 18 planning districts of the city.

The summer internship position is for 10-15 hours per week and is for a student who is interested in learning about how this program may be more effective, and the role of city planning in general. This work/study or academic credit position has flexible start and end dates. The intern’s duties may include, but may not be limited to the following: 

• Drafting citizen Planner stories for the CPI website,
• Developing an educational game around zoning,
• Development of program metrics and mapping,
• Assisting with CPI alumni activities,
• Promoting events through social media

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Enthusiastic detail-oriented student,
• Interest in community planning and citizen advocacy issues,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills,
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency required (Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint).
• GIS skills are preferred but not required.

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.

If academic credit is preferred, the Director will work with the intern to ensure the scope of responsibilities meets his/her objectives and interests. Interested candidates will go through an interview process.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx