A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all. Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:  

Philadelphia Art Commission  

Philadelphia City Planning Commission  

Division of Development Services  

Division of Housing and Community Development  

Philadelphia Historical Commission  

Zoning Board of Adjustment  

We also partner with the PHDC 

Position Summary 

The Department of Planning and Development’s Policy & Analysis Unit is in search of a Summer 2026 Intern.  

The intern who fills this role will work to advance medium and long-term projects and ideas that are core to the ongoing work of the Policy and Analysis Unit. Work may include: 

• Letters of Plan Consistency analysis  

• Youth Engagement Workshop coordination  

• Growing interest and understanding of government functions and municipal responsibilities, especially in Philadelphia  

• Fostering pride, planning integrity, and professionalism   

The maximum number of hours allocated for this role is a maximum of 20 hours per week. Please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Essential Functions 

The essential functions for this internship may include: 

• Project management  

• Historical and comparative research, analytical skills, and writing  

• Sharing knowledge across professional disciplines  

• Creation of basic archives and/or databases   

• Ability to make SWOT evaluations and apply findings to improve outcomes  

Competencies, Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities 

A strong intern candidate may have the following:  

• Awareness of priority topics identified in the Philadelphia2035 comprehensive plan  

• Background in research, data gathering, summarizing complex topics, drafting professional language, and editing  

• Curiosity, open-mindedness, interpersonal skills, an eagerness to learn, and experience in customer service 

Education:  

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited University or College toward their degree. Degree majors include Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Government, Geography, Public Health, History, or Sociology.  

Experience: 

The Intern should have completed at least one year of undergraduate schooling experience or higher. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Hourly Rate: $16.82

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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 [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx