About Houston-Galveston Area Council

Local governments touch the lives of citizens in our region every day, in many ways. The Houston-Galveston Area Council is the regional council of local governments for our area, serving an area of 12,500 square miles and more than 7 million people. H-GAC helps local governments, and their citizens address issues that cross city limits and county lines. The work is important because our region is growing rapidly. Local governments must meet today’s needs and prepare for a better future.

H-GAC helps local government consider issues and cooperate in solving today’s problems while also planning for the future. Total membership stands at 131 local governments – all 13 county governments, 107 cities, and 11 school districts. H-GAC is governed by a 37-member Board of Directors composed of local elected officials who serve on the governing bodies of those member local governments. H-GAC provides many tools to support the region’s local governments: information, region-wide plans, and services concentrated in areas such as Community and Environmental Planning, Data Services, Human Services, Public Services, and Transportation Planning.

The H-GAC Internship Program is designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and your future.
H-GAC is dedicated to developing the talent of up-and-coming college students who strive for academic success and demonstrate leadership. Our internships provide real-life work experiences closely related to your field of study and integrate you into our H-GAC culture. In addition to challenging work and making a valuable contribution, you will have the opportunity to be coached and mentored by some of the top leaders in our agency. High-performing interns may have the opportunity for future internships or full-time opportunities with H-GAC.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This internship opportunity is for a college student with a major in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Policy/Relations or related degree to work with an experienced team and receive on-the-job training while gaining professional experience. You will be working directly with professionals and managers who have extensive knowledge in land use and transportation planning, grant writing, and public education and outreach. You will be able to apply your academic research experience, participate in real, meaningful work assignments, and learn how theory translates to practical, professional applications.

You will be part of a team working to support and promote community-focused land use and transportation planning. You will research grant opportunities, using tools such as Grants.gov, and assist with matching funding opportunities with a list of identified Livable Centers study recommendations. Utilizing tools like library.municode.com, you will have the opportunity to research, analyze, and categorize regulations, policies, and ordinances affecting access to housing, access to multi-modal transportation options, and economic development with a particular focus on those that can be or are being successfully implemented in the region.

Additionally, you will work with staff to identify and catalog model multi-modal transportation and housing practices, policies, and projects in the region. This includes identifying new and ongoing projects and updating previously identified projects.

This position is a temporary intern position that is not benefits-eligible.

Responsibilities may include but not limited to:

ü Research and catalog regulations, policies, and ordinances that impact land use and transportation

ü Catalog model housing and multi-modal transportation practices, policies, and projects in the region and how they can be applied to the program

ü Research funding opportunities and tools, such as regulations and policies, communities can use to implement different revitalization strategies.  Assist with grant matchmaking

ü Research and create a database of local non-profits organizations and community-based organizations that can assist with community engagement and local implementation

ü Research economic development strategies that create new opportunities for development, while protecting and enhancing a community’s unique character 

ü Provide support to prepare presentations, maps, flyers, and web materials

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimal – Enrolled as a college Junior –Graduate level studies, 3.0+ GPA, must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours in the semester preceding or following the internship term. The hours will be 20 hours per week.  The pay will be $18.00 an hour.

Optimal – Proficient in Microsoft Word/Excel, working knowledge of GIS, field of study closely related to internship offered.