Municipal
Intern
Program
What's MIP?
Local Government Academy’s Municipal Intern Program connects local governments with enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate students seeking real-world experience working at the grassroots level. Eligible placement sites include municipalities, councils of governments, and municipal authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Act 47 designated municipalities located in Western Pennsylvania.
The Program provides a reimbursement grant to cover a portion of the intern’s wages. LGA facilitates the match between the placement site and a qualified student interested in one or more of the projects listed below. See the schedule for important dates regarding applications and interviews.
To see full descriptions of each project for 2025, click here
The Municipal Internship Program provides paid internships to graduate and undergraduate students who want to work on real issues facing our communities every day. Internships take place during the summer months, generally beginning in late May or early June and concluding in August.
In a separate application process, local municipalities propose projects they would like to undertake during the internship period. Projects may involve various municipal departments, including planning and zoning, budget and finance, economic development, code enforcement, community outreach, public works, or public safety.
Interns in the program will benefit from:
- Practical, significant experience in local government
- The opportunity to test the skills and knowledge gained in the academic setting
- Experience in interpersonal communication and group dynamics
- Networking with local government practitioners and other interns
- Meeting new contacts for possible future employment opportunities
- The opportunity to learn from others through coaching, supervision, and mentoring
- Experience gained from bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds
ELIGIBILITY
The Municipal Internship Program is open to active undergraduate and graduate students.
COMPENSATION
Interns are hired by the placement site and will be compensated at an hourly rate of $12.00 for graduate students and $11.00 for undergraduate students. Any student placed within an Act 47 distressed municipality site will earn $12.00 per hour. Municipalities are able to pay interns above the reimbursement threshold at their discretion.
SUPPORTED BY
SELECTION PROCESS
Interested students must submit their application and resume online using the "Submit Your Application" button at the bottom of the page. Interns have the opportunity to select up to three projects. Supervisors will contact qualified students for interviews and make their final selection by the date located in the timeline below.
Although successful internships have been completed by students with a wide range of education and experience, the most successful projects have been marked by students who exhibit the following criteria:
- Superior academic credentials, effective interpersonal skills, and strong writing and computer skills
- Past work or applicable volunteer experience
- Interest in or familiarity with local government and community needs such as financial management, planning, computer systems, community engagement, etc.
- Self-motivation and ability to work well with others
PROGRAM TIMELINE
October 29, 2024 – 12:00 - 1:00pm – Virtual Pre-Application Informational Session
Join us for a pre-application meeting on program requirements.
November 4, 2024 – Placement Site Applications Open
Applications for intern projects become available on this page.
December 3, 2024 – Placement Site Applications Close
Selected projects will be notified following the next program committee meeting.
January 6, 2025 – Intern Applications Open
Selected projects will be publicly announced and students may begin applying to the program
February 5, 2025 – Intern Fair
The Fair provides opportunities for municipalities to interview prospective interns. Attendance at the Fair is required by at least one representative from each chosen placement site. Located at Carnegie Melon University Hamburg Hall at 11:00am.
June 3, 2025 – Virtual MIP Orientation for Interns
Intern Orientation Workshop. Mandatory meeting for Interns.
June 24, 2025 – 9:00 - 3:00pm – In person Orientation Session
Intern Development Session required for all interns and supervisors.
July 15, 2025 – 9:00am - 3:00pm – Development Session
Intern Development Session required for all interns.
August 7, 2025 – 11:00am - 1:00pm – Recognition Event
30th Annual Recognition Lunch – required of all interns and supervisors.
August 31, 2025
Internship concludes.
The 2025 Projects
Below is a list of selected projects from local municipalities and government organizations hosting an intern this year, for full descriptions of each project, click here to download the PDF.
Joint Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Updates
Avalon Borough
The intern will collaborate with the Joint Planning Commission and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in developing a Multi-Municipal Implementable Comprehensive Plan. The intern will attend Joint Planning Commission meetings and all sessions of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The intern will research best practices for ordinance updates and help prepare for zoning board hearings.
Development of Ambridge’s Historic District Walking Tour Application
Borough of Ambridge
The intern will evaluate and recommend a suitable platform, such as My Legacy or Clio for Museums, and support designing, developing, and executing a technology application to implement a Historic District Walking Tour App. The intern will consider factors like cost, ease of maintenance, and modification and make recommendations to the Borough. The intern will have access to supporting research and content drawn from previously completed studies that contributed to the creation of 17 interpretive markers and a paper-based walking map.
Municipal Planning Intern
Borough of Verona
The intern will work directly with the Borough Manager in several key areas to support various municipal efforts. The intern will work alongside department heads and Council committees to develop a 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, building on previous research and contributing to the Municipality's Comprehensive Plan. The intern will also support the Borough's Community Relations Committee to document and communicate plan updates to residents.
Updating Census Database and Enhancing Tenant/Occupancy Inspection Policies
Chartiers Township
The goal of this project is to overhaul the Municipality’s existing database of residents and commercial businesses, as well as to research and develop a Tenant/Occupancy database. In addition to the valuable census database research, the project involves researching and developing ordinances and a Tenant/Occupancy program, which the intern will present to the Board for adoption and implementation.
Enhancement of Human Resources Operations and Policy Development
City of Johnstown
This project will build skills in employee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. The intern will assist in improving and streamlining HR procedures, contribute to the creation and implementation of effective policies, and support day-to-day HR functions. Key project responsibilities include conducting research and reviewing existing HR policies to identify gaps, recommend improvements, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. The intern will assist in drafting new policies, procedures, and guidelines, incorporating best practices and stakeholder input to enhance workplace culture and employee engagement. Additionally, the intern will support employee relations management, including grievance processing, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution, while contributing to talent acquisition strategies, job postings, applicant screening, and onboarding processes.
Forecasting the Revenue Impact of Residential Development
South Fayette Township
The Township Zoning Ordinance includes “Open Space” and “Neighborhood Design” zoning districts that allow for certain provisions to promote conservation and/or more efficient development. This project will examine built-out residential neighborhoods that made use of 'Open Space' and 'Neighborhood Design' zoning districts and compare it to the same developments assuming they were built under more traditional zoning standards (less density, less open space) to provide quantitative analyses on the difference in tax revenue. This information would then be used to project future revenues of undeveloped properties in the Municipality.
Regional Blight Assessment and Land Bank Strategy
Steel Rivers Council of Governments / Tri-COG Land Bank
This project will provide insight into Non-Profit, quasi-governmental entities building intergovernmental cooperation and supporting community revitalization efforts. The intern will conduct data-driven investigations to create a property survey across three communities to assess property conditions. The Intern will support activities to codify resolutions, preserve historical records, and prepare materials for advisory boards.
Mixed-Use Development Strategist
The City of Washington Citywide Development Corporation
Working under the direction of the Director, the intern will collaborate with a multi-faceted team to explore how various aspects of the community are interconnected and identify resources to address regional challenges, such as the vacancy of second and third story units in mixed-use developments within the Business District. Specific responsibilities will include utilizing Regrid GIS software for data collection on the condition of these vacant units, conducting research, drafting fact sheets, attending meetings and working groups with community and municipal organizations, and performing other duties as assigned.
Enhancing Transparency: Modernizing Historical Recordkeeping for Public Access
Town of McCandless
The intern will conduct a thorough analysis of historical archives across all departments within the municipality, organizing and categorizing the documents to ensure easy access and efficient management. They will develop a digitized cataloging system that allows for quick retrieval of records, streamlining the process for both staff members and community members, and improving overall efficiency. The intern will review a significant quantity of Municipal archives to assess which should be retained for their historical or public value. The intern will synthesize this information to create easily accessible databases for the municipal staff across all departments. Additionally, the intern will make recommendations on how documents can be efficiently stored in the future, including analyzing departmental access needs and identifying the most effective methods for sharing records.
Comprehensive Plan Update & Application Digitization
Township of Pine
In 2025, the municipality will be kicking off the Comprehensive Plan update and will be offering numerous surveys and community engagement activities throughout the next year to help us develop an implementable plan. The intern will assist with community engagement activities, project evaluation and prioritization, and complete project and application evaluations from 2016-2024 to assist with the comprehensive plan update.
Comprehensive Plan Analyst
Township of Scott
The Municipality is seeking an intern to assist with the planning, development, and administrative support to execute a new Comprehensive Plan that will provide the future planning strategies for the Municipality. The intern will assist the Municipal staff, the Steering Committee, and consultants in implementing a plan to gather data that will identify the most important opportunities for the future of the municipality.
Community Development & Multi Municipality Engagement
Turtle Creek Valley COG
The intern will work closely with the Community Development Coordinator to update the Community Development Database, analyzing and organizing results to share with member towns. The intern will also participate in meetings with current and potential users of a proprietary database, Codenforce, helping to create and share system update documentation. The intern will help develop marketing strategies to increase use of the system including designing of infographics showcasing current system statistics for distribution. Working closely other staff, the intern will develop a sponsorship spreadsheet and an informational packet to send to new sponsors. The intern will have the opportunity to present results to member municipalities through an in-person presentation at a Board or Manager meeting.
Community Outreach Specialist
Wilkins Township
The intern will be responsible for several key tasks. First, they will develop and administer an outreach program to educate residents about the Commissioners' plans to construct a new municipal building. This program will include both in-person meetings and the creation of surveys to gather public opinions. The intern will regularly provide updates and feedback at Building Committee meetings. Additionally, the intern will act as a liaison between the Building Committee and the public, ensuring that new information is communicated to residents and providing ongoing feedback to the committee. If time allows, the intern will also be tasked with creating a business directory to compare against tax rolls in order to identify companies that may not be paying Act 511 taxes to the Municipality.
Parks and Recreation Revitalization
Borough of Braddock
Braddock Borough has two parks that have been closed to the public for the past seven years due to safety concerns and aging infrastructure. The municipality is currently in the process of developing plans to renovate these parks. The renovation project aims to restore the parks to their former beauty, improve the overall aesthetics of the area, and provide a safe, welcoming space for residents to enjoy. This project is part of the municipality's broader efforts to enhance public spaces and improve the quality of life for residents. The intern will play a key role to coordinate with Non-Profit organizations and volunteers who will be assisting the municipality in transforming our abandoned parks into a skate park and a sitting park with brand new trees and equipment so that the municipality can utilize the space for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Downtown Business Recruitment and Development
Borough of Crafton
The Business District Analysis will involve several key tasks to assess the local economy and identify opportunities for growth. The intern will work closely with our Planning Commission (and senior staff) to help guide strategy and experience the real-life situations that all municipal professionals face managing public processes. To begin, the intern will map and log various business types, their square footage, and vacancies within the district as well as available vacancies and their square footage to assess potential spaces for new businesses. Using location quotients, they will identify gaps in the market and potential areas for business expansion. A drive shed analysis will also be conducted to illustrate the demographics of the area within specific drive times.
Comprehensive Plan and Recreational Development Update
Township of Moon
Working with the professional staff in the Community Development Department, the intern will conduct background research including community demographic research, complete a community asset inventory, and participate in public outreach initiatives. Moon Township is identifying priorities and goals for the next 10 years through its progressive approach to Comprehensive Planning and Parks and Recreation planning. Working with public boards and commissions, the intern will identify future goals and milestone setting for sharing in public meeting presentations. Through this collaboration, the intern will get a strong sense of the current position of the Municipality while working with key community stakeholders to identify the outcomes for the next 10 years and the mechanisms by which they are achieved.
Municipal Manager Intern
Collier Township
: The intern will assist developing various aspects in local government operations, including enhancing the safety, security and data, shadowing directors and administrative staff, working closely with management assisting and learning policies and procedures. Working with the management team, the intern will help implement Phase 2 of the communications and data plan, as well as efforts to digitalize operations. The intern will assist administrative staff with various tasks and support directors with on-the-job training and department-specific learning. This internship will support various aspects of local government operations, with a focus on improving safety, security, and data management. Working with Management, the intern will manage daily tasks and add their ideas to the position. They will shadow directors and administrative staff to learn about policies and procedures. Throughout the internship, they will gain hands-on experience in local government policies and procedures.
Communications & Technology Coordinator
Allegheny Township
As a valued member of the municipal team, the intern will be responsible for leading a communication outreach campaign to promote the municipality, update, inform and respond to residents. In many aspects, the intern will serve as a local government media and communications specialist who will work alongside the Municipal Manager to promote transparency through communication and technology. The intern project will help the municipality enhance digital communication with residents and promote transparency. The intern will lead the municipality's communication efforts, making creativity and innovation essential along with a knowledge of social media, technology, writing skills, and audio/video production.
Strategic Communications Plan
Borough of Dormont
The intern will support the implementation of the Municipality's Strategic Communications Plan which will include research, content creation, and public outreach. The intern will help analyze current communication channels, survey community needs, and evaluate best practices for local government messaging. The intern will contribute to drafting newsletters, social media posts, and press releases, ensuring consistency with the strategic plan's goals. They will also assist in organizing public forums or focus groups to gather resident feedback. Additionally, the intern will support data collection and reporting on the effectiveness of communication strategies, providing valuable insights to refine ongoing efforts.