Economic Development - Local Government Summer Intern

The MORPC Local Government Summer Internship Program provides the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain practical work experience with a local government within MORPC’s 15-county region to prepare them for possible careers in public service. MORPC coordinates the recruitment and placement of students to match each host’s request; hosts make the final hiring decision and provide an hourly wage. Interns work for a host for a minimum of 16 hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week for a 10- to 14-week period, which means there are both part-time and full-time positions available. The summer 2026 internship program will begin on May 12th and will end on August 14th.

Interns gain applicable knowledge to enhance classroom learning by working with current government professionals throughout Central Ohio and acquire insights into the services provided by a regional planning commission. Interns also can attend monthly commission meetings as well as special MORPC-sponsored events and are paired with a MORPC staff member to serve as their mentor during the summer internship program.

Previous Economic Development interns have gained experience using Canva, Lightcast, Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, OpenGov, and other software programs on the job. Specific past assignments include:

Creating a downtown revitalization strategies plan

Updating community profiles with current local demographic and transportation statistics

Conducting impact analysis using Lightcast software

Researching impact fees, zoning fees, and zoning codes to help planners rewrite community zoning code(s)

Conducting follow-up inspections to ensure the completion of pending small development projects

Co-authoring housing strategy study and presenting to community board for approval

Activities designed to foster business retention, attraction, and expansion

Creating new resident packets, distributing resident surveys, and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Students must meet the following requirements:

30 hours of completed college coursework

Interest in public service careers

GPA 3.0 or higher (preferred)

Legally eligible to work in the United States

Reliable transportation to and from work

Attend a Central Ohio college OR attend other college and have access to local housing

Benefits

Additional benefits include practical work experience, mentorship, and exposure to services offered by a regional planning commission.

All MORPC internships are paid opportunities! Pay ranges between $15 to $20 per hour depending on the host.

Please apply online at or you may mail a resume to:

MORPC Attn: GA-4-26

111 Liberty St., Suite 100

Columbus, OH 43215

No phone calls please.