Planning Intern

CMAP is seeking one (1) summer intern with interest in various aspects of local and regional planning, including transportation and land use, building capacity, and economic development. The preferred candidates will have the ability to work independently and on project teams, and work on multiple projects simultaneously. CMAP Interns participate in projects and engage in activities that support the work of the agency. The CMAP internship program runs June-July and interns work up to 29 hours per week during summer months. Internships may be extended through the academic year at the discretion of the agency.

The intern will support CMAP’s technical assistance and capacity building programs, which provide assistance to communities across the Chicago metropolitan region to develop local land use and transportation plans and assist in the implementation of those plans. The intern will be expected to support projects by performing geographic information system (GIS) analysis, researching, and writing about assigned topics, and participating in community engagement efforts.  Project assignments will be determined based on program needs and the intern’s interests and skill sets.  However, the intern should have a strong understanding of transportation and land use planning topics.  

The intern’s primary responsibilities will include a combination of the following: 

• Research and writing. The intern will assist project teams by conducting research and contributing to written products. This may include assisting in the development of existing conditions reports by reviewing and providing written summaries of past plans and ordinances. It may also include researching plans, programs, and policies of other planning entities and organizations, and surveying best practices in relevant topic areas. The intern should be able to convey research findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Data analysis and mapping. The intern will help with regional and community-focused data collection, analysis, and mapping. This will include gathering data via the Census or other datasets related to issues of particular importance to communities or ON TO 2050 implementation. Familiarity with data sources, ability to analyze data, and ability to communicate the results of this analysis are necessary skills. The intern will also prepare maps to appear in interim and final documents related to projects.
• Outreach. Projects involve staffing many public meetings. The intern will assist with various elements of public engagement including table facilitation, registration, and note-taking.
• Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP): The intern will assist with CMAP’s FLIP program, a free leadership development program for high school students. The intern will help CMAP staff administer the program and facilitate interactions with regional leaders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Interests 

• General knowledge of, and interest in, urban and/or regional planning issues and practice such as transportation, use, environmental, and social considerations in planning. 
• GIS concepts and functions, familiarity with ArcGIS, and experience working with large regional datasets. 
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and SketchUp
• Microsoft Office

In ordered to be considered for this position, please upload a cover letter titled LastNameFirstName_FY27PlanningIntern_CL. 

This application will remain open for two weeks and will close at 5:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026.

Compensation
$21 per hour.

Minimum Requirements
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and entering junior or senior status by Fall 2026 or be enrolled in a graduate-level program.

Internships are hybrid, with in-office work at CMAP’s Old Post Office location in Chicago. Interns may work up to 29 hours per week. Start dates will occur between May and June, and internships will run for 12 weeks. 

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been received. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted with further information. 

CMAP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.