Internships
Internships on this site are posted for three months or until the posted deadline. There is no cost to members. To submit an internship ad, email the description to avansen@planningmi.org and place "internship ad" in the subject field.
Posting requirements: Ads shall be submitted in word, and contain no more than 250 words. We are happy to add links and/ or one pdf attachment.
02/10/2026
Urban Planning Intern
McKenna
Urban Planning Intern
McKenna
MCKENNA
McKenna’s team of talented planning, design, and building professionals help municipal leaders develop and maintain communities for real life. From street festivals, neighborhood parks, and storefronts, to parking spots, coffee shops, and farmers’ markets, we want your community to thrive. McKenna provides planning, zoning, building, landscape architecture, community and economic development, and urban design assistance to cities, villages, townships, counties, and regional agencies, as well as select private clients, based on skilled and effective public engagement.
URBAN PLANNER INTERN
McKenna’s Interns are passionate, talented, and creative students who want to make a difference and see their work efforts result in tangible, inspirational outcomes. Our work is purposeful and impacts people by influencing the state of the environment; ultimately, we take pride in helping to improve quality of life in our great Midwestern communities. McKenna’s team members enjoy the benefits of our practice, from the diversity of projects in a diverse range of communities, to our fast-paced, creative, and collaborative team culture.
Our Intern will work closely with the team of McKenna planners to develop and provide on-time, on-budget planning and design work that is of the highest technical and creative quality.
The ideal candidate has a good understanding of graphic communication and is in their junior or senior year of study whether in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or landscape design. In addition, the candidate should have the ability to think critically and creatively, be able to adapt to changing environments, and be able to work well independently and as part of a collaborative team.
The Urban Planning Intern is committed to assisting McKenna Planners and Project Managers with specific projects including, but not limited, to the following:
- Serve as an Intern on a multitude of project(s), helping to deliver creative solutions to our clients throughout the Midwest, primarily local units of government. Projects range from providing ongoing and continuing service in the areas of zoning, form-based coding, master planning, economic development, and placemaking, to special projects in planning, design, economic development, transportation, etc.
- Work on harmonious teams with other planners and designers, mapping specialists, graphic designers, and administrative staff.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this internship position, send your cover letter and resume in confidence to the attention of Human Resources at hr@mcka.com. Internship positions may be available in any of our Michigan offices: Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Northville, Detroit. or our Columbus, Ohio office. Please specify your location preference. Timeframe for internship would be mid-May to mid-August 2026. This is a paid internship, with an hourly rate ranging from $22 - $25/hour.
McKenna is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to create a dignified work environment where all team members can thrive. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds and transferable experience are encouraged to apply.
Posted February 10, 2026
02/04/2026
Planning Intern
Williams & Works
Planning Intern
Williams & Works
Williams & Works is accepting applications for an intern for the summer of 2026 to assist our award-winning planning group in Grand Rapids. The ideal candidate will have graduated (or be on track to graduate) with a bachelor’s degree or higher in urban or regional planning or a related field, with a strong interest in community master planning, zoning, economic development, transportation and non-motorized planning, GIS, and/or demographic research and analysis.
This is an in-office position that requires the ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with other professionals and clients and the ability to participate in multi-faceted planning and zoning assignments. Projects include work on master plans, zoning ordinances, parks and recreation plans, development reviews, special projects, and similar tasks.
This internship offers abundant opportunities to participate in a variety of challenging and exciting planning tasks with our public and private sector clients. It is anticipated that this will be a temporary position from May through August 2026, although opportunities to extend the position may be explored, as needed. A transition to full-time employment is also possible, but not guaranteed.
Williams & Works is an award-winning consulting firm providing planning, engineering, design, and survey services. We are an employee-owned company that is committed to excellence in service to our clients and to building our organization from within. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Additional information regarding the firm is available at williams-works.com.
To apply, please email contact@williams-works.com with a cover letter and resume with “Planning Intern” as your email subject.
The position remains open until filled.
Posted February 4, 2026
02/03/2026
Planning Intern / Planning Aide (Part-Time)
Waterford Township
Planning Intern / Planning Aide (Part-Time)
Waterford Township
Waterford Township is seeking a part-time Planning Intern / Planning Aide to support the Planning & Zoning Division within the Development Services Department. This position is well suited for an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in urban planning, city and regional planning, or a closely related field.
The intern will assist with day-to-day planning activities and have opportunities to work on substantive projects that support Township initiatives. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate academic commitments. The Township is willing to work with the selected candidate to support thesis, capstone, or academic project requirements.
This position offers meaningful professional experience, exposure to municipal planning processes, and the opportunity to develop work products suitable for a professional portfolio. Previous interns have successfully used this role as a stepping stone to full-time positions in the planning and consulting fields.
Position Details and Application Information:
https://www.waterfordmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14537/Planning-Aide--PT-
Posted February 3, 2026
01/12/2026
Planning Intern
City of Grand Rapids – Planning, Design, and Development
Planning Intern
City of Grand Rapids – Planning, Design, and Development
NATURE OF WORK
The City of Grand Rapids is seeking a Planning Intern to join a talented, fun, and innovative Planning Team.
POSITION RESPONSABILITIES
You will work closely with staff and engage in a range of projects including:
- Assist in conducting research for zoning amendments and planning projects.
- Develop a social media strategy to engage and inform community members about planning topics and projects.
- Assist in the review of plans for compliance with zoning.
- Historical research for properties and various unique uses.
- Assist in the preparation and engagement of public meetings.
- Data collection and field assessments.
- Participate in site visits for planning projects.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong passion for urban planning, engagement, and equitable development practices.
- Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Enrolled in or recently graduated from an Urban Planning Degree Program or similar.
LOCATION
This position is in-person at the City of Grand Rapids Offices (1120 Monroe Ave NW). The position will start in May and end in August.
COMPENSATION
This is an hourly paid position ranging from $17.50 to $23.00 an hour based on qualifications. It is anticipated that the position will be 40 hours a week, May through August.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A complete application will include a cover letter and resume. Applications or questions regarding this position can be submitted to Rowan Brady, Planning Supervisor (rbrady@grcity.us).
DEADLINE
Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2026.
Posted January 12, 2026
