Housing Advocacy Intern

About the role

Smart Growth America’s Housing & Development (HAD) team is looking for a Fall 2026 intern to support Congressional advocacy efforts to increase housing supply and promote affordability. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of land use and housing policy and be open to developing their research and communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Support advocacy and research work to advance federal policy wins that improve communities
• Assist with policy research and memo drafting for practitioner audiences
• Provide technical assistance to community-based organizations and local governments
• Participate in coalition-building and partner engagement processes
• Explore the intersection of land use, housing supply, and equitable development

Learning outcomes

• Gain hands-on exposure to real-world zoning reform and implementation challenges
• Develop a practical understanding of how housing and zoning policy is enacted at the federal level and implemented in communities nationwide