Research and Strategic Analysis Intern

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Office of Research and Strategic Analysis (ORSA) provides crosscutting support to HCR’s executive and program leadership in advancing the agency’s mission. Created in late 2017, the ORSA team consists of data scientists, analysts, and policy specialists who use quantitative and analytical research methods to provide data-driven guidance on high-priority initiatives.

This internship will report to the Principal Economist and involve leading the development of a survey of county and municipal land use policies in New York State. The intern will also collaborate on research and data analysis related to ORSA’s long-term studies, covering topics such as housing supply and affordability, land use regulation, and socio-demographic changes. The internship will culminate in a deliverable and presentation of findings.

Project Summary

The goal of this project is to gain a broad understanding of how counties and municipalities across New York State exercise control over physical development through land use planning and other policy, regulatory, and administrative mechanisms. Deliverables may include a report, presentation, interactive maps, infographics, or quantitative datasets, providing a survey of county and municipal land use policies. The survey will identify mechanisms and controls used in each county and major municipality, highlighting key similarities, differences, and potential gaps or contradictions. The work will specifically address how these mechanisms impact housing development—especially affordable and regulated housing—as it relates to climate, racial, and economic justice. This project will inform ongoing efforts to promote more uniform land use planning for inclusive and equitable communities statewide.

The internship also includes providing research assistance on projects focused on expanding housing supply, evaluating affordability outcomes, estimating construction costs, and analyzing demographic and immigration changes in New York State. Tasks may involve compiling and analyzing data (including spatial data and visualization) and surveying relevant literature.

Responsibilities

• Develop a framework for collecting and presenting relevant information and data regarding county and municipal land use policies across New York State.
• Research county and municipal land use policies using the internet and other available resources; collect data from various sources; and produce literature surveys on housing-related topics.
• Use analytic tools and methods to summarize similarities, differences, gaps, and contradictions across local land use policies.
• Create digital zoning maps of municipalities across New York State using ArcGIS.
• Provide research assistance on projects related to housing supply, affordability, construction costs, and demographic changes.
• Compile, analyze, and summarize data, including spatial data and visualizations.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and the ability to quickly and clearly synthesize information.
• Ability to use data to make decisions.
• Experience with geospatial analysis and tools including ArcGIS and AGOL.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office products, specifically Excel and Access.
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative research designs and statistical analysis techniques (a plus).
• Experience with statistical packages such as STATA, SAS, or R (a plus).
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Interest and/or experience in land use law and/or urban policy/planning (preferred).

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We employ a diverse workforce of professionals committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission encompasses single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner with a variety of public and private stakeholders and offer a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring.

We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.