Communications & Urban Planning Intern with the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department
In partnership with the University of Arizona-Supported Summer 2026 Internship program
Organization’s Information
City of Tucson Planning and Development Services (PDSD)
201 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd
Organization’s Mission Statement
The mission of the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors and enhance the quality of life in Tucson through professional planning, site and building review, and inspection services. To ensure Tucson is a sustainable, well-designed, and prosperous community with a business-friendly environment. More information on how PDSD is working to serve the residents of Tucson can be found at:
• PDSD website
• Plan Tucson Update
• Current and Previous Planning Initiatives
General Position Description
The Urban Planning Intern within PDSD will join the Long-Range Planning Division to support either the Public Information or Planning teams.
PDSD’s Long Range Planning Division works to advance goals of sustainability, equity, economic growth, and vibrant, livable neighborhoods through corridor and place-based initiatives and special projects. General long-range planning projects include code amendments, public outreach, long-range planning projects like the city’s general plan, special districts, entitlements (re-zonings), and long-range planning initiatives such as Plan Tucson, and historic preservation. These initiatives implement the goals of Plan Tucson and provide an opportunity for community members to shape the future of their city. Join the team that shapes our city!
The Public Information team represents the entire department, including current planning, inspections, and customer service. As part of this team, the intern would support key objectives, such as clear and compelling communication. Joining this award-winning communications team will provide the intern with experience in key areas, including website management, video production, and other marketing projects.
The Urban Planning Intern will work to achieve the priority goals of PDSD’s outreach and engagement efforts. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment. The selected individual must be able to manage multiple work assignments and be comfortable working with members of the public.
Summer interns may also support the current planning and code enforcement teams, as well as other special projects, as their skills and project needs align. Let us know if you have specific interests.
Essential Functions
The Communications and Urban Planning Interns will be introduced to the overall functions of the Long-range Planning Division. The specific internship tasks will be a blend of the interns' interests and the needs of the department. Tasks may include:
• Auditing the website and other materials and suggesting revisions for precise and consistent messaging and instructions on urban planning processes;
• Support public meetings and outreach by attending public meetings, taking notes and integrating feedback into proposed policies;
• Interact with the public by attending public meetings; may present information and respond to questions from the public;
• Conduct urban planning related research and analysis related to urban issues such as climate change, housing needs, transportation, economic development and other topics;
• Examine data and indicators related to urban development, economic development, housing, transportation and others;
• Create public outreach and marketing materials such as maps, handouts, reports, videos, and presentations;
• Research and compile best practices and successful programs implemented in other municipalities;
• Finalizing databases with measurables of special district projects to help determine their impact.
• Become familiar with Unified Development Code and other land use regulations; gain understanding of how these regulations shape urban development by assisting with development applications;
• Drafting of agendas and meeting summaries for the City of Tucson’s Design Review Board and the Infill Incentive District Design Review Committee;
• Attending meetings with the Tucson-Pima Historical Commission, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Examiner and the Rio Nuevo Board, and preparing summaries for staff;
• Attending public meetings and technical meetings with City staff from various departments to discuss Plan Tucson, Infill Incentive District update, FTA grant for Rapid Transit System, Transit Plan, and Corridor Plans;
Qualifications
Minimum:
• Interns must either have an internship requirement for their degree plan, be getting course credit, or be eligible for the UA summer internship stipend (https://career.arizona.edu/experiences/summer-internship-stipends/). Please indicate which of these apply to you on your application.
• Summer interns must be able to work during business hours (Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) in the office located in downtown Tucson, with the possibility of some evenings and weekends
• Summer interns must be able to use their personal laptop and UA email, and Microsoft Office products.
Preferred:
• Interest in urban planning or public relations, or related fields such as geography, architecture, public policy, data analysis, real estate, development, marketing, advertising, business management, journalism, or media
• Ability to work with the general public and staff, both virtually and in-person, in a collaborative manner.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft, Adobe, and GIS applications.
Other Details:
This position is unpaid, and interns are encouraged to receive outside compensation (such as the UA SIP program linked above) or fulfill a degree requirement or receive independent study credits as reciprocity. This position is not eligible for City of Tucson employee benefits. The position is part- or full-time. Start and end dates and a weekly schedule are flexible and can be determined with the intern at the start of the internship.
Deadline to apply:
January 4th, 2026. Applications are reviewed as received. Applicants interested in using the UA SIP funding are encouraged to apply early.
Primary Contacts
Amanda Smith, Lead Planner, Amanda.smith@tucsonaz.gov