Environmental Policy Internship Jobs in Decatur, GA

Salary : $64,668.00 - $87,301.00 Annually
Location : Atlanta, GA 30303
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Office: Office of the Chief Operating Officer / Community Development
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 04/27/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Description:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) serves as the region's planning and intergovernmental coordination agency, addressing issues critical to long-term success such as growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults, and workforce solutions. ARC works to unify the region's resources through data-driven planning, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement to support a more prosperous metropolitan future.
ARC's Community Development Department partners with local governments across the 11-county region to address key challenges related to economic development, housing, land use, and transportation. The Department is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative Senior Planner with a strong interest in housing and economic development, as well as the ability to contribute to a wide range of general planning activities.
This position will play a central role in advancing ARC's economic development and housing priorities, including supporting the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Housing Strategy for the Atlanta Region. The Senior Planner will also contribute to a variety of local planning efforts through programs such as the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), Local Comprehensive Planning Program, and Livable Centers Initiative (LCI).
Projects may include municipal comprehensive plans, housing and economic development studies, corridor and subarea plans, food systems planning, and other community-focused initiatives. In addition to subject matter expertise, this role requires flexibility to support broader departmental and agency-wide planning efforts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support and the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Housing Strategy for the Atlanta Region.
• Manage and contribute to local planning projects led by ARC's Community Development Department.
• Participate in all aspects of plan development, including research, data analysis, mapping, writing, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local governments, project sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex planning initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to local jurisdictions.
• Contribute to additional analytical, GIS, and administrative projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, economics, housing, public policy, or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in planning or public policy (internship experience may be considered).
  OR
  An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban or regional planning, economics, housing, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience in housing and/or economic development.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in planning, public policy, or research.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: community engagement, land use planning, comprehensive planning, food systems, community development, or local government policy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of housing and economic development, with the ability to connect these areas to broader planning goals.
• Knowledge of the relationship between transportation and community development.
• Familiarity with local planning practices, including land use, zoning, and comprehensive planning.
• Ability to design and support policies, strategies, and regulatory approaches that promote livable, equitable communities.
• Strong research, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience engaging with local governments, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Additional Information
About ARC:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region's success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region's collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.
ARC Strategic Framework
Vision - ONE great REGION
Mission Statement
The Atlanta Regional Commission fosters thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Our Goals

1. Healthy, safe, livable communities in the Atlanta metro area.
2. Strategic investments in people, infrastructure, mobility, and preserving natural resources.
3. Regional services delivered with operational excellence and efficiency.
4. Diverse stakeholders engage and take a regional approach to solve local issues.
5. A competitive economy that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient.

Our Core Values
Excellence | A commitment to doing our best and going above and beyond in every facet of our work allowing for innovative practices and actions to be created while ensuring our agency's and our colleague's success.
Equity | We represent a belief that there are some things which people should have, that there are basic needs that should be fulfilled, that burdens and rewards should not be spread too divergently across the community, and that policy should be directed with impartiality, fairness and justice towards these ends.
Integrity | In our conduct, communication, and collaboration with each other and the region's residents, we will act with consistency, honesty, transparency, fairness and accountability within and across each of our responsibilities and functions.
Application Process:
The Atlanta Regional Commission is looking for individuals who enjoy working in a public service environment where the mission is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Atlanta region. ARC serves as a forum where leaders come together to discuss and act on issues of regionwide consequence, so it is important that our staff share the public entrepreneurial spirit that defines ARC.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, ARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion or disability.
To request a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or testing process, please contact ARC at 404-463-3100 or Human Resources via email at hr@atlantaregional.org.
ARC offers our full-time regular employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and more! For additional information, please visit:
01
Are you proficient in Adobe InDesign and document development?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you conducted or led a housing or economic development needs assessment, market analysis, or gap analysis using quantitative data?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience supporting small businesses through programs, technical assistance, or economic development initiatives?

• Yes
• No

Required Question