Municipal Research & Services Center

Public Policy Intern 

Timeline: Preferred applicants are available to work 36-40 hours per week but must be available at least 20 hours per week during the summer, starting in early July 2026 through the end of September 2026, with a possibility of having it continue on a part-time basis through the 2026-27 academic school year. 

Compensation: $26-$28/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.  

Primary Responsibilities:

The Public Policy Intern will obtain hands-on experience working directly with MRSC policy staff to research and respond to emerging issues affecting Washington’s 39 counties, 281 cities and towns, and hundreds of special purpose districts. The Public Policy Intern will be asked to conduct research in a wide variety of subject areas and may have the opportunity to respond directly to public officials and employees across the state. The intern may also be asked to help develop aspects of training programs sponsored by MRSC, including webinars, blog posts, presentations, and publications on a variety of local government issues. 

Required Qualifications:

 The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research and writing skills, a nimble mind, a commitment to public service, and an interest in local government. Work Study eligibility for the summer is preferred but not required. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. Compensation is $26-$28/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.  

To Apply:

Submit the following materials in PDF format to Aimy Enriquez at aenriquez@mrsc.org by 4:00 p.m. PDT, Friday April 30, 2026: 

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Short writing sample

Interviews are tentatively planned to take place virtually on May 14, 2026. pending confirmation of this position’s funding. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to finalize resources to support this position. 

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District

Utility/GIS Summer Internship - Paid, Full-Time, Temporary Position

Start Date: Mid-June 2026
End Date: Mid-September 2026

Compensation: $23.00 / hour

Full Job Description

Job Application

Primary Responsibility:

• This position is a temporary career development opportunity in water distribution and wastewater collection GIS operations.
• This position will take direction from several departments and work to resolve technical challenges in refining and developing new maps, dashboards, and reporting.
  • 1. Use GNSS/GPS equipment to accurately locate and collect spatial data for water and sewer assets.
    2. Update and maintain GIS databases with field or historical as-built data.
    3. Assist in creating and editing maps for internal use and public communication.
    4. Support integration of GIS data with existing data systems and customer service platforms.
    5. Collaborate with field crews to verify and validate GIS data accuracy.
    6. Perform spatial analysis to support planning and decision-making.
• Duties are performed primarily in the office with long periods sitting or standing at a computer. Some work will be in the field where there is exposure to varying weather conditions, and automobile traffic. Work requires travel to various work sites throughout the District.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, or related program.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Experience with GPS data collection tools and mobile mapping apps
• Ability to interact with the public in an effective and customer-friendly manner
• Ability to understand, read, and speak English
• Adherence to District Policies and Procedures
• Ability to work well with others, stay on task, and take direction from Supervisor
• Must work well independently, be highly detail-oriented, and productive
• Ability to drive a District vehicle
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions
• Non-smoker

Please send a completed application, cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to: 

Heather Sytsma, Finance and HR Manager, heather@bbwsd.com 

Applications received prior to May 1, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position is open until filled.
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dustin Sellinger, at 360-371-7100 or email dustin@bbwsd.com. 

Habitat for Humanity, Whatcom County
Policy Research & Executive Assistant Internship

Full Job Description

Primary Responsibilities:

Administrative and Executive Support

●    Assist the Executive Director with basic administrative and organizational tasks
●    Support scheduling, calendar coordination, and meeting preparation
●    Help maintain and organize contact databases and internal records
 

Policy Tracking and Research (Training Provided)

●    Track housing policy items and land use actions under consideration by the City of Bellingham
●    Monitor state and local legislative sessions for laws and bills related to housing and affordability
●    Conduct introductory policy research on affordable housing topics, as directed
●    Assist with summarizing policy updates and research findings in short written briefs or memos

Learning and General Support

●    Participate in special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned
●    Gain exposure to nonprofit leadership, housing advocacy, and interdepartmental coordination
●    Receive guidance and feedback to support academic and professional learning goals

Preferred Qualifications/Prerequisites: 

●    Interest in affordable housing, housing policy, nonprofit leadership, or public service
●    Strong organizational skills and willingness to learn new systems
●    Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive
●    Clear written and verbal communication skills
●    High level of professionalism
●    Coursework or interest in urban planning, public policy, sociology, political science, or a related field 
●    Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
●    The ability to follow up and follow through with directions and tasks 
●    Able to multitask 

Full Job Description

Project Contacts:

Virginia MacDonald, Construction Project Manager, virginia.macdonald@hfhwhatcom.org  
Dr. Tammi Laninga, laningt@wwu.edu for earning credits

City of Poulsbo

Start Date: ASAP 
Duration: 3-6 months in 2026 or 2027; up to 150 hours.

Primary Responsibility:

• Conduct a historic property inventory of the City of Poulsbo historic, downtown buildings and/or gather as much information as possible to begin the process of conducting an inventory.
• Research the building history and determine the materials and integrity to best of knowledge to determine if the property would be eligible for a historic register.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Students will gather initial field data such as photos and reconnaissance survey information.
• If comfortable, the student can identify architectural styles, materials, alterations and issue information into a database.

Please send a cover letter and resume to: 

Heather Wright, Planning and Economic Development Director, hwright@cityofpoulsbo.com

Ongoing Opportunities

• UEPP Diversity and Student Outreach Committee (quarterly opportunity) (in-person)

• La Villa de Las Americas (Birchwood Cultural District) (could be team) (in-person)

• WWU Office of Student Life/Basic Needs – Creative Housing Solutions for College Students (could be a team) (remote & in-person)

Diversity and Student Outreach Community (Senior Project)

Primary Responsibilities:

The Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy (UEPP) Department is committed to supporting and enhancing accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in the department. DSOC undertakes activities and actions that retain and recruit a diverse community. Students may earn 1-2 senior project credits or independent study credits as a student member of the committee each quarter. 

Preferred Qualifications/Prerequisites: 

• Junior/Senior in UEPP

• commitment to ADEI

• willingness to bring ideas and be engaged with activities and events that support current students and recruit new students to the department

For more information, check out the draft UEPP Diversity Plan

Project contact: Tammi Laninga laningt@wwu.edu

La Villa de Las Americas (Birchwood Cultural District) Senior Project – could be a team project

Primary Responsibilities:

Bellingham is home to a large and vibrant Latine community that is underrepresented in both policies and the built environment. Melida Baca-Lopez, a community activist with a vision of change, has proposed the idea of a cultural district. Her concept incorporates Spanish Colonial architecture, spaces for Latine business owners, and community spaces and events celebrating Bellingham’s Latin American presence. Since 2023, UEPP students and Dr. Laninga have worked with Melida to conduct research and identify community support and partners to help carry the idea forward. 

Students would continue to support Melida to help with development of a non-profit, connect with partners, and help draft a proposal to share with the Birchwood Neighborhood Association, the Mayor’s Neighborhood Council, and city staff.

Preferred Qualifications/Prerequisites: 

• Junior/Senior in UEPP

• Spanish-speaking

• completed UEPP 475

• Interest in community organizing

For more information, check out this report.

Project Contact: Tammi Laninga, laningt@wwu.edu

Housing for College Students (Independent study or Senior project)

Primary Responsibilities:

During the October 2024 Whatcom Housing Week, representatives from WWU, Whatcom Community College (WCC) and Bellingham Technical College (BTC) hosted a panel to explore “Creatively Housing College Students in Whatcom County.” The outcome from the session is a list of brainstormed ideas looking for more research. This project would research ideas from the session.

Preferred Qualifications/Prerequisites: 

• pre-major or major in UEPP

• Junior or Senior in UEPP

• interest in affordable housing

• interest in collaborating with students/staff from WWU, WCC and BTC

Link to Brainstormed Ideas: Creatively Housing College Students in Whatcom County

Project Contacts: 

Jon Stubblefield – WWU Student Success Initiative stubblj@wwu.edu 
Gina Ebbeling – WWU Student Life – Office of Basic Needs ebbelig@wwu.edu