Residential Mapping Internship

Background: Nestled along the scenic Kanawha River, the Upper Kanawha Valley Strategic Initiative Council (UKVSIC) is a legal entity that stands as a beacon of hope and progress, uniting Montgomery and Smithers, West Virginia, among other communities in a collective pursuit of revitalization and prosperity

The work in this scope supports and aligns with the Main Focus Areas of the UKVSIC USDOT
Thriving Communities Program Work Plan:
- Assist the communities in identifying strategies to develop additional staffing capacity that can be leveraged to continue to apply for grants to provide funding support for infrastructure and other economic and community development needs with a focus on revitalizing dilapidated or vacant buildings and improving public transportation options.
- Assist the communities in developing community engagement strategies and best practices to help build and enhance public trust in infrastructure and community development projects that are outlined in the UKV Recreation Master Plan (Upper Kanawha Valley Recreation Master Plan – Kanawha County).

About this position: The purpose of this position is to develop a comprehensive community database of properties available for residential development, particularly focused on affordable single-family homes and other housing types for specific demographics such as young professionals, students, and independent seniors. This role involves identifying under-utilized properties, managing a GIS-based database, and engaging with the UKVSIC to gather input on housing needs. Additionally, the position is responsible for developing strategies and policy
recommendations to promote residential growth, attract developers, and incentivize homebuyers, all while collaborating with local stakeholders to ensure alignment with community goals.
 

The location of work for this position will be remote, allowing for professional flexibility. However, this position may require some (reimbursed) travel to the communities. The intern will work directly with the Mayors of Smithers and Montgomery (or their designees) and members of the RAIB team to achieve the following:

1. Provide General Coordination Activities to WVSU Extension Activities in the Communities: WVSU has employed a Leadership and Civic Engagement Coordinator (Engagement Coordinator) to bolster community and economic development initiatives for the Cities of Montgomery and Smithers. This role involves collaborating with the Engagement Coordinator to oversee these activities, ensuring they are well-informed and addressing any necessary follow-up actions post May 2025.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 28
Deliverables: Emails or coordination meeting minutes/notes.

2. Develop Community Database of Properties Available for Residential Development: To enhance residential growth opportunities in the communities there is a need to identify and market those properties that are best suited for residential development (especially single-family houses). Other types of housing to identify the need for include young adults/professionals (without families), students, and independent seniors.

a. Property Identification and Survey: 

- In consultation with RAIB team staff, set-up the database for optimizing its future utility and use.
- Conduct a thorough survey of properties within the community that can be marketed for affordable, single-family residential construction.
- Utilize GIS mapping and property records to identify under-utilized parcels suitable for development.
- Collaborate with local real estate agents, property owners, and municipal offices to gather detailed information on each property.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 400
Deliverables: meeting notes, documentation of survey (photos, database records), GIS database, outline of framework for partner collaboration.

b. Database Management:
- Create and maintain a comprehensive database of identified properties, including key attributes such as location, size, zoning, current use, and ownership.
- Ensure the database is easily accessible and up-to-date for use by community planners, developers, and potential homebuyers.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 100
Deliverables: GIS database, methodology instructions for accessing the data
and how to update and maintain the data.

c. Community Engagement and Feedback:
- Conduct surveys and focus groups with community members to gather input on housing needs and preferences.
- Incorporate community feedback into the development of policies and strategies to ensure they meet local needs and gain public support.
- Present findings and recommendations to local government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 80
Deliverables: focus group survey and results, documentation of how feedback has been incorporated into database and outreach efforts, documentation of presentation of database to government officials, community leaders, stakeholders, etc. (photos, minutes, etc.)

d. Policy and Strategy Development:

- Research best practices and successful case studies from other communities on promoting affordable housing and revitalizing under-utilized parcels.
- Develop strategies and policy recommendations for local government and community organizations to promote the use of these properties for single- family residential construction.
- Propose incentives and programs, such as tax abatements, grants, or low- interest loans, to encourage developers and homebuyers to invest in these properties.
- Coordinate end deliverable with WV State Development Office and the WV
Housing Development Fund.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 300
Deliverables: best practices and case studies research memo, policy and strategy recommendations memo, incentives and programs memo

Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, Economic Development, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, etc.)
- Proficiency in GIS mapping, database development, data entry, and analysis tools.
- Familiarity with property records, zoning laws, and urban development concepts.
- Ability to conduct research and gather data from multiple sources (e.g., public records, property databases).
- Strong attention to detail, especially when surveying properties and managing databases.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, writing reports, and presenting findings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage tasks independently while staying coordinated with a larger team.

Preferred Experience:
- Previous experience in urban or community development projects, particularly related to
housing, familiarity with municipal policies and local government processes is a bonus.
- Passionate about community revitalization, affordable housing, and local economic growth.

This is a remote internship (with some in-person site visits required) and requires up to
40 hours of work per week. Regular video conferences will be required. This is a paid position,
compensated at $15/hour (undergrads) and $20/hour (graduates). This position will be an
independent contractor under contract by MZC Foundation, Inc. (dba The Ray) through funding
provided by the US Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program. This
position will be paid twice per month upon the satisfactory submission and approval of
timesheets and deliverables. The internship has a commitment of approximately mid-October
2024 through May 1, 2025, but dates are flexible.

Virtual interviews will be conducted by representatives from the Cities of Smithers and
Montgomery and staff from RAIB.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Ella Pruchniewski
(ella@theray.org). Please include “UKVSIC Residential Mapping Intern Application” in the
subject line of the email.

Application Deadline:
The interview process will begin upon the receipt of applications will continue being
accepted until the position is filled.