Office Internships

OVERVIEW

The Mayoral Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for experiential learning for some of the country's best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students. Interns will perform a variety of tasks which may include policy research and development, drafting memoranda, community engagement, outreach and education, administrative tasks, and legal research and analysis.

Our internship program runs year-round. Each office recruits interns based on available projects, staff availability to supervise, and available office space.

THE CANDIDATES

Prospective interns shall be undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates of a two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school. Ideal candidates must communicate well, display a record of academic achievement, demonstrate a commitment to public service, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Candidates shall also maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity.

OPPORTUNITIES

Internship opportunities are available in the following departments:

OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Mayor's Office of Public Safety (MOPS) implements Mayor Garcetti’s homeland security and public safety policy priorities to ensure that the City of Los Angeles is the safest and most resilient big city in America. MOPS works closely with the City’s public safety departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Emergency Management Department (EMD), the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, and the Department of Water and Power. In addition, MOPS collaborates with the State of California Office of Emergency Services and Federal law enforcement and emergency management agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Safety Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on a number of local, national, and international public safety policy areas.

MOPS interns will support the office by conducting research and communications including the development of research briefs, white papers, and critical messaging, as well as attending meetings with key stakeholders. Interns will provide policy and administrative support including representing MOPS at community events and communicating with officials. Interns are assigned to one of the following teams (please indicate desired choice of placement):

The Mayor’s Public Safety Policy Team: The MOPS Policy Team works closely with the the City’s public safety agencies, local and state partners, and the federal government to develop strategy and policy initiatives related to ensuring the safety and security of Los Angeles residents and businesses. Efforts are dedicated to related policy areas including law enforcement and community policing; fire response and emergency medical services; emergency management, preparedness, and response; cybersecurity; preventing domestic violence and human trafficking; and counterterrorism.

The Mayor’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (MVA): In 2013, Mayor Garcetti created the Office of Veterans Affairs, the first such office in the City of Los Angeles since World War II, to work collaboratively with government agencies and community based organizations to advocate for and coordinate services for veterans in Los Angeles.  Los Angeles is home to the highest concentration of military veterans in the country. It is also home to many veteran service organizations working tirelessly to ensure veterans in Los Angeles can access the services they have earned. Los Angeles is committed to empowering veterans and military families to end veteran homelessness, maximize employment and educational opportunities, and ensure the proper delivery of medical services.

The Mayor’s Public Safety Legal Team: The MOPS Legal Team drafts and negotiates professional services contracts for special projects on behalf of the LAPD, LAFD, and Emergency Management Department to enhance public safety, anti-terrorism, and emergency preparedness. The team works closely with the Policy Team and conducts legal research and communications related to various public safety policy initiatives and strategies addressed by MOPS.

The Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development Team (GRYD): The Mayor’s GRYD team was established in July of 2007 to address gang violence in a comprehensive and coordinated way throughout the City. Community-based service provision began in 2009. Over the years, GRYD developed and implemented a Comprehensive Strategy to drive funding and practice decisions across areas designated as GRYD Zones. GRYD currently provides gang intervention and prevention services in 23 GRYD Zones throughout the City of Los Angeles, along with regional juvenile reentry services, community engagement programming, and various other initiatives.

The Mayor’s Office of Resilience: In 2013, Los Angeles was selected as an inaugural member of the 100 Resilient Cities Network. This global network, pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, helps cities become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges of the 21st century. Since then, Angelenos have come together to develop Resilient Los Angeles, a strategy aimed at preparing Los Angeles to address a variety of challenges, including natural and manmade disasters, climate change, aging infrastructure, health and economic disparities, etc. The Office of Resilience is dedicated to the implementation of Resilient Los Angeles and related efforts.

The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team (CRT): CRT members are comprised of community volunteers who respond to crisis or emergency incidents in support of victims, witnesses, and family members of victims, at the request of the LAPD and LAFD. Volunteers provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention, act as a liaison between victims, family members, and emergency personnel, and give referrals to victims and their families affected by a death, a serious injury, a violent crime or other traumatic incident. Incidents the CRT responds to include homicides, suicides, serious traffic accidents, officer involved shootings, domestic violence, natural deaths, etc.

Cybersecurity: The Mayor’s Cyber Policy Fellowship is an exciting opportunity for students to be at the intersection of technology and policy. Cyber Fellows will support the Mayor’s Office Cyber Strategic Initiatives, which focus on the security of City systems, providing cybersecurity resources for businesses and the public, and leading regional and national collaboration. This work includes cross-sectional planning with numerous City departments, and various public and private sector partners at the local, state, and national level.  Fellows will also have the opportunity to work directly with the LA Cyber Lab, a first of it’s kind public-private partnership dedicated to municipal and private sector information sharing.

All MOPS interns should have:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills (writing sample required).
• Outstanding research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated maturity to work successfully in professional and high-pressure situations.
• A self-starter attitude with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and administrative capabilities.
• Strong computer literacy.
• And an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.

Candidates should be professional, organized, and efficient; be able to multitask well in a  fast-paced environment; be eager to learn, listen, and grow throughout the internship; and be committed to public service to the City of Los Angeles. Interns should be able to commit to 16-40 hours per week.

To apply, please send a résumé, cover letter, writing sample, and MOPS team preference to Thalia Polychronis at [e-mail].

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Office of Economic Development develops policy, programs, projects, and initiatives pertaining to economic development. Interns will support the office by conducting critical research and communications including the development of key messages, research briefs, and updates to web-based content. Interns will provide logistical, administrative, program development, and team management support including representing MOED at community events as needed, and communicating with business constituents as needed.

MOED interns are each assigned to one of the following teams:

The Mayor’s Economic Policy Team develops strategy, planning, and policy related to job creation, economic development, new business recruitment, and business retention. The team interacts with a wide swath of business sectors.

Prospective interns will acquire valuable insight into developing business strategy, planning and policy through a hands-on experience in the public sector. Interns will assist each team member with projects and tasks relating to job creation, program marketing, economic development, new business recruitment and business retention. Interaction with and understanding of a wide variety of businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller manufacturing companies, will be required.

Interns will prepare written briefs, perform industry and policy research, develop key reports and represent the OED team at community events and meetings as needed.  Interns will need to possess strong communication, writing, critical thinking, and organizational, professional and quantitative skills. Key sectors include: manufacturing & aerospace, technology & clean tech, life sciences & healthcare, real estate, tourism & entertainment.

The Mayor’s Economic Infrastructure Team oversees the largest container port in North America, the Port of Los Angeles, and the fifth busiest airport in the nation, Los Angeles World Airports.

The Mayor’s Planning Policy and Development Team is responsible for creating planning strategies to develop livable communities. Members of the team perform planning and land use analysis, zoning research, review general plan elements, and develop policies.

Prospective interns will assist in creating a citywide planning strategy to develop a world class city, raise development expectations, and improve communities. Interns will perform planning and land use analysis, zoning research, general plan element review, and develop briefings and reports on major policy initiatives to support the Planning Policy and Development team.

The Mayor’s Community Business Team helps entrepreneurs and small business owners by facilitating maximum access to education, training, capital, and contracting opportunities throughout the City.

Prospective interns will research best practices in economic development; create resource directories; draft outreach materials; maintain reports; support staff events and small business organizations; and conduct administrative tasks and assist staff as needed.

Prospective interns must have exceptional written and oral communication skills and proficiency with Google applications. Previous business or government experience a plus.

All MOED interns should have:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding research and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and administrative capabilities
• Demonstrated maturity to work successfully in professional and high-pressure situations
• Strong computer literacy. Strong Excel skills are a plus
• Basic program and financial management skills are a plus

Candidates with an economics, business, public policy, urban planning, real estate, and sales/marketing background are encouraged to apply. Graduate students are preferred, but applications from junior and senior-level undergraduates will also be reviewed.

To apply, please send a résumé, cover letter, and one-page writing sample to [e-mail] with the respective team name in the subject.

OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

The Office of Economic Opportunity develops policy, programs, projects, and initiatives that are focused on fighting poverty, housing the homeless, expanding affordable housing, and improving access to workforce development and educational resources.  

There are no internships available for this office at this time. 

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CITY HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

The Mayor’s Office of City Homelessness Initiatives (MOCHI) oversees the Mayor's strategy to solve homelessness and housing instability in Los Angeles. The office directs the City's street strategy to address encampments, the development of interim housing citywide through the "A Bridge Home" program, and the production and preservation of affordable and supportive housing for Angelenos who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, including oversight of the Prop. HHH program. MOCHI guides the regional planning efforts alongside our County and State partners on effective homelessness interventions, including in Skid Row, the epicenter of our crisis. 

Finally, the team collaborates with other Mayoral staff and City Departments to advance a comprehensive agenda to create a sustainable and equitable housing market. And MOCHI works in close coordination with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to ensure that services benefiting the most vulnerable Angelenos are provided efficiently and compassionately.

The Housing Team is responsible for the production and preservation of affordable and permanent supportive housing for Angelenos.

The Interim Housing Team works to develop interim housing citywide through the "A Bridge Home" program and other creative solutions.

The Homeless Operations and Street Strategies Team helps to address the needs of the unsheltered homeless population and encampments throughout the City.

The Skid Row Strategies Team ensures that services are available and needs are being met in the community of Skid Row, the epicenter of our crisis.

All MOCHI interns must have:

• Exceptional writing, reading, research, and analytical capabilities;
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Great interpersonal skills and strong verbal communication;
• A high attention to detail, with organizational and administrative abilities:
• Demonstrated the ability to work successfully in a professional and fast-paced setting;
• A commitment to public service;
• Experience working in the field of homelessness.

Candidates should be an undergraduate student, a graduate student or recent graduate, able to commit at least 16-24 hours per week, and eager to learn and grow throughout the internship.

Interested MOCHI intern candidates should send a résumé, cover letter, writing sample, and which MOCHI team you are interested in working with to Megan Weiss, Executive Administrator for MOCHI, at [e-mail].

OFFICE OF CITY SERVICES

The Mayor’s Office of City Services (MOCS) implements Mayor Garcetti’s policy priorities related to the provision of public services to Angelenos and visitors. Fundamentally, MOCS ensures that the City acts in service to provide a more livable and sustainable city that improves the quality of life for all. MOCS works closely with the leadership of fifteen City departments, their oversight boards and commissions, and other public agencies and stakeholders.

Exact duties and responsibilities will vary according to MOCS team placement, but all interns will be responsible for writing and editing documents, such as letters, memoranda, and briefing papers; conducting research and summarizing findings; performing administrative tasks; preparing meeting materials and providing meeting support, such as agenda development, scheduling, and note-taking; providing essential constituent service support, such as responding swiftly and respectfully to inquiries from the public; planning and supporting events; problem-solving on a daily basis; and collaborating with others to accomplish MOCS goals.

MOCS interns are each assigned to one of the following teams:

The Infrastructure Services Team works with the City agencies that design and build bridges, buildings, sewers and other public works, ensure streets are safe and navigable for all, that the lights stay on and the water keeps flowing, trash is picked up on time, and our resource use is sustainable.

Departments: Public Works (Bureaus of Contract Administration, Engineering, Sanitation, Street Services, and Street Lighting), Water and Power

The Neighborhood Services Team supports City agencies that deliver neighborhood-level services, programs, and resources to Angelenos. Neighborhood Services departments celebrate our city’s history, arts, and culture, provide places to gather and play, take care of our domestic animal friends, protect and conserve wildlife, help us age with purpose, overcome disability, and access new worlds through reading. The Neighborhood Services Great Streets Team coordinates City work to reimagine streets as vital neighborhood centers, ensuring our streets and neighborhoods are livable, accessible, and engaging public spaces for the people of Los Angeles.

Departments: Aging, Animal Services, Cultural Affairs, Disability, El Pueblo, Library, Recreation and Parks, Zoo

The Transportation Services Team works with the City’s Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the Countywide Metropolitan Transportation Authority to develop and implement the Mayor’s transportation agenda – ensuring that commutes are shorter, buses and trains run on time, and that innovation drives more accessible and affordable mobility choices. The team also coordinates City street-related work and projects with other agencies, such as the Bureaus of Engineering and Street Services.

Departments: Transportation, Metro (MTA)

The LARiverWorks Team coordinates the City’s implementation of its long-range Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, including completion of the L.A. River Bikeway and Greenway and restoration of native habitat.

Departments: Bureau of Engineering, Planning, Recreation and Parks, Water and Power, and partners, including L.A. County, Metro (MTA), US Army Corps of Engineers, Friends of the L.A. River, River L.A., SMMC/MRCA, State Parks, the Trust for Public Land, and The Nature Conservancy

All MOCS interns should have:

• Exceptional writing, reading, research, and analytical capabilities;
• Experience that is relevant to the subject matter addressed by MOCS;
• Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe;
• Great interpersonal skills, strong verbal communication, and a positive attitude;
• And an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.

Candidates should be professional, organized, and efficient; be able to multitask well in an unpredictable and fast-paced environment; be eager to learn and grow throughout the internship; and be committed to public service in our city. Interns should be able to commit to at least 10-20 hours per week.

The Mayor's Office of City Services is not accepting interns for the Summer of 2020. For any questions, you may contact Riki Esquer at [e-mail].