Economic Development Intern

General Definition of Work Performs technical, research, data management, and administrative support work related to economic development, land use, real estate, business attraction, business retention, and municipal finance activities. Work includes compiling and maintaining development, property, and business community data; supporting online property tools; assisting with tax increment analysis; and preparing information to support economic development projects, presentations, reports, and strategic initiatives. Work is performed under the supervision of the Economic Development Director or designee. Qualification Requirements To perform this internship successfully, an individual should be able to complete assigned research, data collection, and project support functions with accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability desired for the position. Essential Functions Supports economic development research, data collection, and special projects as assigned. Researches, compiles, and maintains data related to development activity, assessed values, available properties, and the local business community. Assists with the preparation of spreadsheets, reports, maps, summaries, and supporting materials for department use. Collects and organizes information from public records, GIS resources, county and city databases, broker listings, company websites, and other reliable sources. Supports updates to the City's online "Available Properties" website tool. Assists with the maintenance of internal databases used for tax increment analysis, business attraction, business retention, and project evaluation. Provides support for economic development inquiries as assigned. Prepares technical and statistical information in a clear, organized, and usable format. Assists with various special projects, committees, initiatives, and department priorities. Performs related work as assigned. Primary Internship Projects 1. Development Comparables Database Update The intern will update and maintain the department's comparables database used to calculate average assessed value per square foot for developments in Westfield and Hamilton County.

Work may include:

Updating existing development records with the most recent assessed values. Researching and adding new developments and development types. Collecting information related to development name, location, parcel data, building size, land area, assessed value, use type, and other relevant metrics. Organizing comparable developments by category, including but not limited to commercial, office, industrial, mixed-use, residential, hospitality, entertainment, and other development types. Supporting accurate tax increment calculations and future project forecasting. Identifying trends in assessed value by development type, geography, and project scale.

Expected deliverable:

An updated comparables database that can be used by the Economic Development Department to support tax increment analysis, incentive evaluation, fiscal impact review, and development-related decision making. 2. Available Buildings, Spaces, and Properties Inventory The intern will compile data for all available buildings, building spaces, and properties within the City of Westfield's planning jurisdiction and support updates to the City's online "Available Properties" website tool.

Work may include:

Researching available commercial buildings, office spaces, industrial spaces, retail spaces, mixed-use spaces, land, and redevelopment sites. Collecting property information such as address, parcel number, acreage, building size, zoning, ownership, broker contact, lease rate or sale price, utilities, and development readiness. Reviewing broker listings, property databases, GIS resources, public records, and internal department information. Identifying outdated, incomplete, or missing property information currently displayed through the City's online tool. Preparing property information for review, internal use, and potential website updates. Supporting the department's ability to respond to site selection, broker, developer, and business attraction inquiries.

Expected deliverable:

A complete and updated inventory of available buildings, spaces, and properties within Westfield's planning jurisdiction, along with recommended updates to the City's online Available Properties tool. 3. Westfield Business Community Database The intern will research and compile data on the City's current business community to support business retention, business attraction, industry analysis, and economic development strategy.

Work may include:

Identifying and cataloging businesses operating within the City of Westfield. Collecting company information, including but not limited to: Company name Business address Type of business or industry Primary products or services Key local leadership Parent company information, if applicable Estimated full-time employment Annual average wage, where available Website and general contact information Ownership or headquarters information Business classification or target industry alignment Researching companies through public records, company websites, business directories, state and regional databases, LinkedIn, news articles, and other reliable sources. Organizing businesses by industry sector, geography, employer size, and strategic relevance. Identifying major employers, growing companies, target-industry businesses, and potential business retention and expansion outreach opportunities. Supporting the creation of a more complete internal business intelligence tool for the Economic Development Department.

Expected deliverable:

A structured business community database that provides the Economic Development Department with a clearer understanding of Westfield's existing business base, major employers, industry clusters, local leadership, employment patterns, and potential business retention and expansion opportunities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General knowledge of or interest in economic development, urban planning, real estate, public administration, municipal finance, business research, or related fields; ability to research and systematically compile technical and statistical information; ability to organize data in spreadsheets or databases; ability to prepare summaries, reports, and supporting materials; ability to communicate technical information clearly; ability to use public records, GIS tools, property research platforms, and online databases; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, businesses, property owners, brokers, developers, and community partners.

Preferred skills include:

Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software GIS familiarity or willingness to learn Real estate and property research Data organization and quality control Business research Written communication Attention to detail Professional judgment and confidentiality Education and Experience Collegiate experience or current enrollment in coursework related to urban planning, economic development, public administration, real estate, geography, business, finance, data analytics, political science, community development, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and demonstrated interest in municipal government, planning, real estate, or economic development may be considered. Physical Requirements This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and performing repetitive motions. Work may occasionally require walking, standing, reaching, lifting, or attending off-site meetings or property visits. Work requires close vision, the ability to review written and computer-based data, and the ability to prepare and analyze spreadsheets, reports, maps, and other technical information. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communication. Work is generally performed in a business office environment, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions during site visits or field research. Special Requirements A valid driver's license in the State of Indiana may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.