The Michigan Suburbs Alliance is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented individual to serve as a Downtown Development Intern. The individual should possess a strong desire to learn about redevelopment and an eagerness to offer thoughtful suggestions and critical analysis. The Downtown Development Intern works directly with the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority’s Executive Director. Combining research and problem solving responsibilities, this position is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in urban planning. The ideal candidate is well-organized, proactive and committed to regional issues and sustainable development. She or he should be able to balance administrative and clerical responsibilities with independent project management. Assignments may include completing a needs assessment for businesses, researching and offering creative solutions to business challenges, and developing a wayfinding system for the Principal Shopping District. Qualifications • At least one year of post-secondary education in urban planning or related field • Ability to balance multiple assignments and meet deadlines • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word • Experience working with Excel or other database management software • Positive attitude • Independence tempered by the ability to follow direction, abide by a work plan and work well with others • Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates and provide leadership to volunteers • Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail • An excellent sense of humor (or at least the potential for one to develop) Hours Hours will be flexible and determined based on the student’s schedule and availability. We ask for a minimum of 16 hours per week. Interns will need to spend time each week at both the Suburbs Alliance and Ferndale DDA offices. Timeline Interviews will take place the second week of September, with orientation occurring around September 21st.

The Michigan Suburbs Alliance, a nonprofit registered in the State of Michigan, was established by a group of mayors and city managers from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. These leaders gathered in April 2002 and agreed to explore how they could work together to educate themselves and the public about the root causes of problems facing older, established suburbs. In June 2002, representatives from fourteen metro Detroit suburban cities unanimously agreed to form the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, which has since grown to encompass twenty-five member cities with nearly 1,000,000 residents. The Michigan Suburbs Alliance unites and strengthens metropolitan Detroit’s mature suburbs by elevating regional cooperation, reforming public policies and innovating redevelopment strategies. Pursuing a future where communities share economic, environmental and social success, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance envisions metropolitan centers that preserve the unique character of individual communities while striving toward a unified and equitable region where the citizens are empowered as an effective regional force.

300 East Nine Mile Road 48226