City of Long Beach Launches Second Cohort of Urban Planning and Design Internship Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department (Department) is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Long Beach Urban Planning and Design Internship Program (Program), a paid initiative designed to provide college students with real-world experience in urban planning, architecture and civic engagement.

"We are continuing to empower our young people across a diverse range of professional fields," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, this innovative Program will cultivate the next generation of leaders in urban planning and design, leading to greater inclusivity in the workforce and more vibrant and sustainable communities."

Facilitated by the Department's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, in partnership with the Long Beach Community Design Center and Civic Confidence LLC, the Program offers an eight-month course consisting of hands-on projects, workshops and mentorship opportunities with professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Interns will be placed at worksites such as the City's Community Development Department, local nonprofits and private firms. Participants will be compensated $22 per hour for a maximum of 500 hours.

The Program is open to students ages 18 to 30 who are currently enrolled in a community college or university program in urban planning, architecture or related fields. Priority will be given to Long Beach residents and students in low-income or underserved communities. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the Program webpage. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online through Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.

"Here in Long Beach, we are uplifting our young people and building a magnet for 21st century talent," said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. "We're growing on the learnings and achievements of our first cohort and offering a dynamic opportunity that will help prepare students for thriving careers that will enable them to make a difference in their communities."

The Program's first cohort consisted of 10 participants whose work helped inform major City efforts, such as the Downtown Shoreline Vision Plan. Additionally, two graduates of the Program secured full-time employment with the California Conservation Corps and Cordoba Corporation immediately upon completion of the internship.

The Program aligns with the City's Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence. Highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations and the City's summer activities calendar are available on the City's Summer of Opportunity webpage.

For additional information about the Program, the public may contact Eli Romero, Workforce Development Officer, at 562.570.3762 or [email protected]. To learn more about youth employment services, those interested may visit the Department's website at longbeach.gov/youthservices.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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