Economic Development Intern - Summer 2026

This is a paid internship, range of $22/hr - $39/hr (depending on role and qualifications) for those currently pursuing undergraduate degrees and higher rates for those currently pursuing graduate level degrees. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including: 

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner. 
• Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid Time Off: An accrual of up to 4 hours per pay period. Up to 2 floating holidays. 
• Full-time interns will receive an ORCA card at no cost. This card can be used on buses, trains, water taxis in the Puget Sound region, along with the Monorail and Seattle Streetcar. 
• In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues. 

Tentative 2026 Internship Dates:

• Semester students: May 18th to July 24th    
• Quarter students:  June 15th to August 21st

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion’s (CREI) envisions a Sound Transit where all employees, passengers and the community feel welcomed, are connected to what they need and have equitable access to opportunities, programs and services. It is our mission to advance civil rights, equity & inclusion for our employees, passengers, and the community.  

CREI works toward an equitable system that:   

• Promotes Economic Development: Supporting Sound Transit’s commitment to civil rights compliance in contracting, as well as championing our agency’s mission to crate business access and opportunity to ensure all businesses can partake in the economic benefit of the development and maintenance of our regional transportation system.  
• Grows and sustains a diverse workforce, fosters an inclusive culture and builds organizational capacity  
• Ensures equal employment opportunity and equal access to our programs, services and regional transit system  

As a recipient of Federal funds, Sound Transit implements a Disadvantaged Business (DBE) Program, the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program, and Title VI Program compliant with Federal regulations through the Office of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

JOB DUTIES:

• Supports the economic development program with duties that include project coordination, best practices research, data management, data analysis survey development and implementation.
• Proposes tools and strategies to create business intelligence reports.
• Participation in special projects as needed.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS:

• Propose & Develop Data Modeling / Business Intelligence Tool:
  • Envision & Develop Draft Small Business Reporting Dashboard. Collecting, analyzing, and reporting information on Sound Transit’s utilization of small businesses within contracts to build and support our regional transit system.
  • Envision and Propose Race Neutral (DBE Neutral) Portfolio. Collecting, analyzing, and reporting information on Sound Transit’s Race Neutral (DBE Neutral) Portfolio (business participation tools & efforts beyond contract goals) – including but not limited to: impact of advance outreach, unbundling contracts, review of solicitation requirements, outreach and engagement, solicitation evaluation criteria, mentor protégé program, and other components.
  • Equity in Infrastructure Pledge (EIP) Report Card. Envision and Propose report on Sound Transit progress toward national Equity in Infrastructure Pledge commitments. Collecting, analyzing, and reporting information on pertinent metrics.
• Update and Re-Envision Communication Tool: Primes Contact List Report Update & Re-envisioning. Develop and update communication tool that helps small businesses connect with large contractors in their pursuit of business partnerships for Sound Transit contracting opportunities.
• Market Research: Research, propose and implement survey to develop report on barriers, challenges, needed support, and technical assistance needs of small businesses seeking to work with Sound Transit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be a current college student in good academic standing, enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor's or graduate degree program in Public Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Accounting, or other non-technical discipline or relevant two-year certificate with a focus on DEI and anti-racism.          

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Ability to demonstrate and convey foundational principles related to public policy analyses, program/project management techniques, statistics, data analysis, document management, and development of surveys.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow through with details
• Basic skill in public speaking
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.