Affordable Housing Policy & Data Intern

The Badger State Housing Alliance is a new initiative of the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development focused on advancing affordable housing interests and policy in Wisconsin. BSHA is a big-tent housing collective that works to ensure the voice of those in need are heard during the state's debate about how to best deliver a critical need in an affordable manner. The Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development sponsors the Alliance and serves as the coordinating backbone for the effort. WPHD was founded in 1985 by Governor Tony Earl with a mission of ensuring affordable housing resources are available throughout Wisconsin.

Organization: Badger State Housing Alliance an initiative of the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development

Location: Madison, Wisconsin (hybrid)
Schedule: Part-time, up to 15 hours per week
Term: Six or Twelve month internships beginning in Fall 2026.
Stipend: $15 per hour paid as a lump sum at the end of the internship period

Are you interested in using data and public policy to address one of today’s most pressing challenges?

The Badger State Housing Alliance, in partnership with the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development, is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Policy & Data Intern to support affordable housing research, legislative advocacy, and policy development. In this role, you’ll analyze housing data, track legislation, and translate complex findings into clear recommendations for policymakers, advocates, and community partners.

This opportunity is ideal for an upper class undergraduate or graduate student who wants hands-on experience at the intersection of data analysis, public policy, and social impact.

What You’ll Do

• Collect, organize, and analyze housing-related data to identify trends, disparities, and opportunities for policy action.
• Develop policy briefs, reports, and presentations that turn research findings into practical recommendations.
• Track and summarize local, state, and federal housing policies, including proposed legislation and its potential effects.
• Prepare monthly legislative updates for alliance members.
• Help draft policy memos, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy materials.
• Monitor housing market trends, rental affordability measures, and demographic changes affecting access to housing.
• Engage with legislative offices, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders to share research and policy proposals.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, legislative hearings, and policy discussions related to affordable housing.
• Collaborate with the Housing Advocacy Communications Intern to make research and policy information accessible to broader audiences.

What We’re Looking For

Applicants should be current undergraduate or graduate students studying public policy, economics, urban planning, data science, political science, or a related field. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students are especially encouraged to apply.

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Have quantitative and qualitative research skills and enjoy finding meaning in data.
• Can explain complex information clearly in writing, presentations, and conversation.
• Are organized, attentive to detail, and comfortable managing multiple assignments.
• Can work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Are committed to housing equity, social justice, and inclusive public policy.

Experience with statistical analysis or data visualization is preferred but not required. Familiarity with affordable housing policy, zoning, or programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit or Housing Choice Voucher Program is a plus.

Relevant experience may come from coursework, research projects, volunteer service, student organizations, internships, employment, or community involvement.

What You’ll Gain

• Paid, hands-on experience in housing policy, research, and legislative advocacy.
• Opportunities to produce portfolio-ready policy briefs, reports, and data visualizations.
• Direct exposure to legislative processes and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience translating research into recommendations that can support meaningful policy change.
• Professional connections with policymakers, advocates, researchers, and community leaders.
• Mentorship and practical experience in the affordable housing field.

If you’re ready to use research, data, and advocacy to expand access to safe and affordable housing, we encourage you to apply.

Please use the Application URL to apply for this internship. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.