Blight Assessment and Anti-Blight Initiatives Intern

City of Latrobe

Project Contact & Location 

Josh Mayro, Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer 

901 Jefferson St., Latrobe PA

About City of Latrobe: Located in Westmoreland County, the City of Latrobe is a historic home‑rule city, located in the Laurel Highlands. Incorporated as a borough in 1854, Latrobe became an official city in 1999. With 2.32 square miles and a population of over 8,000, Latrobe pairs small‑town charm with a vibrant cultural legacy.

Project Title: Blight Assessment and Anti-Blight Initiatives Intern

 Project Description: Update and expand upon the 2021 municipal wide blight inventory to track progress, identify emerging issues, and provide targeted revitalization strategies.

Anticipated Assignments / Key local government experiences: The intern will help develop a new comprehensive blight assessment by conducting field surveys, collecting property‑condition data, and using GIS tools and on‑site inspections to update the blight inventory. They will analyze findings from the 2021 study and current assessments to identify trends, priority areas, and potential revitalization strategies. This project offers hands‑on experience in local government operations, data‑driven decision‑making, and community outreach, while providing strong mentorship and the chance to make a tangible impact on the Municipality’s long‑term health.

 Placement Site attributes and benefits to the community: This project will deliver meaningful benefits to residents and the broader community by identifying and addressing blighted properties. By reducing hazards such as unsafe structures and neglected lots, the City can improve public safety, revitalize neighborhoods, and enhance overall appearance, strengthening community pride and quality of life.

Opportunities for engagement with elected officials & community: The intern will engage with elected officials and the community by attending public meetings, participating in community events, joining internal and partner meetings, and job‑shadowing municipal departments. They will also have the opportunity to present a summary of their work to Council or the Blight Task Force, with staff support in preparing and reviewing the presentation.

Public Transportation Availability: No