Downtown Resource Intern

Help make Iowa’s downtowns stronger. 

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), an agency with the State of Iowa, partners with communities and organizations statewide to grow businesses, strengthen main streets, and enhance quality of life. Within IEDA, the Iowa Downtown Resource Center equips local leaders with practical tools—like on-site assessments, workshops, and ready-to-use resources—to revitalize traditional commercial districts and create vibrant, accessible places that attract residents, visitors, and investment.

About Us

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and business by building partnerships, leveraging resources, and strengthening economic and community vitality. IEDA administers several state and federal programs focused on business and community development to reach its goals of assisting individuals, communities, and businesses. Whether it is an enterprise or start up, a rural community seeking to preserve its history and highlight its arts and culture, or a community recovering from a disaster, IEDA creates opportunities for Iowans to thrive. 

About the Internship

This paid, full-time summer internship is designed for a detail-oriented, curious problem solver who enjoys writing, research, and community-focused work. You’ll contribute to real projects that local leaders use immediately— an ideal experience for students in marketing/communications, urban planning, public administration, economics, or entry-level economic development.

What You’ll Do

• Join a 3-day Downtown Assessment visit and coordinate the writing of the final report (approximately 40 pages), translating field observations into clear recommendations; may include developing the on-site PowerPoint presentation. 
• Refresh the template used for Downtown Walk Around (assessment) visits to improve clarity, usability, and visual consistency.
• Develop 10 case studies spotlighting successful Main Street Challenge Grant and Community Catalyst projects to help promote and educate communities about these programs. 
• Plan logistics for one quarterly Main Street Executive Director Workshop and one Main Street Orientation Day (agenda, materials, communications). 
• Review Main Street Iowa community materials; create marketing pieces to encourage participation; develop user-friendly checklist for communities to use during application process.
• Organize and tag the team’s photo library so images are searchable and ready for reports, presentations, and outreach.

What You’ll Gain

• A portfolio of work (assessment report, case studies, updated templates). 
• Hands-on experience working with community stakeholders, grant-funded project storytelling, and event logistics. 
• Exposure to Iowa’s Main Street network and community development best practices. 
• Mentorship and collaboration with experienced downtown development professionals.

Ideal candidates:

• Are comfortable with conducting research and synthesizing information.
• Skilled in writing and/or graphic design to develop long and short form content.
• Are curious about community planning, historic commercial districts, and local economic development.
• Are dedicated to uphold our core values:

Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.

Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.

The Downtown Resource Center Intern is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Administrative Intern and is non-exempt per FLSA regulations. 

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer