Our Mission

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land. A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide. With locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix; and Beijing, we organize our work around six goals: low-carbon, climate-resilient communities, and regions; efficient and equitable tax systems; reduced poverty and spatial inequality; fiscally healthy communities and regions; sustainably managed land and water resources; and functional land markets and reduced informality. 

Affordable Housing at the Lincoln Institute

Lincoln Institute’s affordable housing effort is designed to address systemic failures in national housing policies, lending practices, and land policies that are responsible for growing income and wealth inequality across the U.S. The blatant racial and ethnic discrimination that was built into local, state, and federal housing programs and practices generated unacceptable housing outcomes for people of color that are experienced today not only in wealth disparities, but in social, educational and health differences that result in life expectancy differentials measured in decades.

A home is more than shelter, it should be a source of household stability, a means to which to access opportunities— both economic and social. With a shortage of upwards to 5 million units, today’s challenge is how to meet the growing demand for affordable and safe houses that are more than homes. Unfortunately, historic redlining and systemic barriers to credit and investment have an outsized negative impact on the ability of BIPOC communities and communities in rural areas to attract investment and ensure residents have an equal chance to access the American dream. The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (“Lincoln”) convenes 2 networks focused on increasing new housing and preserving existing stock; and expanding the credit box to increase sustainable homeownership. This position will support these projects: the Underserved Mortgage Markets Coalition (UMMC) and the Innovations in Manufactured Housing (I’m HOME).

The UMMC brings together 36 of the leading U.S. affordable housing advocacy organizations to urge the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to improve their performance in serving families that cannot access traditional mortgage markets.  The I’m HOME network envisions broader adoption of manufactured homes as a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and wealth-building affordable homeownership asset that significantly contributes to addressing the nation’s growing affordable housing crisis in both rural and urban areas. The network also supports tenant security in healthy and socially vibrant communities.

A high-level goal of the UMMC is to provide meaningful engagements to connect participants, research and complete field shaping research and reports, and contribute to systems change in the community investment ecosystem in accordance with the Lincoln Institute’s mission, values, and program priorities.  

The high-level goals of the I’m Home Network include to: (1) Change exclusionary zoning practices that discriminate against manufactured housing; (2) Change lending practices to those commonly available for site-built homes. (3) Promote secure land tenure, particularly for those who rent land to place their unit in a manufactured community; and (4) Higher standards for energy efficiency and overall unit production quality to ensure units remain affordable.

Position Overview

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is looking for an intern to join the Federal Affordable Housing team, splitting time between the UMMC and I’m HOME projects.

As a member of this team, you will complete a wide range of independent and directed research activities; support convenings and activities; and provide administrative support for both networks. 

This internship is a part-time at 20 hours/week position scheduled to end approximately six-months after beginning in the role. This is a paid Internship located in our Washington DC office and will be a hybrid work arrangement. The intern will report to the Associate Director, UMMC and I’m HOME.

What You’ll Do

• Tasks specific to I’m Home include: Support efforts to develop the network by working with manufactured homeowners and other stakeholders at the local level. Specifically this would include  (a) drafting talking points for webinars and other activities; (b) editing documents performing research; and (c) assisting with tasks related to the I’m Home annual conference in September 2024.

• Tasks specific to the UMMC include: (a) Research topics of interest to the UMMC such as how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can enhance their support to underserved mortgage markets including borrowers of color, manufactured housing, rural housing, and affordable housing preservation and infrastructure; and a wide range of other emergent, priority research areas. (b) Help maintain our Impact Tracking Tool and take the lead on building it out to include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s new Equitable Housing Finance plans. (c) Coordinate the UMMC to help it achieve more from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s required strategic planning efforts.

• Help to write for a variety of audiences and contexts, including case studies, memos and white papers, meeting agendas and materials, web content, and social media posts.

• Plan event content, draft event materials, and coordinate with speakers and the Events team

• Work with other internal teams to advance the work of UMMC and I’m Home.

• Be a main point of contact for the general public, addressing inquiries and directing them appropriately.

• Provide administrative support to both initiatives, including scheduling of meetings of networks/communities of practice, managing contracts as needed, and other administrative support tasks.

• Assist with other activities as requested.

What You’ll Need
•    Currently pursuing either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or have commensurate community-based experience and should have a distinct interest in affordable housing, community development or planning
•    People from marginalized communities or who may have personally experienced affordable housing discrimination or know people who have, are particularly encouraged to apply
•    Professional written and communication skills
•    Strong organizational skills 
•    Ability to independently problem solve
•    Communication and coalition building skills with an ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
•    Professional and positive attitude

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Mission

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land. A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide. With locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix; and Beijing, we organize our work around the achievement of six goals: low-carbon, climate-resilient communities and regions; efficient and equitable tax systems; reduced poverty and spatial inequality; fiscally healthy communities and regions; sustainably managed land and water resources; and functional land markets and reduced informality. 

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should succinctly describe your interest to join the team; why you are qualified; and what relevant expertise and experience you offer. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Compensation Overview

The salary market range for this role is posted above and dependent on level of education and years of experience. We value internal and external equity and encourage those who may be missing qualifications to submit their materials still.

Our Values

Cooperation and Teamwork, Forthright Feedback, Initiative, Acceptance of Responsibility, Multicultural Sensitivity

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment by hiring, training, promoting, and carrying out personnel procedures with respect to compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, or terminations, on the basis of individual merit, experience, and ability without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture, length of hair, protective hairstyles or cultural or religious headdresses), color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), ancestry, citizenship status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, military service, serious medical condition, expunged juvenile record, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, status as a victim, credit information, homelessness status, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by law or otherwise.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Non-Smoking Organization

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a Non-Smoking organization. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited at all times and on all property owned, leased, or under the control of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy at all times, including, but not limited to indoor and outdoor grounds, walkways and sidewalks, parking lots, company vehicles, and private vehicles parked on Lincoln Institute of Land Policy property.

MA Polygraph Statement

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.