07/29/2026
This summer, Haven Bryant is interning with the Jackson County Planning Department. "I’ve had the chance to learn about how local government and planning work together to serve the community. The department plans for future development in the county while considering the land, culture, and needs of local residents. Day to day, they review permits and help people understand what can be done on their property under county regulations. It’s a small office of only four people, but I’ve met people from many different departments that the planning office works with, which has given me a better understanding of how county government operates as a whole.
During my internship, I’ve attended Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and Board of Commissioners meetings, reviewed county plans, and visited project sites around Jackson County. One of the main projects I’ve been helping with is a Heritage Communities project that looks at ways to recognize and celebrate places that are historically important to the county without adding new regulations for property owners. As a political science major with a history minor, it’s been really interesting to see how planning, historic preservation, and local government all connect. This internship has given me a better idea of the different career paths within local government and the kind of work I might want to do after graduation."
