Overview
ILR High Road New York
Office of the Manhattan Borough President
ILR High Road New York is a statewide program that aims to teach ILR students practical methods for civic engagement and leadership through economic justice, evidence-based policy, and strategic development that creates opportunity for community members to share in prosperity. The Summer 2026 New York City (NYC) High Road Fellowship Program will run from June 1st to July 31st, 2026. Students intern in person with various NYC partner organizations and will participate in weekly cohort workshops focused on critical reflection and peer-to-peer collaboration and networking and learning opportunities with guest speakers will be offered at ILR's NYC office on Lexington Avenue. All interns will be paid and need-based subsidized housing will be available.
The Manhattan Borough President serves as the chief advocate and representative for the Borough of Manhattan in New York City’s government. The Borough President plays a key role in decisions about land use, makes significant policy proposals, makes appointments across City government, and serves as the primary liaison to community boards. The Borough President also oversees a portion of the City’s capital funding and plays a significant role in the City’s annual budgeting process. Departments within the Office of the Borough President include Community Affairs (serving as the chief liaisons and support system for Manhattan’s 12 Community Boards), Land Use and Planning (advising on major land use/rezoning matters within Manhattan and also maintaining the topographical bureau for the borough), Policy (analyzing and proposing policy to provide better service to Manhattan with respect to key issues such as housing, education and transportation), Capital Projects and Budget (disbursing capital and discretionary funding to organizations providing services within Manhattan), Communications (authoring speeches, articles and statements on behalf of the Borough President) and Constituent Services (assisting Manhattan residents with accessing City government and services).
As Borough President, Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s priorities are rooted in listening to the people of Manhattan and delivering real results. His administration is focused on:
Expanding affordable housing and protecting tenants
Supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies
Ensuring affordability for working families
Providing real representation for every community in Manhattan
Strengthening arts and culture as essential to the borough’s identity and economy
Protecting immigrant neighbors and ensuring access to services for all
Promoting civic participation and transparent, accountable government
Providing guidance and direct services to constituents navigating city government
Ensuring equity in how resources and services are distributed across the borough
The Borough President is committed to a Borough President’s Office that is accessible, responsive, and deeply connected to the community. He believes the best policies are shaped by the people they serve, and that every New Yorker deserves to be heard, respected, and represented. Under his leadership, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office will continue to fight for opportunity, fairness, and a thriving future for every neighborhood in the borough.
The intern will be expected to perform one to two long-term projects over the course of the summer in the areas the intern is most interested in. For example, if the intern is interested in Policy, the intern may complete a white paper with an analysis and proposal. The intern will also be assigned smaller projects in each department to gain exposure to the different facets of the office. Finally, under the supervision of the General Counsel and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, the intern will perform appropriate assignments and be afforded shadowing opportunities to better understand the work performed by an agency legal counsel and the work performed around City government.
The intern should be interested in City government, but no previous knowledge or experience is required. The intern will be expected to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
The Office of the Manhattan Borough President is located at 1 Centre St., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007
