Summer at The National Zoning Atlas Internship with Emanuel

My name is Emanuel Flores, and I am a current student at Utah State University, pursuing a degree in economics and finance. Over the past year, I've been fully immersed in the realm of property technology, often referred to as prop tech. My journey in this field began at Ivory Innovations, where I gained my first professional experience. Recently, I concluded a valuable internship at the National Zoning Atlas (NZA), a non-profit organization closely aligned with the Legal Constructs Lab at Cornell University. The mission of the NZA is nothing short of groundbreaking: it aims to create an accessible, online map that comprehensively presents key aspects of zoning codes. This tool will facilitate cross-jurisdictional comparisons, highlight regional and statewide trends, and bolster national planning for housing, transportation, and climate response. Additionally, it will serve as a valuable resource for the White House, state legislators, and other stakeholders in their pursuit of tracking and advocating for zoning reform initiatives. Under the guidance of Professor Sarah Bronin, the visionary behind this effort, the NZA project brings together a diverse range of teams from across the United States, spanning various disciplines. Throughout the summer, my primary focus was on the Connecticut atlas. I diligently handled data from numerous towns within the state and also contributed to auxiliary initiatives, including identifying companies that share similar data modeling techniques. Coming from a finance-oriented background, my transition to policy-related work was initially challenging upon joining the NZA. Delving into the complexities of zoning codes required a paradigm shift. However, the more I immersed myself in their analysis, the more patterns I discerned. Notably, I uncovered intriguing correlations between zoning regulations and housing intentions. This transformative experience has effectively bridged my finance background with the captivating world of policy and data analysis. I am enthusiastic about continuing to contribute to the NZA's pioneering endeavor, further unraveling the intricate web of zoning codes that wield significant influence over housing and development nationwide.