A new internship program in the City of Orange Treasurer’s Office is helping students gain hands-on experience in municipal finance while supporting the city’s efforts to expand transparency and community engagement. At the center of the program is Chapman University graduate Ethan Goldberg ’26, who recently completed the inaugural internship under City Treasurer Garrett Smith.

Smith created the internship after identifying both a staffing gap and an opportunity to reimagine the treasurer’s role in local government. Traditionally focused on compliance-based responsibilities, Smith sought to expand the office’s impact through public-facing initiatives such as community town halls, Instagram Live sessions, and educational outreach.

“I wanted to take this role to a different level and incorporate more public outreach to share information with the community,” Smith said. He also saw an opportunity to introduce students to municipal finance, an area of government that is often difficult to access. “What better way than to work with an amazing institution like Chapman University.”

Goldberg learned about the position at a Chapman career fair and was selected after an interview process that included an informal meeting with Smith. “What stood out was his drive and willingness to jump into something new,” Smith said. “You can teach skills, but you can’t teach character and work ethic.”

During his internship, Goldberg contributed to several key projects, including a comparative analysis of regional cities’ investment portfolios, budgets, and cash positions, as well as research into the Mills Act program and its financial impact. He also supported Chapman-related municipal analysis and helped examine the broader role of treasurers at the local and national levels.

Beyond technical work, Goldberg played a role in launching the city’s first Treasury Town Hall, designed to bring financial education directly to residents. The event, held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, received strong community engagement.

“It was awesome to be part of the Town Hall,” Goldberg said. “We were grateful for everyone who showed up, and the feedback afterward was extremely rewarding.”

Goldberg said the experience strengthened his understanding of public service. “This internship taught me persistence, teamwork, and the value of a great mentor.”

Smith plans to continue the program, with another Chapman intern expected in the next cycle, further strengthening ties between the City of Orange and Chapman University and expanding opportunities for students in Orange.