Policy Pulse: April 3, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray and Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended the City of Lake Forest’s Annual Meet the Mayor & State of the City on March 31 at the Lake Forest Performing Arts Center. The evening began with a networking reception hosted by the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, bringing together local business leaders, community members, and city officials for meaningful connection and collaboration.
The program continued with Mayor Robert Pequeno’s State of the City address, where he highlighted key accomplishments over the past year and outlined priorities and initiatives shaping the City’s future. The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders and stay informed on the issues impacting the Lake Forest community.
Join us for the ACC-OC Leadership Summit and the prestigious Golden Hub of Innovation Awards, where local leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to shape the future of Orange County. This exclusive event will feature thought-provoking discussions on key issues facing the region, as well as highlight groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative solutions that are driving progress. The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards will recognize outstanding achievements in public policy, innovation, and community impact, honoring those who are making a difference in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top decision-makers, celebrate exceptional leadership, and be part of the conversation that shapes Orange County’s future!
June 24, 2026 I 4:30-8:00 PM
The Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
Event Includes:
4:30 - Cocktail Reception
5:30 - Dinner Service & Keynote Address
6:45 - Golden Hubs of Innovation Awards
The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations in Orange County for their exceptional creativity and leadership in driving innovation across various sectors, fostering progress and prosperity within our communities.
On April 2, ACC-OC and First 5 OC hosted the The OC Child Care Landscape Webinar: Challenges, Resources & Next Steps. The meeting reviewed key findings on Orange County’s early childhood care landscape, highlighting impacts on families, employers, and cities. Presenters shared that while there are over 200,000 children ages 0–5, licensed care meets only a fraction of demand—serving about 1 in 8 infants and toddlers and roughly 4 in 10 preschoolers—along with significant geographic and equity disparities. Economic impacts are substantial, with an estimated $5.47 billion in lost productivity, over 71,000 job losses annually, and child care costs approaching $40,000 per year for two children.
Discussion also focused on policy and local solutions. Presenters outlined how zoning, permitting, and state policies like SB 234 and AB 752 shape child care supply, along with best practices such as streamlined permitting, fee reductions, and co-locating child care with housing. First 5 OC highlighted ongoing efforts including workforce development, business support programs, cross-sector coordination, and targeted outreach. Cities were encouraged to leverage data and partnerships to expand access and address disparities. For more information on resources available visit First 5 Orange County.
Join us on Friday, April 17 for the 4th Annual Orange County Women in Leadership Summit, themed “Lifting as We Lead,” at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. This inspiring event will bring together female elected officials and community leaders from across the region for engaging panel discussions, meaningful networking, and actionable insights to support and elevate women in leadership.
A few spots remain—secure your seat today!
For registration or to inquire about remaining sponsorship opportunities, please contact Director of Program and Operations Lauren Kline (lkline@accoc.org).
ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended the South Orange County Economic Coalition’s Meet the Mayors Breakfast on April 2 at the Crown Valley Community Center. The event convened mayors from across South Orange County, along with a strong showing of city council members and regional stakeholders, creating a valuable forum for dialogue and connection. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from local leaders representing each city in the region, who shared insights on their communities’ priorities, challenges, and ongoing initiatives. The well-attended breakfast underscored the importance of regional collaboration and provided a meaningful space to strengthen partnerships and stay informed on issues impacting South Orange County.
SMWD's Nicole Stanfield, Honored for Leadership That Builds Trust
Nicole Stanfield, who leads its Public Affairs and Communications team at Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), was recognized among the top 25 Orange County leaders at the 5th Annual Women Making a Difference Awards, hosted by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Held in honor of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, the event celebrated more than 150 women across Orange County who are advancing sustainability through leadership, innovation, and community impact.
Nicole was recognized for her values-driven leadership and commitment to building trust through accountability, transparency, and meaningful public engagement. In her role at SMWD, she leads efforts to connect the community with critical information on water quality, reliability, and long-term infrastructure investments that support water resilience.
Through her work, Nicole helps foster strong relationships between the SMWD and the communities it serves—an essential component of advancing sustainable water management and maintaining public confidence in local government.
“Nicole leads with a strong commitment to trust, accountability, and transparency while helping keep the community informed about critical issues,” shared event organizers during the ceremony. “Her leadership ensures residents stay informed, engaged, and supported.”
We’re kicking off Q2 with a full lineup of programs designed to keep our members informed, connected, and ahead of the curve. Explore upcoming sessions covering key policy topics, industry insights, and unique learning opportunities.
Sports, Places, and Entertainment – Enhancing The Orange County Economy Webinar with Kosmont Companies
Join ACC-OC and Kosmont Companies for this Webinar to learn how sports and entertainment projects can become powerful catalysts for economic growth, community revitalization, and long-term value creation.
April 8, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wildfire & Emergency Communications Webinar
Join ACC-OC and UC Irvine for an important conversation exploring both the evolving wildfire landscape and the critical role of effective emergency communication.
April 30, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
ACC-OC 2026 Washington DC
Advocacy Trip
Be part of the ACC-OC 2025 Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip, where Orange County leaders come together to champion regional priorities at our Nation’s Capitol.
ACC-OC is proud to be the Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, connecting cities and public sector organizations with energy-saving opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Large Public Sector Program | Public Direct Install Program |
Statewide WISE Program
Want to learn more about how your city or organization can benefit?
Contact Marlene Barraza at (mbarraza@accoc.org) to schedule a meeting or ask questions! |
Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG)
Mark your calendar for the OCCOG 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together regional leaders and partners to discuss the future of Orange County. This signature event focuses on the critical issues shaping Orange County—from housing and transportation to innovation and regional partnerships—while providing valuable networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more details and registration information.
Orange County Water District (OCWD) & OC Sanitation District
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) unveiled a commemorative, limited-edition beer made with purified recycled water from the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) during the 2026 WateReuse Symposium in Los Angeles. The beer, called GWRS Brew, was produced by Anaheim-based Brewery X and sponsored by H2O Innovations.
GWRS Brew Unveiled at National Water Reuse Conference
Orange County Power Authority
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) – a local not-for-profit community clean energy provider – announced the successful closing of its first Renewable Energy Prepayment Bond transaction through the California Community Choice Financing Authority (CCCFA). The transaction marks a major milestone in OCPA’s strategy to manage power supply costs, strengthen rate stability, and support long-term customer affordability.
Santa Margarita Water District
Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has received the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC) Excellence in IT Practices Award—recognizing strong governance and operational practices that directly support reliable water, wastewater, and recycled water services. While often behind the scenes, SMWD’s technology systems play a critical role in protecting infrastructure, enabling efficient operations, and strengthening the District’s ability to deliver responsive, high-quality service to its customers.
The statewide award evaluates agencies across key areas, including cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, planning, and day-to-day operations. For SMWD, this distinction reflects a comprehensive, well-managed IT program that helps monitor complex systems, safeguard critical assets, and maintain service continuity during disruptions—delivering tangible benefits such as faster response times, improved system protection, and more coordinated infrastructure planning.
This recognition highlights SMWD’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. By maintaining strong IT practices and adapting to emerging challenges, the District reinforces its role as a reliable public service provider—using technology strategically to support long-term water reliability, public health, and community resilience.
First 5 Orange County
First 5 OC is engaging land use and zoning officials across the County to ensure the data accurately reflects local processes and to identify areas where improvements may reduce barriers for both jurisdictions and child care providers. The following link provides access to a local land use survey that documents policies and planning procedures related to child care in Orange County.
Survey Link:
SoCalGas
SoCalGas is excited to deliver ways to learn about different energy-efficiency enhancements to help benefit your residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. These trainings and events are offered at no cost except where otherwise noted.
OC Forum
OC Forum’s upcoming luncheon, She Builds Capital, on Friday, April 10th at The Pacific Club.
This program will feature a panel of exceptional leaders:
• Susan B. Parks, Orange County United Way
• Natasha Mata, Wells Fargo
• Lindsey Monina, CFA, Knightsbridge Wealth Management
• Christine Allen, Esq., Law Stein Anderson
They’ll share real stories and practical insights about financial confidence, navigating major life milestones, and supporting the financial wellbeing of our teams and communities.
The program is open to all about a topic that matters for anyone leading teams or planning for the future.
USA250 OC
One is known as “the Father of Our Country,” the other “the Grandfather of our Country.” One won the war for independence at home; the other won the war abroad.
Imagine a spirited chat between two of America’s most indispensable founders as they reflect on the fragile birth of a new nation and their visions for liberty and leadership. Enjoy Franklin’s mischievous wit and curiosity with Washington’s steady resolve and calm, commanding presence as they swap stories about their lives, the ideals that would shape and forge a nation, and their life-long friendship.
Join us for “A Conversation With Ben and George” on Saturday, April 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. in Yorba Linda. Admission is Free and attendees will also enjoy a discounted museum admission of $17.76 to the museum galleries, including the new America 250 Exhibit.
Space is limited so please RSVP soon.
For more information about America’s 250th birthday go to USA250-OC.com.
Sustain SoCal
Celebrate thirteen years of mobility solutions! Sustain SoCal's signature Transportation event, Driving Mobility, is an ecosystem favorite.
Topics Include:
Electrification at Scale
Infrastructure Access
Energy Grid Preparedness
Building Up the Hydrogen Backbone
Public Transit Needs
Autonomous & Self-Driving Vehicles
Drones & Air Mobility
Software-Defined Logistics
Smart City Integration
Transportation Funding Needs
Sustain SoCal is now seeking professional speakers and sponsors as they develop their agenda. Contact info@sustainsocal.org!
Past expo participants include Karma Automotive, Lucid Motors, Rivian, Nissan, Kia, Honda, Ryvid, WattEV, and more!
Use code DM13ACCOC for 50% off
(X)BN
XBN is partnering with the SoCal Procurement Alliance for their 5th Annual Supplier Outreach Event at the Anaheim Convention Center—and the numbers speak for themselves:
1,500+ Attendees
375+ Exhibitors
50+ Government Agencies
25+ Chambers & Non-Profits
25+ Corporate Partners
What You'll Experience:
Business Matchmaking with qualified buyers and decision-makers
Expert-Led Panels on procurement and contracting
Next-Level Networking across all sectors
Real Opportunities to secure contracts and partnerships
This is Collaboration(X) at scale. This is the X-Factor in action!!
Municipal Water District of Orange County
You're invited to the region's premier water conference, the OC Water Summit. Now in its 18th year, this annual event brings together water industry leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and community stakeholders to address today's most pressing water challenges. Explore critical issues in water supply reliability, policy innovation, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions—while connecting with hundreds of professionals shaping the future of water in our region. Join us for a dynamic day of insightful discussions, collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities.
Registration will open soon.
California Climate Investments
Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program
Grants to California communities and organizations to support projects that reduce the impacts of extreme heat and build long-term community resilience. Funding is intended for initiatives such as urban greening, cooling centers, heat mitigation strategies, and community-driven planning efforts that prioritize vulnerable populations. Projects should align with climate equity goals and deliver measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Upcoming Funding
Park Foundation
Environment Grant
Grants to USA nonprofit organizations for environmental projects. Applicants must
contact program staff before applying. Funding is intended for activities that assist in
keeping drinking water clean, protected, affordable, accessible, and managed as a
public necessity, and for projects that challenge continued shale gas extraction and
infrastructure expansion.
Application Deadline: April 4, 2026
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust Grant
Grants to USA nonprofit organizations to improve the lives of injured military veterans
and their families. Funding is intended to support a range of services and programs
including, but not limited to, therapeutic and recreational activities, career training and
education, rehabilitation programs, shelters for the homeless, and the supply of
mobility items.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD)
Capital Improvement Grant
Grants of up to $5,000 and grants of up to $25,000 to California nonprofit
organizations to enhance local parks and park facilities in eligible locations. Support is
given to capital improvement projects that reflect the needs of the local community.
This grant program is intended to help community groups initiate, organize, plan, and
implement a project in partnership with Conejo Recreation & Park District. Capital
improvement projects must be constructed on District property.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
California Climate Investments
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program
Grants and loans to California communities and developers for projects that integrate affordable housing with sustainable transportation and infrastructure improvements. Funding is intended to support transit-oriented development, active transportation, and community amenities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase access to housing, jobs, and key destinations. Projects should prioritize disadvantaged and low-income communities and demonstrate measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Department of Housing and Community Development
Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2023 PLHA NOFA
This program provides long-term funding to support affordable housing, homeless prevention programs, and other housing-related projects. Funds are allocated based on California jurisdictions’ housing needs.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2027
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