Policy Pulse: August 1, 2025
- ACC-OC

- Aug 1
- 5 min read


ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison, who also serves on the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council, recently joined Assemblymember Tri Ta, affiliate member Bobby McDonald of VALOR, and a strong showing of regional leaders for a tour of the future site of the Orange County Veterans Cemetery.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Pro Tem of Los Alamitos and ACC-OC First Vice President Tanya Doby, Mayor of Los Alamitos Shelley Hasselbrink, Stanton Council Member John Warren, Honorable Tim Shaw, Tim Deutscher with the County of Orange.
As a veteran, Kathryn shared the deep personal significance of the project. “This cemetery represents more than a final resting place—it symbolizes a long-overdue promise to honor our veterans with the dignity, respect, and recognition they deserve, right here in Orange County.”
Assemblymember Tri Ta delivered heartfelt remarks about the importance of the cemetery and reaffirmed his commitment to bringing the project to fruition.
ACC-OC is proud to stand alongside our members, elected officials, and community partners in supporting this meaningful initiative to serve those who have served us all.


ACC-OC BOLD Program: OCTA Express Lanes Tour
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes BOLD program tour of the OCTA Express Lanes – where innovation meets mobility.

ACC-OC 2025 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 Capital.

ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, helping cities and public sector organizations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Benefits of Participating:
✔ No-cost energy assessments to identify saving opportunities
✔ Financial support for energy-efficient equipment upgrades
✔ Expert guidance from energy professionals on best practices
✔ Reduced energy consumption to meet state and local sustainability goals
✔ Project management assistance to streamline implentation
Through programs like the Large Public Sector Program and Public Direct Install Program, eligible organizations can receive:
Whole facility energy audits to create customized energy-saving roadmaps
No-cost efficiency upgrades, including hot water insulation, low-flow fixtures, and commercial kitchen improvements
Rebates and on-bill financing for energy-efficient equipment installations
To learn more about how your city or organization can benefit, contact Marlene Barraza (mbarraza@accoc.org) to schedule a meeting or ask questions!
Large Public Sector Program | Public Direct Install Program |


The Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) is currently seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This part-time, contract-based role offers a unique opportunity to lead Orange County’s subregional planning agency in shaping policy and advancing critical initiatives in housing, transportation, land use, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of public policy, regional planning, and intergovernmental collaboration—along with the vision to elevate OCCOG’s regional impact.
Apply Now: Open until filled – send cover letter and resume to Clerk of the Board: kathryn@occog.com
For Full Role Description, Compensation and Details, visit www.occog.com


Goodwill OC
National Thrift Shop Day is August 17!
This year, Goodwill OC making National Thrift Shop Day a MULTI-DAY affair!
A special weekend long pop-up is coming to their Fountain Valley store August 14-17, but there are special surprises happening at ALL Goodwill OC stores Sunday, August 17.
Don’t miss out! Follow them on social media to see what they have in store (literally!), including how you can get exclusive new swag and even some ways to win some gift cards.

CalOptima Health and the City of Westminster
Get ready for the new school year with backpacks, school supplies, vision exams, dental services, sports physicals, haircuts and more at no cost for all.
Flyers
English | Spanish | Vietnamese |

City of Los Alamitos
Join the City of Los Alamitos on October 1st for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth at the 4th Annual Elevate Women's Conference!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Los Alamitos Community Center

Sustain SoCal
Now in its 10th year, our Annual Water Solutions Event will examine solutions in reuse, recycling, distribution, anti-contamination efforts including PFAS mitigation, stormwater capture, hydrogen power, desalination and much more. All solution sessions will include how data application and AI are enhancing progress.
Help us strategize the region’s precious water resources for a more sustainable California.
50% off code: WS10ACCOC50

City of Buena Park
The Fair Housing Foundation will be holding two Landlord/ Tenant Walk-in Clinics on housing issues at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave. Buena Park, CA 90620 on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Fair Housing Foundation will provide information to residents and landlords one on one and assist with housing issues or questions. This can include landlord/tenant disputes, lease agreements, illegal housing discrimination, repairs, evictions, security deposits, disability accommodations and modifications rent increases occupancy issues and much more.

SoCalGas
With no-cost registration, the 12th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild with innovation at one of the industry's largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates. Attend any day at no-cost!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
For More Information:
Email - ercfoodsvc@socalgas.com
Phone - 562-803-7323

City of Santa Ana
Join Mayor Valerie Amezcua for Coffee with the Mayor! Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries while supplies last, and share your invaluable perspective on City issues.
Details:
Date: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
For more information, please contact Mayor’s aide Claudia Perez at cperez5@santa-ana.org or 714-600-6220.

City of Stanton
City of Stanton is partnering with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, August 13 from 1-7pm for a blood drive at the Stanton Central Park Multipurpose Room (10660 Western Avenue).

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
Department of Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
This program provides technical and financial support to conserve priority coastal ecosystems. Through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies, the Coastal Program aims to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Samueli Foundation
LFI and Leadership Accelerator Program
The Leading for Impact (LFI) and Leadership Accelerator program, run by the renowned Bridgespan Group, provides scholarship-supported access to strategic coaching, leadership development and peer-learning opportunities for 100 nonprofit executive teams. Through a mix of classroom workshops, team-led projects and executive coaching, LFI equips leaders with the skills and tools to strengthen their organizations, drive long-term sustainability and increase their community impact. Participating organizations contribute a portion of the program cost, ensuring shared investment in their growth and success.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025









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