Policy Pulse: August 29, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Aug 29
- 6 min read
On Monday, ACC-OC’s BOLD Program hosted a special lunchtime webinar featuring Dr. Douglas Johnson and Dr. Justin Levitt of National Demographics Corporation, two of the nation’s foremost experts on redistricting. The program provided Orange County leaders with a clear, nonpartisan overview of Governor Newsom’s proposed changes to California’s congressional maps.
Attendees gained valuable insights into the legal framework, regulatory requirements, and potential local impacts of the proposal, equipping cities and community leaders with fact-based analysis to better navigate this timely issue.
Click the link below to access documents through the Member Portal.
Earlier this week, ACC-OC hosted a well-attended BOLD Program webinar examining the impact of recent Medi-Cal policy changes on Orange County’s health care system. Featured speakers Michael Hunn (CalOptima Health), Dr. Veronica Kelley (OC Health Care Agency), and Paul Young (Hospital Association of Southern California) shared critical insights on how evolving regulations and funding shifts are shaping the future of hospitals, providers, and community-based health centers.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for cross-agency collaboration, strategic planning by cities, and innovative, community-driven solutions to address the unique challenges faced by older adults, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Click the link below to access documents through the Member Portal.
ACC-OC’s Executive Director Kris Murray participated as a panelist at Sustain SoCal’s 10th Annual Water Solutions Conference, which explored innovative approaches to ensuring a sustainable water future for California.
The event brought together regional leaders and experts to discuss pressing issues such as reuse, recycling, stormwater capture, desalination, PFAS mitigation, hydrogen power, and how data and AI are advancing progress in water management. Kris Murray joined the panel “Tapped Out: Can Utilities Keep Water Affordable?” alongside Drew Atwater (Bell Burnett & Associates), Greg Pierce (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation), and Robb Grantham (Santa Margarita Water District). Together, they examined strategies to balance infrastructure investment, innovation, and affordability for ratepayers while safeguarding California’s most precious resource.
ACC-OC is committed to supporting collaborative solutions that strengthen water reliability, sustainability, and affordability for Orange County communities.
ACC-OC was proud to join Cityside Fiber for the groundbreaking of its network expansion project at Heritage Park in Irvine. Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended on behalf of ACC-OC to celebrate this exciting milestone for our member city.
Cityside Fiber is investing more than $50 million to deliver 100% fiber-optic internet across Irvine—bringing high-speed connectivity to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. This legacy project will strengthen Irvine’s infrastructure, enhance opportunities for residents and businesses, and ensure the community remains at the forefront of innovation for generations to come.
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.
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill Tour with OCWR
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes BOLD program tour of the OCTA Express Lanes – where innovation meets mobility.
Southern California Edison Grid Technology Learning Center Tour
Gain an inside look at how SCE’s cutting-edge Grid Technology Development labs are shaping the future of energy — from wildfire mitigation to smarter meters and a more resilient grid.
ACC-OC Broadband 101
Join ACC-OC and Charter Communications for an insightful Broadband 101 discussion as part of our Better Opportunities for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Charter Communications and its ongoing investment in Orange County communities.
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 |
Orange County Business Council
Behind every safe and vibrant community are the first responders and frontline heroes who show up day and night. On September 18, join business and community leaders at Orange County Business Council's 2025 First Responders Dinner to celebrate and thank the courageous professionals who protect the county’s businesses, residents and visitors. The evening will feature a conversation with Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and will include Emmy Award-winning NBC4 reporter Hetty Chang as emcee for the First Responder Honoree Awards. Learn more and register today.
United to End Homelessness
Save the date for the September Homelessness 101 Class!
Want to learn more about the local housing crisis? Interested in connecting with neighbors, partners, and local resources? Their virtual trainings will leave you with the data and tools you need to help
Details:
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Online
CalOptima Health
Calling future health care leaders! CalOptima Health is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Administrative Fellowship Program. The 12-month program begins in July 2026 and will give interested applicants an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, leadership development and mentorship from senior leaders.
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
Orange County United Way
Orange County is strongest when we come together. That’s why on Saturday, September 6 at 8 AM, Orange County United Way is hosting an event - happening simultaneously in all 34 cities across Orange County - to launch their new strategic plan and show they are truly UNITED4OC 2030.
This is your chance to stand with your neighbors, right in your own city, and take the first steps in solving Orange County’s toughest social challenges—together.
Orange County Water District & Municipal Water District Orange County
You're invited to the region's premier water conference, the OC Water Summit. Now in its 17th year, the OC Water Summit fosters discussion of new and ongoing water supply challenges, water policy issues, and other critical topics impacting the water industry. Join master of ceremonies Fritz Coleman and hundreds of business professionals, elected officials, water industry stakeholders, and community leaders as the OC Water Summit explores "Turning the Valve: Abundance for Orange County."
Sustain SoCal
Apply for a Sustain SoCal Sustainability Award in one of the following categories:
Sustainable Corporation of the Year
Sustainable Government of the Year
Cleantech Company of the Year
Cleantech Startup of the Year
Special award for Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year to be announced soon!
Submit your application by September 12th at 11:59pm to be considered.
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
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
Comments