Policy Pulse: August 15, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Now in its 10th year, Sustain Southern California's 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. ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray will join one of the event’s expert panels, contributing to strategies for managing and preserving our region’s precious water resources for a more sustainable California.
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray, Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison, and Los Alamitos Mayor Pro Tem Tanya Doby, ACC-OC’s 1st Vice President, joined community leaders and county officials at the 2025 State of the County Luncheon in Newport Beach. Highlights included presentations from Board of Supervisors Chairman Doug Chaffee, 5th District Board of Supervisor Katrina Foley, County CEO Michelle Aguirre, and Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, along with the unveiling of the latest UC Irvine OC Poll results, sparking conversation on Orange County’s priorities and future initiatives.
Webinar: Understanding The Impact of Medi-Cal Changes on Orange County's Health Care Landscape
Join us for an exclusive deep dive into how Medi-Cal changes are reshaping Orange County’s health care landscape — where policy meets public impact.
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.
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
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Orange County Board of Supervisors
This festival is a proud celebration of culture, identity, and perseverance. Taking place in the heart of Little Saigon, the event honors the 50 years of the Vietnamese American journey with live performances, food vendors, historical exhibits, a community stage, and family activities. It’s about recognizing how far the community has come, from refugees to leaders, business owners, and cultural icons, and looking ahead to the future.
Join for a vibrant three-day festival filled with music, food, tradition, and fun — happening August 15-17 at Freedom Hall @ Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley.
Details:
Date: August 15-17, 2025
Time:
Friday 5PM-10PM
Saturday 11AM-11PM
Sunday 11AM-9PM
Location: Freedom Hall @ Mile Square Park (Free Parking)
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
City of Irvine
Irvine is partnering with Clear the Shelters to reduce and waive adoption fees for animals in residence at the Irvine Animal Care Center August 4–31. Stop by during their regular adoption hours to view available pets and learn more about reduced adoption costs during the month of August.
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.
Orange County Transportation Authority
OCTA continues to offer convenient, affordable rides to the OC Fair through Aug. 17
ORANGE – The OC Fair Express is off to a great start this season, topping last year’s ridership with more than 13,000 boardings so far, and there’s still time to catch the affordable and stress-free ride, while avoiding traffic and parking costs.
OCTA continues to invite the public to take advantage of the OC Fair Express on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 17 for just $4 round trip.
City of Laguna Niguel
The 2025 Sea Country Festival returns on August 22-24! Be sure to check out the rides, games, and three nights of exciting music!
The City of Laguna Niguel's Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a 3-day festival! Bring your friends and family to experience this end-of-summer event with live music, rides, games, food, and much more!
This is a free-entry event with nominal fees for attractions and food is available for purchase.
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
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