Policy Pulse: February 13, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
Wishing you all a wonderful Presidents' Day weekend! As we take time to reflect on the leadership and service that have shaped our nation, we hope you enjoy a safe, restful, and meaningful holiday with family and friends.
Notice of Opportunity: ACC-OC Committee Chairs
ACC-OC is accepting applications for two open Committee Chair positions:
Economic Development & Tourism Committee Chair
Housing & Homelessness Committee Chair
Committee Chairs play an important role in shaping ACC-OC’s annual programming by partnering with ACC-OC staff to provide input on yearly objectives through ACC-OC Bold Programs (Better Opportunities for Learning and Development). Chairs will also help support and host committee programming, including webinars and/or in-person events. Please note, these committees are non-voting and chairs serve a two-year term.
Eligibility
Per ACC-OC policy, Committee Chair positions are open only to ACC-OC Member City Elected Officials whose city is not currently:
Serving in a leadership role on the ACC-OC Board of Directors, or
Holding another ACC-OC Committee Chair position
At this time, eligible applicants must be Elected Officials from the following Member Cities:
Aliso Viejo, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Stanton, and Westminster.
Interested applicants are invited to complete this form. The appointments will be made by the ACC-OC Board of Directors at the March Board of Directors Meeting. Applications close Friday, March 6th.
Please email Lauren Kline, Director of Programs and Operations, with any questions at lkline@accoc.org
Today is the final day to secure your spot for ACC-OC’s Sacramento Advocacy Trip on March 9–10. We have a few remaining spots available, and registrations will close at 5:00 p.m. today.
This exclusive opportunity allows Orange County leaders to engage directly with legislative leaders and help shape policies impacting transportation, infrastructure, housing, and other vital issues as we work to keep OC in LOCal Government.
Trip Includes:
One night stay at the Citizen with breakfast included
Welcome Lunch, Legislative Delegation Reception and Dinner
Exclusive meetings with State Legislators and Administration Leaders
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities with Orange County Elected Officials and Regional Leaders
Schedule of Events (Subject to Change):
Monday, March 912:00 PM – Welcome Lunch and Orientation at The Citizen Hotel1:00–5:00 PM – Meetings with state legislators and agency officials5:30 PM – Legislative Delegation Reception at Ella Dining Room & Bar7:00 PM – Delegation Dinner at Ella Dining Room & Bar
Tuesday, March 109:00–11:30 AM – Meetings with state legislators and agency officials11:30 AM – Trip Concludes
Sunday Night Add-On Available: Includes Sunday night hotel stay and breakfast (limited availability).
Join us on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 for an evening celebrating bold leadership, innovative ideas, and the individuals and organizations making an impact across our community.
Nominations and event registration will open soon. RSVP to receive a notification when details become available.
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.
Orange County Water & Wastewater Energy Efficiency Rebates Webinar
ACC-OC, in partnership with SoCalGas as Orange County’s Regional Energy Pathways Partner, invites Orange County water districts, wastewater treatment facilities, and high-therm energy users to the Orange County Water & Wastewater Energy Efficiency Rebates Webinar: SW WISE & Large Public Sector Program Opportunities on February 24 from 12:30–1:30 PM.
ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, connecting cities and public sector organizations with energy-saving opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Through SoCalGas initiatives such as the Regional Energy Pathways (REP) Program and the Statewide Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency (WISE™) Program, eligible agencies can benefit from expert guidance, project support, and valuable financial incentives.
Program Highlights
Regional Energy Pathways (REP) Program
No-cost energy assessments to identify savings opportunities
Financial support for energy-efficient upgrades
Project management assistance and on-bill financing
Whole-facility energy audits and no-cost measures such as insulation, low-flow fixtures, and kitchen equipment improvements
Statewide WISE™ Program
Rebates for energy-efficient water and wastewater system improvements
Eligible measures include high-efficiency pump upgrades, VFD installations, boiler replacements, and insulation improvements
Available to water and wastewater pumping customers within PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, and SDG&E territories
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 |
Statewide WISE Program
Chrysalis
Orange County’s reputation as one of America’s safest communities is built on the commitment of our first responders and the strength of our public-private partnerships. Sheriff Don Barnes’ 2026 Public Safety Outlook examines the evolving public safety challenges facing Orange County and the proactive solutions required to address them. Click below to read more.
Share the Flyer: www.ChangeLives.org/HeartFlyer
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
With the OC Streetcar arriving this year, OCTA is looking to partner with artists who live or go to school in #SantaAna or GardenGrove. Artists are encouraged to submit their portfolios for the opportunity to create commissioned digital artwork that will be featured in OC Streetcar marketing campaigns.
Waste Management
ACC-OC and WM warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Waste Management Orange Recycling Facility and get a behind-the-scenes look at recycling operations in Orange County.
Please email mkasomo@wm.com with subject line RSVP WM Recycling Facility.
Disneyland Resort
Disney Destinations is featuring offers just for California residents:
Big savings on 3-Day Park Hopper tickets valid Jan 1–May 21, 2026.
Up to 25% off Disneyland Resort hotel stays for 3+ nights through May 7, 2026.
Special Magic Key pass option with a low down payment and monthly plan.
Municipal Water District of Orange County
MWDOC Reflections: 75 Years of Service! Since 1951, MWDOC has supported Orange County’s growth through innovation, collaboration, and stewardship, helping transform the region from agricultural roots into a thriving home for more than 3 million residents, all while ensuring #ReliableWater.
This video honors decades of progress and MWDOC’s legacy, highlighting how current water management programs have evolved to guide Orange County forward.
City of Irvine
Council Member Betty Martinez Franco
Council Member Betty recently shared a brief recap of the February 10 Irvine City Council meeting on Instagram, highlighting the top five items residents should know. Stay informed on the latest discussions and decisions impacting the Irvine community by checking out her update.
City of San Clemente
The Leadership San Clemente program is free to San Clemente residents! Beginning February 26, 2026, the program will take place every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The final session will take place on April 2, 2026, and will include a tour of the City. Each class will focus on a different aspect of San Clemente’s municipal government, which include General Government, Finance and Administrative Services, Community Development, Public Works, Beaches, Parks and Recreation, Marine Safety, Fire Services and Law Enforcement.
City of La Palma
The City of La Palma and EDCO are partnering to host a Compost Distribution, Paper Shredding and E-Waste Collection Event at Walker Junior High School, 8132 Walker St., on Saturday, February 28, from 8-11 a.m.
Communities in Charge
Communities in Charge Funding
Incentives for California housing site owners and representatives to install electric
vehicle charging infrastructure. Funding is intended for projects taking place on multi-
family housing sites. Priority is given to projects that benefit under-resourced
communities throughout the state.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Environmental Research and Education Foundation
EREF Scholarships
Scholarships to USA, Canada, and International Master's or Doctoral students for
studies in solid waste management. Funding is intended to provide a stipend to cover
the student's expenses until graduation. During the scholarship period, students
continue their projects related to solid waste issues and also work with scholars who
will integrate them into industry events such as conferences and fundraisers, and
facilitate visits to companies in the industry.
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
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
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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