Policy Pulse: February 27, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
ACC-OC and First 5 Orange County invite you to a timely webinar on the recently published 2025 Orange County Child Care Landscape Study—a countywide look at the current supply of licensed child care and what it will take to expand access for families. This webinar will be held on Thursday, April 2nd from 12:30-1:30 PM as part of the ACC-OC Healthcare, Veterans, and Community Services Committee, chaired by Councilmember Howard Hart, City of San Juan Capistrano.
First 5 OC will share new data on availability, affordability, and geographic disparities in licensed child care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and explore how child care access impacts population retention, workforce development, and long-term economic stability across Orange County.
We’ll also discuss what it takes to develop and grow child care facilities in today’s regulatory environment, including zoning, permitting, and key requirements under SB 234.
In this webinar, participants will learn about:
Key findings from the recently published 2025 Orange County Child Care Landscape data, including availability, affordability, and geographic disparities in licensed child care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.
Discuss facility development challenges and best practices for child care providers, including zoning, permitting, and compliance with SB 234.
Provide countywide resources and technical assistance available through First 5 Orange County and partners to support child care expansion and quality improvement.
Offer actionable steps and advocacy opportunities to improve access to high-quality child care and support equitable outcomes for all children in Orange County.
As a policymaker or city planner, this webinar will offer practical insights and clear next steps to strengthen childcare across Orange County.
Please note, this webinar is designed for Orange County Elected Officials, City Staff, and ACC-OC Members only.
Members of the ACC-OC team attended the OCBC 2026 Annual Dinner and Installation of the Board of Directors, joining business, civic, and community leaders from across Orange County to celebrate the installation of OCBC’s new Board leadership. The annual event highlighted OCBC’s ongoing work to support a strong regional economy and foster collaboration among public and private sector partners.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for ACC-OC to connect with regional stakeholders, strengthen partnerships, and continue conversations around the key issues impacting Orange County’s cities and business community. ACC-OC looks forward to continued collaboration with OCBC in advancing initiatives that support economic vitality and regional success.
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
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 Sacramento
Advocacy Trip
SOLD OUT
Thank you to everyone who registered for this exclusive opportunity to engage directly with legislative leaders and help shape policies critical to our region — including transportation, infrastructure, housing, and other key priorities — as we continue working to keep OC in LOCal Government.
Questions? Email Lauren Kline at lkline@accoc.org
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 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
COX Communications
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center has received a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to modernize the organization’s communication systems and enhance efficiency across its equine assisted services.
The grant will fund the final phase of The Shea Center’s Technology Improvement Project, including a new mobile-friendly online portal for its 325 weekly clients and 400 annual volunteers, offering streamlined access to schedules, program updates, and essential information from any device.
Cityside Fiber
Cityside Fiber began construction this week in Corona, California, to bring its 100% fiber-optic internet service to residents and businesses in the area.
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
With spring on the horizon and Orange County’s wildlife preserves springing to life, the Orange County Transportation Authority is inviting the public to experience the region’s natural beauty firsthand through a series of free guided hiking tours throughout 2026 – the first planned for Saturday, March 7 in Trabuco Canyon.
OC Forum
Join for a dynamic, nonpartisan deep dive into the trends and turning points that will shape Orange County this election year. Their powerhouse panel will unpack how the economy, public opinion, and policy decisions intersect to influence the year ahead.
California State University, Fullerton
You are invited to the Public Administration Spring Mixer! Join for an evening of connection, community, and celebration as they bring together students, faculty, alumni, and community members. All attendees will be entered into an opportunity drawing.
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.
Goodwill Orange County
Join Goodwill of Orange County on Thursday, March 5, at 11 A.M. at their Goodwill OC Headquarters in Santa Ana for their next See The Good Tour.
Discover how your donations create opportunities that change lives across our community. From job training to support services, generosity fuels the mission every step of the way. They're most known for their thrift stores, but they're most proud of their mission.
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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