Policy Pulse: February 6, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
ACC-OC’s BOLD Program Homes for Heroes welcomed members on February 5th for a Veteran Housing Orientation and Tour with Jamboree Housing at Heroes Landing in Santa Ana. The program underscored the vital role of coordinated housing, employment, and mental health services in supporting Orange County veterans on their path to stability and independence, and included presenter insights along with a guided tour highlighting the campus’s community-centered, veteran-focused approach.
We extend our sincere thanks to ACC-OC’s Chair of the Healthcare, Veterans, & Community Services Committee, Council Member and veteran Howard Hart (San Juan Capistrano), for his leadership and commitment to this effort. We also appreciate the powerful perspectives shared by fellow veterans Kathryn Morrison, ACC-OC Director of Member Services; Gabriel Dima Smith, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at California State University, Fullerton; and Richard Owens, Senior Director at Jamboree, for their presentation overview. Special thanks to Kelsey Brewer, Vice President of Business Development, and Derrick Gaffney, Community Outreach Supervisor at Jamboree, for helping make this impactful program possible.
Now Open for ACC-OC Advocacy Trips
2026 ACC-OC Sacramento Advocacy Trip
(Only a few spots left)
Join ACC-OC's Sacramento Advocacy Trip on March 9-10th! This exclusive opportunity allows attendees to engage directly with legislative leaders and influence policies crucial to the region including transportation, infrastructure, housing, and other vital issues as we work to keep OC in LOCal Government.
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
CalOptima Health
CalOptima Health Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn, an innovative leader who championed expanded Medi-Cal services and increased community investments in housing as a foundation for health, will retire on December 31, 2026. As the health plan’s leader for the past five years, Hunn has been deeply committed to serving low-income and vulnerable populations and supporting the health care safety net. Hunn’s focus on putting members at the center of the organization contributed to CalOptima Health’s growth, increased employee and provider engagement, and brought positive recognition among public health plans.
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.
Orange County Sheriff's Department
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.
Read their Public Safety Outlook Report
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
First 5 Orange County
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is seeking candidates to serve on the First 5 Orange County Commission. First 5 Orange County Board members help advance First 5 OC’s Strategic Plan and support our goals of improving health disparities and the opportunity gap for Orange County families so that all children can reach their full potential.
Goodwill Orange County
Your old car can drive a new beginning. 🛣️💙 When you donate your car, van, or truck to #OCGoodwill, you’re helping provide essential resources for veterans and job seekers in our community.
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 Westminster
The Fair Housing Foundation will be holding a Fair Housing Fundamentals Workshop via Microsoft Teams from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on February 11, 2026, for the City of Westminster. This workshop is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn about protections under fair housing laws, as well as the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and how to address tenant-landlord disputes. We will discuss disability rights, reasonable accommodations & modifications, housing needs of seniors & veterans, harassment, retaliation, eviction and much more!
For more information, visit www.FHFCA.org.
Registration is mandatory. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4iYRz52
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.
City of Westminster
Digital Tech for Transformation Grant Program
This program supports small businesses in digitizing their operations, streamlining workflows, and improving operational efficiency. Eligible participants who complete required training and consulting will receive up to $2,500 to invest in approved digital technology. A total of 25 grants are available.
Application Deadline: February 8, 2026 (11:59 p.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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