Policy Pulse: January 16, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
ACC-OC marked the beginning of the new year with the Installation and Celebration of the 2026 Board of Directors, bringing together member cities, partners, and invited guests to recognize leadership and service.
The evening included a special acknowledgment of Outgoing President Hon. Jamey Federico, City of Dana Point, who was presented with certificates in recognition of his leadership and dedicated service to ACC-OC. ACC-OC extends its sincere appreciation to State Senator Tony Strickland for conducting the oath of office for the 2026 ACC-OC Board, and to Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen for attending the event and presenting a certificate honoring President Federico. Additional certificates were provided by Orange County Supervisor Vincent Sarmiento and State Legislative offices. ACC-OC is grateful to all who participated in recognizing President Federico’s service and contributions.
ACC-OC also proudly welcomed Incoming President Hon. Tanya Doby, City of Los Alamitos, and looks forward to her leadership in guiding the organization through 2026. ACC-OC thanks all who joined in celebrating this milestone and the organization’s continued commitment to collaboration and leadership in the year ahead.
On behalf of the ACC-OC Board and staff, we extend our best wishes for a strong and productive new year.
As we kick off 2026, we’re excited to share our 2025 Year-End Report, highlighting the progress, milestones, and collective impact achieved over the past year. Thank you for being an essential part of ACC-OC’s work and success—we look forward to another year of collaboration, connection, and momentum ahead.
ACC-OC attended the Mission Viejo City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 13, where the City of Mission Viejo and ACC-OC recognized outgoing Mayor Bob Ruesch for his leadership and service. ACC-OC Director of Member Services, Kathryn Morrison, attended the meeting on behalf of the organization and presented a certificate in recognition of his contributions to the City of Mission Viejo, his service as an ACC-OC Board Member, and his leadership as Chair of ACC-OC’s Legislative and Regulatory Committee.
ACC-OC appreciates the opportunity to join the City in recognizing former Mayor Ruesch’s dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on both the local and regional levels.
Understanding SB 79: Preparing for New Transit-Oriented Housing Requirements - What Cities Need to Know
Join ACC-OC for a concise and informative discussion on SB 79, the new statewide law establishing housing and zoning standards around major transit stops. With implementation beginning in 2026 and additional enforcement provisions in 2027, cities will need to prepare for new requirements, pending technical guidance from HCD and SCAG.
Homes for Heroes: Veteran Housing Orientation and Tour with Jamboree Housing
Join ACC-OC’s BOLD Program for an exclusive orientation and guided tour of Heroes Landing, Jamboree’s award-winning supportive housing community for formerly homeless veterans and their families.
SAVE THE DATE!
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
Goodwill Orange County
Goodwill Industries International has been named Top 10 on Forbes’ Top 100 Charities list, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this incredible network.
This recognition reflects the heart and hard work of 150 local Goodwill organizations creating career opportunities and life-changing services in communities nationwide. It's incredible to see what’s possible when mission, trust, and impact come together.
Orange County Transportation Authority
OCTA joined Buena Park officials to celebrate a special moment, with the city officially naming its Metrolink station in honor of recently retired Council Member Art Brown. In his 32 years serving the city and on regional boards, Art has been a champion for transportation in the region for decades, serving on and chairing the OCTA Board and Metrolink Board as well as serving on the LOSSAN Board and SCAG.
City of Buena Park
The City of Buena Park is planning improvements for Orangethorpe Avenue, and we want your input! The Orangethorpe Avenue Complete Streets Planning Study will transform a 2.3-mile stretch of Orangethorpe Avenue (between Valley View Street and Kass Drive) into a vibrant corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers.
Community Workshop Details
Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:00 PM (Short presentation at 5:45 PM)
Location: Buena Park Middle School, 6931 Orangethorpe Avenue
Drop in anytime! If you can’t make it right at 5:30 PM, stop by before 7 PM to share your thoughts.
Learn about plans for Orangethorpe Avenue
Share your ideas for transportation improvements
Enjoy free pizza, fun activities for kids, and Spanish and Korean interpretation
USA250 Orange County
Stay informed on local efforts leading up to America’s 250th anniversary. Subscribe to the USA 250–OC newsletter for updates, reflections, and ways to engage in your community.
City of Garden Grove
The City of Garden Grove is pleased to welcome ten high school students from Anyang, Republic of Korea, as part of the Sister City Association of Garden Grove’s Student Exchange Program. The students will arrive on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for a nine-day stay in Garden Grove with local host families.
During their visit, the students will meet Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein and members of the Garden Grove City Council, tour Garden Grove Unified School District high schools, and visit cultural and educational attractions throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.
Orange County United Way
Join OC United Way for their fifth annual event on the progress, challenges, and trends shaping homelessness and housing affordability in Orange County.
As Orange County looks ahead at the changing housing and homelessness landscape, it is more important than ever that we come together around a shared understanding of what our community is seeing and what it will take to move lasting solutions forward.
Date and Time
January 22 @ 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
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.
City of Stanton
The 2026 City of Stanton Citizen’s Academy is a free, four-week program designed to empower residents and business owners with a behind-the-scenes look at local government.
Wednesdays, March 11 through April 1| 6–8pm
Various City Locations
Applications are due Monday, February 16, 2026 at 6pm.
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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