

On January 15th, ACC-OC hosted its bi-annual Newly Elected Council Member Orientation and Training, a program designed to equip Orange County’s newest leaders with the tools, resources, and connections to excel in their roles. The program featured expert-led sessions on regional policy issues and included state-mandated AB 1234 and 1661 training. Thank you to all of our speakers and attendees who participated in this highly impactful program. The day concluded with the 2025 Board of Directors Installation, conducted by Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Doug Chaffee. We honored outgoing ACC-OC Board President Stephanie Klopfenstein, Garden Grove Mayor, before welcoming 2025 Board President Jamey Federico, Dana Point Council Member. This special evening brought together city officials, agency leaders, and community stakeholders to honor the incoming board and reaffirm the shared commitment to advancing Orange County’s future through regional collaboration and innovation.


ACC-OC Sacramento Advocacy Trip
Join ACC-OC's Sacramento Advocacy Trip on March 17-18th! 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.
To find out more information about these events or to register, visit our upcoming events page!


CalOptima Health
The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a regulatory ordinance change that paves the way for CalOptima Health, Orange County’s public health insurer, to pursue participation in Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. This step is intended to provide continuity of care and expand access to affordable health coverage for more than 15,000 Orange County residents who fall in and out of Medi-Cal eligibility annually.
The ability to join a CalOptima Health Covered California plan will better serve individuals who often transition in and out of Medi-Cal. Without this option, they may face challenges that lead to gaps in care and unexpected medical expenses. Additionally, a CalOptima Health Covered California plan can help households that have both Medi-Cal and other coverage to have access to the same provider network for all family members.
Press Release

City of Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo offers tools to help residents and businesses stay prepared for emergencies:
Emergency Preparedness Guide: Available online or as a PDF, this guide provides key information to enhance personal and community safety.
Disaster Preparedness Backpacks: Purchase a $50 backpack stocked with essential supplies, including first aid kits, N95 masks, a multi-functional radio, and more.
Hazard-Specific Preparedness Flyers: Learn how to prepare for local hazards like earthquakes, wildfires, and floods with concise, easy-to-follow flyers.
Disaster Preparedness for Your Business: Access templates and resources to create continuity plans, train employees, and protect your business during emergencies.
Visit avcity.org/disaster-preparedness for details.

Chargepoint
Discover the California Energy Commission's Communities in Charge program, offering $30 million in incentives for EV charging installations. Receive up to $6,500 per Level 2 AC port or 100% of eligible costs, with additional funding for multifamily housing and Tribal community projects.
Key Details:
Up to 40 connectors for multifamily/workplace projects
Applications close January 31, 2025
Federal tax credit: 30% up to $100,000 per station
Learn more about this opportunity to enhance clean energy infrastructure.

Aleshire & Wynder
Please join the members of Aleshire & Wynder’s labor and employment law group to discuss new laws for 2025 and trends that impact many California employers, including:
Compliance tips regarding new leave laws, and the expansion of protected leaves
Compliance with the new law regarding Paid Family Leave
New restrictions on driver’s license requirements in job descriptions
Labor relations/PERB trends, and developments
Protecting your organization against the rise in retaliation claims
Other notable developments, including workplace violence prevention
Approval pending for 1.75 to 2.00 hours of General MCLE credit
Presenters: Alison Flowers, Khadijah Kenyatté, Joan Pugh Newman, and Monna Radulovich.
Location: Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar2 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Schedule: January 31, 2025, at 8:30 am
8:30 am: Check-in & Continental Breakfast
9:00 am - 11:15 am: Presentation
Tickets:
$60* (single attendee)
$100* (when two attendees from the same organization jointly register)
$140* (when three to five attendees from the same organization jointly register)
An additional service fee will be added during checkout. To register manually, contact lwest@awattorneys.com
Please register promptly, space is limited.

City of Huntington Beach
The City of Huntington Beach is enhancing its business support initiatives through proactive visits by City staff, including members from the City Manager’s Office, Economic Development Team, and Police and Fire Departments. These visits aim to discuss business operations, explore growth opportunities, and address challenges, ensuring a secure and thriving environment. Annually, approximately 50 businesses—including manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, car dealerships, property owners, and both new and established enterprises—benefit from this program. Business owners interested in participating can schedule a visit by contacting Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager, at Kriss.Casanova@surfcity-hb.org.

City of Costa Mesa
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved the purchase of a former Travelodge motel in Costa Mesa to create 78 affordable housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing. This initiative is part of Project Homekey, a statewide program launched by Governor Gavin Newsom that transforms aging motels and surplus properties into permanent supportive housing.
The $45 million redevelopment, funded by $29 million in state Homekey grants and $7 million in contributions from Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, will include merging motel units into larger studios, adding kitchenettes, and creating community program spaces.
The nonprofit American Family Housing will oversee development, manage the property, and collaborate with the OC Health Care Agency to provide supportive services. Current leases for the Pom & Olive Restaurant and a Tesla EV charging station on the property will continue, generating revenue to support the project.

Orange County Water District
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has been awarded a $30 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under the WaterSMART: Title XVI WIIN Act, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant supports OCWD's efforts to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from local groundwater. OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E., emphasized the District's commitment to providing safe and reliable water to 2.5 million residents, stating that the grant will aid in expanding PFAS treatment facilities across Orange County. Currently, 45 of over 100 impacted wells have been restored and are operational. With an estimated $1.8 billion in PFAS mitigation costs over the next 30 years, OCWD's comprehensive strategy includes building treatment infrastructure, pursuing legal action against polluters, and advocating for legislation to prevent cleanup costs from affecting ratepayers.
Press Release

Department of Transportation FY 2025-26 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant
This grant supports projects that promote sustainable transportation planning, including transit, biking, and walking initiatives. It aims to advance environmental stewardship, economic development, and improved mobility options.
Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 | Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program
This competitive grant program supports innovative projects that modernize transportation infrastructure while prioritizing equity, sustainability, and economic competitiveness across the U.S.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2025 |
Department of Interior Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Wildland Fire (OWF) - Slip-on Tanker Units Funding is available for the procurement of slip-on tanker units, which enhance wildfire suppression capabilities and strengthen community preparedness in fire-prone regions. Application Deadline: February 26, 2025 | California Energy Commission National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 2
This program supports expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, contributing to the national EV network under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding aims to boost EV infrastructure across California.
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025 |
Department of Labor Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP)
This program provides funding to support the reintegration of homeless veterans, including specialized initiatives such as the Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program (IVTP) and the Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans' with Children Reintegration Grant Program (HWVHVWC). These grants aim to assist veterans in securing meaningful employment and achieving long-term stability.
Application Deadline: April 12, 2025 | 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, 2025 |
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