Policy Pulse: January 23, 2026
- ACC-OC
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
OCTA DELIVERING ON PROMISES MADE
I-5 Improvement Project Breaks Ground
This morning marked an exciting milestone with the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the OCTA I-405 to SR-55 Improvement Project. ACC-OC was proud to be represented and support this vital mobility project that will enhance transportation throughout Orange County and the region. It’s important to acknowledge OCTA’s collaboration and partnership with Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration, and the Cities of Irvine and Tustin to help deliver on this important investment.
Now Open for ACC-OC Advocacy Trips
2026 ACC-OC Sacramento Advocacy Trip
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.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, we invite you to take a look at ACC-OC’s 2025 Year-End Report. The report highlights key milestones, progress, and the collective impact made by our members over the past year.
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.
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
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
Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC)
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is proud to commemorate its 75th anniversary, marking decades of planning and partnership to secure reliable, high-quality water. Established in 1951 to bring imported water from The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to the region, MWDOC enters this milestone year with a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and long-term water stewardship. As the County’s wholesale water provider and resource planning agency, MWDOC also offers water education, emergency preparedness, and water-saving rebates and programs that support a sustainable water future for approximately 3.18 million residents of Orange County.
United to End Homelessness
Join Everyone Counts OC for the 2026 Point In Time Count from January 27-29, a biennial survey to help gather solid data about those experiencing homelessness in Orange County. Lend a hand by donating hygiene items, helping with set up, and engaging with our vulnerable neighbors. Your support is invaluable!
City of Garden Grove
The Garden Grove Sanitary District and City of Garden Grove, in partnership with Republic Services, are hosting a series of community cleanup days throughout the city in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items, appliances, electronic waste, and green waste for free.
Orange County Sanitation District
OC San’s FREE Virtual Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy is slated to start January 29, 2026. The Academy consists of four virtual workshops and provides an inside look at one of the largest resource recovery facilities in California. These workshops are geared towards individuals 18 years of age or older.
Through four workshops we aim to do just that. Each workshop will be led by an OC San expert who will guide participants through the workshop and answer questions during the Q&A section.
Participants who attend all workshops will have successfully completed the entire Wastewater 101 - Citizens' Academy and will receive a certificate of completion at the Board of Directors Meeting.
Register below to sign up for out upcoming Wastewater 101 Citizens' Academy, starting on January 29, 2026.
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 Irvine
Continuing a commitment to Irvine’s long-term economic success, the Irvine City Council approved a blueprint at its January 13 meeting to guide the City’s economic development efforts and lay the groundwork for the launch of the Irvine Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
City of Westminster
Learn the legal ins and outs of running a business in 2026 with expert tips and key regulations to keep you ahead of the game.
Stay ahead of the curve in 2026 with an overview of the latest state and federal laws impacting California's small businesses.
This session, led by the Law Offices of Mike N. Vo, A Professional Law Corporation, will cover new and upcoming regulations related to employment, compliance, and business operations. Attendees will gain practical insights to help them remain compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and better prepare their businesses for success in the new year.
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.
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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