Policy Pulse: January 9, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
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.
Y’all are invited to dust off your boots and help us boot scoot boogie into the New Year as ACC-OC celebrates the Installation of the 2026 Board of Directors and honors the leaders who led the way!
DETAILS:
ACC-OC 2026 Board of Directors Installation
Thursday, January 15, 2026
5:30PM – 8:00PM
5:45pm: Oath of Office Conducted by State Senator Tony Strickland
6:00PM – 8PM: Program followed by Reception, Networking & Festivities
Join us for an evening of western hospitality, community spirit, and a little toe-tapping fun. We’re pleased to feature a certified line dance instructor with more than 10 years of experience teaching in local cowboy restaurants, who will lead easy, crowd-friendly dances—no experience required.
Enjoy ranch-style refreshments, including home-style country catering and beverages, as we gather to celebrate leadership, partnership, and the year ahead.
So grab your boots and hats, bring your best western flair, and help us honor the leaders who will be guiding ACC-OC into the New Year. This program is provided at no additional cost to ACC-OC members and invited guests.
We look forward to kicking up our heels with you!
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
ACC-OC extends its deepest condolences to the City of Aliso Viejo and to the family, friends, colleagues, and community members mourning the unexpected passing of City Manager Mitzi Ortiz on December 22, 2025.
Our thoughts are with the Aliso Viejo City Council, City staff, and the entire community during this difficult time.
City of Los Alamitos
Los Al Link, the City of Los Alamitos' new, all-electric shuttle program has officially launched!
The City of Los Alamitos joined forces with the Orange County Transportation Authority through the Measure M2 Project V grant to address local traffic congestion while ensuring the area's growing population of older adults maintains their independent mobility.
Los Al Link offers free rides to passengers aged 50+ and a small fare for younger riders expanding and strengthening the City's transit system.
The Los Al Link Breakdown:
• Free service for 50+, $2.50 for younger passengers
• Regular service Tues-Sat from 7 AM-7 PM
• Seasonal summer service Tues-Sat from 9 AM-9 PM (Tuesday after Memorial day to Labor Day)
• Fleet: 2 sedans, 1 wheelchair van, 1 ID Buzz, all 100% electric
University of California, Irvine
Did you know? UC Irvine researchers conducted a study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction with insights into communication channel preferences among different demographic groups. Short texts and TV were preferred by all, while younger adults leaned heavily on social media. Older adults and those with limited education trusted their doctors for information. Community initiatives organized by residents using messaging apps to share emergency resources proved to be very effective. Suggestions include training residents to be first responders, forming Neighborhood Watch groups, conducting Spanish-language educational programs, and distributing guides on risk procedures.
City of Garden Grove
The City of Garden Grove, in partnership with NeighborWorks Orange County, a HUD-approved counseling agency, is offering a series of free virtual workshops to help first-time homebuyers navigate the home buying process. These workshops will feature information about the City’s First-Time Home Buyer Program, which offers eligible homebuyers up to $110,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance at 0% interest. The first virtual workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Registration is required.
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.
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Registration for the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Water Policy Forum & Dinner is nearly full! Join MWDOC for this signature event on Monday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m. at The Westin. Reserve your seat before the early bird rate ends on January 12.
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.
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.
CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County
Join CLAOC for the inaugural launch of the AI for Water Management Professionals course, created in partnership with Moulton Niguel Water District, the California Data Collaborative, the Orange County Business Council, and UCI Division of Continuing Education. This course was made possible by a California Jobs First grant.
Hosted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 from 6–8 PM at Moulton Niguel Water District, this event introduces a first-of-its-kind progra
m designed to equip the next generation of water professionals with practical, responsible AI skills.
Be among the first to see how this program can empower your teams, support organizational goals, and shape the future of water management.
Celebrate this regional partnership and explore how AI upskilling can benefit your agency and the broader community.
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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