Policy Pulse: July 10, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the Orange County Non-Profit Expo and Live Music by 90's cover band Diego's Garage, featuring OCTA's CEO Darrell Johnson. Splash into summer with local leaders, community changemakers, and nonprofit champions - all at Orange County's favorite waterpark!
Details and additional information is as follows:
Date: Thursday, July 30th
Location: Wild Rivers Irvine
Program and Time:
10:30 am – Park opens, all guests can access the park at anytime during the day to enjoy with their families
4:30 pm – Event Check-In and Networking
5:00 pm – Welcome and Orange County Non-Profit Expo
5:30 - 7:30 – Hosted Reception Featuring 90's Cover Band Diego's Garage
*7:00-7:30 Park will be kept open an extra 30 minutes for ACC-OC guests’ exclusive access with some ride options available.
This event is open to ACC-OC Members Only and includes complimentary full day park access for members and their families. Registration is required.
Thank You for Joining Us at the 2026 Leadership Summit & Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 24th at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library for the 2026 ACC-OC Leadership Summit & Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. Together, we celebrated the leaders, partnerships, and innovative programs that are strengthening communities and improving the quality of life across Orange County.
From an inspiring conversation with Angels Baseball President Molly Jolly, meaningful networking, and recognizing this year’s outstanding Golden Hub of Innovation honorees, the evening showcased the very best of local government and the power of regional collaboration. We are grateful to our attendees, sponsors, speakers, award finalists, and volunteers for making this year’s event such a memorable success.
As we look ahead, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us continue to deliver meaningful, high-quality programs that serve our members and the communities they represent.
Please take a few minutes to complete our post-event survey:
We also invite you to relive the evening by browsing and downloading event photos. Feel free to share your favorites on social media and tag ACC-OC!
Thank you again for being part of this special evening. We look forward to seeing you at future ACC-OC events!
We’re kicking off Q2 with a full lineup of programs designed to keep our members informed, connected, and ahead of the curve. Explore upcoming sessions covering key policy topics, industry insights, and unique learning opportunities.
ACC-OC BOLD Program: Understanding the Role of Housing Authorities in Solving Homelessness
ACC-OC is proud to partner with United to End Homelessness for our upcoming Webinar: Understanding the Role of Housing Authorities in Solving Homelessness. This Webinar will be held on July 29th from 12:00-1:00 PM as a BOLD Program (Better Opportunity for Learning and Development) as part of the ACC-OC Housing and Homelessness Committee, chaired by Mayor Gene Johns, City of Laguna Niguel.
July 29, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Transportation Corridor Agencies: Executive Briefing
Join our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for our upcoming Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program for an exclusive Executive Briefing with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).
August 20, 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM
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.
ACC-OC is proud to be the Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, connecting cities and public sector organizations with energy-saving opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Large Public Sector Program | Public Direct Install Program |
Statewide WISE Program
Want to learn more about how your city or organization can benefit?
Contact Marlene Barraza at (mbarraza@accoc.org) to schedule a meeting or ask questions! |
City of Los Alamitos
2026 Mayor’s Ball “Capital Chic” with Mayor Doby presented by UWS, benefitting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation.
The City of Los Alamitos invites the community to attend the 2026 Mayor’s Ball, “Capital Chic” with Mayor Tanya Doby, presented by Universal Waste Systems (UWS) on Saturday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m., at the Los Alamitos Community Center. This inaugural event benefits the Los Alamitos Community Foundation and will bring together residents, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners for an unforgettable evening of style, entetainment, and civic celebration.
SoCalGas
SoCalGas is encouraging water and wastewater agencies to participate in this informational webinar, which will cover available resources and opportunities through the Statewide Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency (SW WISE™) Program.
The webinar will include information on:
SW WISE™ program offerings
Enhanced incentive opportunities
Streamlined processes
Utility funding opportunities
Technical assistance available for eligible energy efficiency projects
And more
Lincus, Inc., a third-party implementer selected to offer the SW WISE™ Program, will provide an overview of how water and wastewater systems can access technical assistance and incentives for energy efficiency improvements.
We encourage you to register and share this opportunity with colleagues within your organization who may benefit from learning more about these programs.
Santa Margarita Water District
At Santa Margarita Water District, providing high-quality drinking water is one of our highest priorities.
We are pleased to share that SMWD's 2026 Water Quality Report is now available online.
The report summarizes the results of water quality testing conducted throughout 2025 and provides detailed information about the sources of your drinking water and how it is monitored and protected.
Here are key takeaways:
SMWD delivers more than 9 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each year
SMWD's certified laboratory completed more than 30,000 water quality tests for regulated contaminants and water quality indicators
SMWD's drinking water met or surpassed all federal and state drinking water standards
Water quality is continuously monitored from source to tap, and SMWD works every day to maintain the reliability and high quality of the water delivered to homes and businesses throughout our community.
We encourage you to review the report and learn more about the extensive testing and monitoring that support your drinking water supply.
Water quality is continuously monitored from source to tap, and SMWD works every day to maintain the reliability and high quality of the water delivered to homes and businesses throughout our community.
We encourage you to review the report and learn more about the extensive testing and monitoring that support your drinking water supply.
OC State of the County
The State of the County Luncheon is an annual event bringing together Orange County elected officials, public sector employees, business people and residents.
The goal of the luncheon will be to explore the past, current and future state of the County through presentations made by an esteemed panel of County officials.
The event is open to the public.
City of Mission Viejo
In a highlight of our yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the City is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime Mission Viejo Parade on July 11. The parade kicks off at 9 am in front of St. Kilian Church at 26872 Estanciero Drive along Marguerite Parkway turns onto La Paz Road and ends at the BBQ Music Fest at Oso Viejo Community Park, 24932 Veterans Way.
California Climate Investments
Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program
Grants to California communities and organizations to support projects that reduce the impacts of extreme heat and build long-term community resilience. Funding is intended for initiatives such as urban greening, cooling centers, heat mitigation strategies, and community-driven planning efforts that prioritize vulnerable populations. Projects should align with climate equity goals and deliver measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Upcoming Funding
Community Resilience Centers Program
California Strategic Growth Council
$55 million available for planning and implementation of neighborhood resilience centers that provide shelter and resources during climate emergencies.
Applications are now Open!
Wildfire Prevention Grants Program
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Provides financial support (up to $70 million available) for projects that reduce the potential for destructive wildfire in and around communities.
Application Deadline: July 8
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program
Resilience & Disaster Preparedness Grant
Grants to states, tribes, and local governments across the United States to support infrastructure projects that strengthen community resilience against natural disasters. Funding is intended for initiatives that reduce wildfire and climate risks, enhance public safety, and deliver long-term, measurable risk reduction through proactive planning and mitigation efforts.
Application Deadline: July 23, 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