Policy Pulse: July 11, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Jul 11
- 5 min read
On July 10th, ACC-OC partnered with the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) to host a site tour of their groundbreaking Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Project—an innovative, next-generation solution for biosolids management. The event brought together city officials and public agency leaders to explore how this advanced technology is positioning Orange County as a national leader in sustainability, clean tech investment, and infrastructure planning. Participants received a guided tour of the SCWO site from OC San General Manager Rob Thompson, followed by a detailed technical briefing on the science, regulatory drivers, and policy framework supporting the project.
Attendees learned how SCWO uses extreme heat and pressure to break down biosolids into clean water, energy, and safe byproducts—eliminating the need for landfill disposal and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The tour served as a compelling case study in innovation and interagency planning, offering valuable insights for public sector leaders seeking sustainable and cost-effective alternatives in wastewater management.
*OC Sanitation District also offers educational tours for schools—an excellent opportunity to inspire future environmental leaders!*
OC Sanitation District Powerpoint Presentation
Get ready for an evening of fun, connection and celebration at the Annual ACC-OC Summer Legislative Reception:
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!
This event is open to ACC-OC Members Only and includes complimentary full day park access for members and their families. Registration is required.
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. Also featured at the luncheon, we will be debuting the results of the latest UC Irvine OC Poll.
The event is open to the public.
ACC-OC 2025 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 Capital.
ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, helping cities and public sector organizations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Benefits of Participating:
✔ No-cost energy assessments to identify saving opportunities
✔ Financial support for energy-efficient equipment upgrades
✔ Expert guidance from energy professionals on best practices
✔ Reduced energy consumption to meet state and local sustainability goals
✔ Project management assistance to streamline implentation
Through programs like the Large Public Sector Program and Public Direct Install Program, eligible organizations can receive:
Whole facility energy audits to create customized energy-saving roadmaps
No-cost efficiency upgrades, including hot water insulation, low-flow fixtures, and commercial kitchen improvements
Rebates and on-bill financing for energy-efficient equipment installations
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 |
Chrysalis
A Movement for Second Chances
This month, our partners at Chrysalis have launched the Own the Next Chapter pledge—a community-wide invitation to stand with people rebuilding their lives after experiences with poverty, homelessness, or incarceration.
The pledge is a meaningful way to show support, spark conversations, and help shift the narrative around second chances.
Whether you’ve been impacted personally or simply believe in the power of possibility, your name can help send a powerful message: Everyone deserves the opportunity to write a new chapter.
Orange County Water District & Municipal Water District of Orange County
The Orange County Water District invites you to attend the 2025 OC Water Summit, on Friday, September 5 at Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
Now in its 17th year, the OC Water Summit continues to foster critical dialogue around water supply challenges, policy developments, and the key issues shaping the future of the water industry. This year’s theme, “Turning the Valve: Abundance for Orange County,” focuses on strategies to support increased state and local water reliability.
Join master of ceremonies Fritz Coleman and hundreds of business professionals elected officials, water industry stakeholders, and community leaders as we explore how to secure an abundant water future for Orange County.
City of Buena Park
The Fair Housing Foundation will be holding a Fair Housing Workshop at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave. Buena Park, Ca 90620 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for the city of Buena Park. This workshop is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn about how they are protected under fair housing laws, what their rights and responsibilities as tenants and landlords are, and how to deal with tenant and landlord disputes. Fair Housing Foundation will explain state and federal fair housing laws, discuss state and federally protected classes, notices, security deposit, rent increases, the Tenant Relief Act and much more.
For more information, visit www.FHFCA.org.
Registration is mandatory.
Santa Margarita Water District
Join SMWD in-person at SMWD headquarters to learn from local irrigation pros and efficiency experts about how to make your home water smart.
Rain Bird Timer Demo Truck - Learn how to upgrade to a Weather Based Irrigation Controller
HE Spray Nozzles Retrofit Demo - Everything you need to know about High Efficiency Nozzles and changing out your old spray heads
Rebate Info Booth - Learn about all available landscape rebates and how to apply
Prizes and Giveaways* - You won't go home empty handed!
*FREE Kona Ice for the first 100 people to attend
City of La Palma
The Orange County Registrar of Voters (OCROV) will host a series of public workshops starting in July 2025 to solicit input on the 2025 Election Administration Plan (EAP) Update.
The EAP is the guiding document for how voting in elections is administered under the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) and specifically addresses the Registrar of Voters’ voter education and outreach program, operation of Voter Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes, provision of language and accessibility services, security measures and contingency plans.
Anaheim Ducks
Fly Together Grant Program!
This program supports nonprofit organizations creating positive change across Orange County, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. If your work focuses on education, health and wellbeing, and access to sports don’t miss this opportunity!
Application Deadline: July 25, 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, 2027
Department of Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
This program provides technical and financial support to conserve priority coastal ecosystems. Through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies, the Coastal Program aims to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Samueli Foundation
LFI and Leadership Accelerator Program
The Leading for Impact (LFI) and Leadership Accelerator program, run by the renowned Bridgespan Group, provides scholarship-supported access to strategic coaching, leadership development and peer-learning opportunities for 100 nonprofit executive teams. Through a mix of classroom workshops, team-led projects and executive coaching, LFI equips leaders with the skills and tools to strengthen their organizations, drive long-term sustainability and increase their community impact. Participating organizations contribute a portion of the program cost, ensuring shared investment in their growth and success.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Comentarios