Policy Pulse: July 18, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an energizing and impactful evening at our
We were honored to welcome Assemblymember Tri Ta, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, and Supervisor Donald Wagner, who generously shared their time and insights with attendees.
A special thank you to OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson and his band, Diego’s Garage, for the outstanding live music that added a vibrant and memorable touch to the event.
We are also deeply grateful to our title sponsor, Wild Rivers, for their generous support and for providing complimentary entrance to city staff and their families. Your partnership helped make the event both meaningful and fun for all involved.
Non-Profit Expo included the following organizations:
To all the nonprofits, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to the event’s success—thank you.
Your commitment to community-building is what makes Orange County strong.
We look forward to many more opportunities to gather, learn, and lead together.
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 |
City of Costa Mesa
The City of Costa Mesa has received state funding from Assembly Woman Cottie Petrie-Norris to expand the existing behavioral health care program at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter by assigning 15 additional beds.
The $750,000 in state budget funding secured by Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) will assist individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders.
These additional beds bring the total number at the Bridge Shelter to 30 since July of 2024, when the City received an award of $4.2 million in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funds from the Orange County Health Care Agency to add 15 behavioral health care beds. Having these beds in the Bridge Shelter significantly improved outcomes for the participants.
SoCalGas
No-cost Restaurant Energy Efficiency Starter Kit.
The items included in each kit are specially selected items designed to help reduce your energy consumption and operation costs.
City of Garden Grove
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.
Date: July 23, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Address: Garden Grove Community Meeting Center
11300 Stanford Avenue
Orange County Transportation Authority
The Orange County Transportation Authority is making it easier and more affordable to connect to summer fun without traffic or parking stress with local trolleys, and a special Metrolink summer promotion.
Traveling by trolley and by rail each make it easy and economical to explore all that Orange County has to offer during the warm summer months. Riders can enjoy seamless connections, scenic views, and stress-free transportation.
City of Laguna Beach
Join Assemblymember Diane Dixon for a Business Roundtable where they'll dive into state legislation. Discover how Sacramento can help your business and address the threats that small enterprises are currently facing. Don't miss this opportunity to engage and advocate for a stronger business environment!
Date and Time
Friday Jul 25, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PDT
Location
Susi Q Senior Center: Community Room
380 3rd Street Laguna Beach CA 92651
Website:
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
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