Policy Pulse: July 3, 2026
- ACC-OC
- Jul 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 9
This Independence Day carries special meaning as our nation commemorates 250 years of American history.
Across Orange County, our member cities will celebrate with parades, fireworks, and cherished community traditions that bring neighbors together and remind us that some of our strongest bonds are built close to home.
As we celebrate our nation’s founding, we’re grateful for the local leaders, first responders, volunteers, and residents who help keep our communities strong every day.
From all of us at ACC-OC, we wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day.
Keep OC in LOCal Government
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!
On Thursday, June 25, ACC-OC's Marlene Barraza, Director of Communications, attended the City of Stanton's 70th State of the City celebration at Stanton Central Park.
The community-focused event brought together residents, elected officials, and city staff for an evening highlighting Stanton's accomplishments while looking ahead to the city's future. Attendees had the opportunity to visit five interactive council member canopies, where constituents could meet one-on-one with members of the City Council, learn about upcoming projects and initiatives in their neighborhoods, provide feedback, discuss community issues, and engage in meaningful conversations with their local representatives. The family-friendly celebration also featured a kids' play zone, community resources, complimentary dinner for the first 150 Stanton residents, a Bruno Mars tribute concert, and activities for attendees of all ages.
ACC-OC congratulates the City of Stanton on celebrating this important 70-year milestone and thanks city leaders for hosting a successful event that fostered community engagement, transparency, and open dialogue with residents.
On Friday, June 26, ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison and Director of Special Events Heather Sievers attended the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Bioretention Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Anaheim.
The event celebrated the completion of OCCC's new bioretention system, an innovative green infrastructure project designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff. By reducing flooding, improving downstream water quality, and helping recharge local groundwater supplies, the project demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can enhance environmental resilience while protecting Orange County's natural resources.
The bioretention system was planned and designed in collaboration with Olaunu and constructed by OCCC members alongside project partners, providing valuable workforce development opportunities while showcasing the benefits of nature-based stormwater management. ACC-OC was pleased to join community leaders and partners in recognizing this important investment in environmental sustainability and resilient infrastructure.
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
ACC-OC Summer Reception and Non-Profit Expo at Wild Rivers
Please join us for our annual Summer Reception and Non-Profit Expo with complimentary access to Wild Rivers!
This event is open to ACC-OC Members and their Families Only.
July 30, 4:30 PM - 7:30 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.
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.
Goodwill OC
What really happens after you drop off a donation?
Join Goodwill of Orange County on Thursday, July 9, at 11 A.M. at ther #OCGoodwill Headquarters in Santa Ana for our next See The Good Tour.
Go behind the scenes to see how generosity turns into job training, support services, and real opportunities across our community. We’re most known for our thrift stores, but we’re most proud of our mission.
City of Newport Beach
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley is a free service to get you easily moving around the Peninsula without having to pay for parking or worry about finding a place to park. The trolley operates each Saturday and Sunday during the summer beginning on May 23, 2026 and ending on September 7, 2026.
The trolley will also be in service during the summer's major holidays:
Memorial Day on Monday, May 25
Independence Day on Friday, July 3 (Observed Holiday)
Independence Day on Saturday, July 4
Labor Day on Monday, September 7.
USA250 OC
A recent survey by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce found that 92% of Americans agree that civics education is critical to the country’s success, yet only 66% believe it is working well. Eighty-six percent agree the country would be stronger if more people understood how government works. The good news – there is a simple, cost-effective way for cities to address civic education and celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States at the same time.
The best place to start is at the beginning – the beginning of the United States as a free, self-governing country. “Sharing the Spirit of America” is a national project to have Americans across the nation read the Declaration of Independence publicly, together, at the same time it was first read publicly on July 8, 1776. In California, that will be 3:00 p.m.
Bring your city staff and citizens together for half an hour at 3:00 p.m. on July 8. Ask volunteers to read different sections – unite beyond partisan and other differences to focus on our shared heritage. Celebrate America and let the initiators of “Sharing the Spirit of America know your business is joining in by going to https://hawaiiamerica250.org/share-your-reading-location . For what is happening in Orange County, check out https://www.usa250-oc.com/ .
SoCalGas
SoCalGas is excited to deliver ways to learn about different energy-efficiency enhancements to help benefit your residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. These trainings and events are offered at no cost except where otherwise noted.
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 Open: July 2
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
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