Policy Pulse: July 4, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Jul 4
- 5 min read
As we celebrate Independence Day, ACC-OC extends our warmest wishes for a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday weekend. This is a time to celebrate and honor the enduring commitment to freedom that shapes our nation and local communities. May we reflect on the values that bring us together and continue working toward a brighter future for all!
Join us this August at UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education for the Public Policymaker’s Academy (PPMA)—an intensive, modular leadership development program designed for public officials at every stage of their civic journey. Held over four consecutive Fridays in August, this program delivers timely, practical, and regionally-focused policy education that helps Orange County leaders lead with confidence and impact.
Whether you're a newly elected city councilmember now six months into your first term, a seasoned public official looking to refresh your expertise, or a City Staff or ACC-OC Affiliate member eager to broaden your understanding of regional issues—this academy is built for you!
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.
Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Project
This July, ACC-OC is partnering with OC Sanitation District (OC San) to spotlight their Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Project—a next-generation solution for biosolids management that positions Orange County as a national leader in sustainability and innovation. Whether you're exploring biosolids alternatives, looking to build local capacity in sustainability, or simply interested in innovation in the public sector—this is a must-attend
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 |
Orange County Water District & Municiapal 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.
Mesa Water District
More than 120 future scientists from area high schools presented their research findings at the annual Institute for Conservation Research and Education (ICRE) student poster symposium, hosted at the Mesa Water Education Center. Students spent a year conducting research on a range of environmental topics about local flora, fauna and more.
The winning team was Gaby Barragan, Zoey Young, Gianna Matian, Allie Trask and Lucca Miller from Costa Mesa High School for their presentation, “How do Invasive Mussels Affect Biodiversity?”
City of Irvine
The City of Irvine, in partnership with the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, is hosting the annual Field of Valor event July 1–13 at the Irvine Civic Center Lawn. Members of the community are invited to honor veterans, active duty, or fallen service members by either sponsoring a flag or visiting the flag display.
Honor a loved one by sponsoring a Field of Valor display flag :
Each flag is 3 by 5 feet on a 10-foot pole
Each flag is individually illuminated
Sponsors can name a flag in honor of a veteran or active duty service member
Flag sponsorship is $65 per flag, available through June 20, 2025
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis at cityofirvine.org/fieldofvalor
Proceeds benefit the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee
City of La Palma
The City of La Palma, SEAACA and Vet Care Pet Clinic will partner to host an affordable pet vaccine clinic on Sunday, July 6, from 9-11 a.m. at Central Park.
This community event will offer residents $12 rabies vaccines and a range of essential services including microchipping, wellness exams, deworming and more!
No appointment is needed — residents are encouraged to stop by and take advantage of these low-cost services that help keep pets healthy and safe.
Orange County Water District
Please join OCWD on July 10 at 12 PM for the next WateReuse California Communications Collaborative Group meeting. We'll discuss strategies for engaging medical professionals in water reuse.
Speakers will include:
• Mike McNutt, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
• Eric Rosenblum, Envirospectives
• Christina Montoya, El Paso Water
Cal Assist Mortgage
Applications for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund are now open to California homeowners impacted by recent disasters.
The State of California’s new $105 million mortgage relief fund is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and will provide three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000, to eligible homeowners.
Low- to middle-income households may qualify if they are currently displaced from their home that was destroyed or left uninhabitable as the result of a qualified disaster that occurred between January 2023 and January 2025, such as the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire and San Diego floods.
City of Laguna Beach
Mayor Alex Rounaghi recently joined Assemblywomen Diane Dixon and Cottie Petrie-Norris, Club families, board members, staff, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Play Yard at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach—the first major upgrade to the space in over 20 years.
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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