Policy Pulse: June 12, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
Event Sold Out - Registration Now Closed!
We’re stepping up to the plate for a home run conversation with Molly Jolly, President of Angels Baseball, to explore leadership, community impact, and the future of one of Orange County’s most iconic organizations. Jolly made franchise history as the ninth President of the Angels and the first woman ever appointed to the role. Entering her 26th season with the organization in 2026, she brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience spanning finance, operations, strategic growth, marketing, communications, and overall business strategy. In her current role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Club and helps shape the future direction of the Angels organization both on and off the field.
Event Details:
ACC-OC Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
The Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
June 24, 2026 I 4:30-8:00 PM
4:30 - Cocktail Reception
5:30 - Dinner Service & Keynote Address
6:45 - Golden Hubs of Innovation Awards
8:00 - Event Concludes
Questions? Email Lauren Kline, Director of Programs and Operations at lkline@accoc.org
ACC-OC welcomed Orange County elected officials and members to a special Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) program on June 10, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at OCVIBE, one of the largest privately funded development projects in Southern California.
Hosted by ACC-OC’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee, chaired by Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, the program began at the ARTIC Transit Center in Anaheim with welcome remarks by Anaheim Councilmembers Norma Campos-Kurtz and Kristin Maahs. A project overview presentation by Matthew Hicks, Vice President of Public Affairs for OCVIBE. Attendees learned about the vision, scale, and long-term economic impact of the transformative $5 billion development before participating in a guided construction tour of the site.
Backed by the Samueli Family, OCVIBE will reimagine the 100 acres surrounding the Honda Center into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring residential neighborhoods, dining, entertainment, office space, public gathering areas, and world-class venues. The first phase of the project is expected to open to the public in early 2027.
The BOLD program provided participants with valuable insight into one of the most significant private investments in the region’s history and highlighted the role innovative development projects play in shaping Orange County’s economic future.
ACC-OC extends its appreciation to the OCVIBE team for hosting this informative program and providing members with a firsthand look at this exciting project.
ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended the City of Fullerton’s 2026 State of the City, presented by Mayor Fred Jung at the Summit House Restaurant on June 11. The annual event brought together community leaders, businesses, and residents to hear updates on the City’s accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities. The program provided valuable insights into Fullerton’s vision for continued economic growth and community development while fostering collaboration among civic and regional stakeholders.
Kathryn Morrison, ACC-OC’s Director of Member Services, attended the U.S. Men’s National Team Community Training Session at the Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine on June 8, as the City of Irvine officially welcomed the team to its Team Base Camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The event marked a significant milestone for Orange County, showcasing Irvine’s world-class sports and civic infrastructure on an international stage. The Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium will serve as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s training site throughout the tournament, highlighting the city’s commitment to investing in facilities that benefit residents while attracting global events.
Hosted by the City of Irvine and U.S. Soccer, the community training session provided a unique opportunity for attendees to watch the team prepare for its World Cup campaign and celebrate this historic moment with local leaders, residents, and soccer fans from across the region.
ACC-OC is proud to recognize the City of Irvine for its leadership in bringing this prestigious event to Orange County and demonstrating how strategic investments in public infrastructure create lasting regional impact.
ACC-OC’s Director of Member Services, Kathryn Morrison, participated in the 42nd Annual Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off on June 7, serving as a judge for one of Orange County’s most beloved community traditions. Joining her at the event were ACC-OC Board of Directors 2nd Vice President and Villa Park Council Member Crystal Miles, and Al Murray, Ex Officio Past President of the Board.
Held in Old Town Tustin, the annual event brought together residents, businesses, community organizations, and chili enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Known for its award-winning chili recipes and vibrant atmosphere, the Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off continues to be a signature event that showcases the strong sense of community that makes Tustin a great place to live, work, and visit.
ACC-OC was proud to be represented at this longstanding community celebration and congratulates the City of Tustin, event organizers, volunteers, and participants on another successful year.
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.
SONGS Decommissioning Project Tour
We are currently at capacity for our Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program: SONGS Decommissioning Project Tour. Participants will learn about the history of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), see firsthand the progress being made in the decommissioning process, learn about the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and gain insight into what the community can expect in both the short and long term for the site.
This will be the last opportunity to view the site before the iconic domes are permanently dismantled.
For additional information, please contact Lauren Kline at lkline@accoc.org.
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! |
Cityside Fiber
You're invited to Cityside Fiber's Groundbreaking Ceremony at Rancho Santa Margarita.
Speaker:
Rod Hanson
CEO, Cityside Fiber
Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
10:00 - 11:30 am
The Bell Tower Regional
Community Center (Ballroom)
22232 El Paseo
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Orange County Water District
Collecting water from a 2,650-square mile watershed – Southern California’s largest – the Santa Ana River (SAR), is a critical water source for the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which is managed by the Orange County Water District and provides a reliable, high-quality supply for 2.5 million residents.
This webinar will examine the SAR’s role in regional water reliability and the coordinated efforts to manage and protect this resource. It will highlight historic floods and legal battles that were ultimately settled by the 1969 Santa Ana River Judgment. A creation of the Judgement is the SAR Watermaster, whose role and responsibilities will be discussed as part of the effective water management of river flows upstream of and within Orange County. Participants will also receive a high-level overview of the major facilities, basins, dams, and wetlands that support operations throughout the watershed.
Featured speaker:
Roy Herndon, P.G., C.HG, Chief of Hydrogeology, Orange County Water District
Registration link:
Orange County Water District
A recently released Orange County Grand Jury report, “PFAS and Public Awareness: A Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water,” recognized the Orange County Water District's (OCWD) proactive response to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including regional efforts to restore impacted groundwater wells, construct treatment facilities, secure funding, and educate the public.
OCWD manages the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides approximately 85% of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. Following the detection of PFAS in portions of the basin (measured in parts per trillion), 106 groundwater wells were taken out of service. Since 2019, OCWD and its local cities and retail water districts have worked to restore groundwater production, returning 53 wells to service through the construction of PFAS treatment facilities.
City of Fountain Valley
Join Fountain Valley on Saturday, June 13 at 9 a.m. for the 2nd Mile with the Mayor. Meet in front of City Hall (10200 Slater Ave.). Residents are invited to lace up their walking shoes and join the Mayor for Mile with the Mayor, a fun and active community gathering designed to bring neighbors together while enjoying the outdoors.
State Treasurer's Office
Join the State Treasurer’s Office on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for the next webinar in the Inside the Vault: Resources for Local Leaders series. This webinar will feature updates from the State Treasurer’s Office, including information on the newly launched HOPE Trust Account Program and a new Disneyland-themed license plate benefitting children’s hospitals.
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/ .
Orange County Transportation Authority
The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors today approved a balanced budget of approximately $2 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, continuing investments in transit, freeways, streets and roads, and other transportation improvements that keep Orange County moving while maintaining OCTA's long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Municipal Water District Orange County
You are invited to join us for an evening of meaningful discussion, networking, and policy insights at the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Water Policy Forum & Dinner. This signature event will take place on Monday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. at The Westin.
The forum will focus on the future of California water management, featuring a panel on the Sites Reservoir Project. Experts will discuss water rights, regional benefits, costs, and next steps for this key infrastructure effort.
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
Charge Ready Transport Program
Infrastructure Funding
Grants to public agencies, transit operators, and fleet owners in California to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Funding is intended to assist with the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, helping reduce upfront costs and prepare fleets for electrification. The program can also strengthen applications for other competitive funding opportunities that require a demonstrated infrastructure plan.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
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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