Policy Pulse: June 26, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
At the heart of every thriving community are leaders who see challenges as opportunities and dedicate themselves to making a difference. The ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards were created to recognize these remarkable individuals and organizations whose vision, collaboration, and innovation are enhancing the quality of life across Orange County. On this night, we proudly celebrate all of the finalists—whose work reminds us that extraordinary public service has the power to create lasting, meaningful change for every resident.
On June 24, 2026, ACC-OC hosted the Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, bringing together elected officials, city leaders, regional partners, and community stakeholders from across Orange County for an evening celebrating leadership, innovation, and public service excellence.
The event featured a keynote conversation with Molly Jolly, President of Angels Baseball, who shared insights on leadership, organizational growth, community impact, and her historic role as the first woman to serve as President of the Angels organization. Entering her 26th season with the club, Jolly reflected on the importance of innovation, strategic vision, and building strong community connections both on and off the field.
The evening culminated with the presentation of ACC-OC's 2026 Golden Hub of Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding programs, projects, and individuals making a meaningful difference throughout Orange County.
Community Safety and Resilience Excellence
Honorable Mentions:
Costa Mesa Ready: Equipping the Community with Emergency Preparedness
Irvine Police Department's Office of Emergency Management
Bike X and Helmets Event, City of Mission Viejo
Winner:
SAFE Skies: Stanton Aerial Fireworks Enforcement (SAFE) Program
Collaborative Community Development & Innovation
Honorable Mentions:
Disneyland Resort: Wishes Assemble
Early Childhood Friendly City Resolutions, First 5 OC
Pacific Symphony's "Symphony on the Go!"
Winner:
San Gabriel River Trash Mitigation Initiative led by Council Member Joe Kalmick, City of Seal Beach
Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence
Honorable Mention:
Adapting to Community Needs through Continuous Insight, City of Newport Beach
Winner:
A Unified Digital Ecosystem, City of Los Alamitos
Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Honorable Mention:
Anaheim Public Utilities Sustainability Education Center
Winner:
Groundwater Well Site Project by the Laguna Beach County Water District, the City of Newport Beach, and the City of Fountain Valley
Transportation Innovation and Mobility Solutions
Honorable Mention:
OC Wave Fare Payment System by Orange County Transportation Authority
Winner:
241/91 Express Connector Project by the Transportation Corridor Agencies, Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, and Caltrans
Valor Award – Honoring First Responders & Public Safety Professionals
Honorable Mention:
Captain Nick Nicholas, Seal Beach Police Department
Winner:
Laguna Beach Fire Department — Rancho Fire Response
City Staff Leader of the Year
Honorable Mention:
Matt West, Assistant City Manager, City of Garden Grove
Winner:
Karin Koch, Director of Economic Development, City of Irvine
City Manager of the Year
Winner:
Tamara Letourneau, City Manager, City of Laguna Niguel
ACC-OC Innovator of the Year
Winner:
Annette M. Walker, MHAPresident, Ronald and Sandi Simon Presidential ChairCity of Hope Orange County
ACC-OC Legacy Award
Winner:
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project
The 2026 Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards highlighted the exceptional leadership, collaboration, and forward-thinking initiatives that continue to strengthen Orange County's communities. ACC-OC extends its congratulations to all finalists, honorable mention recipients, and award winners whose dedication and innovation are helping shape the region's future.
ACC-OC proudly congratulates Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison on being recognized by Council Member Melinda Liu and the City of Irvine during a special Flag Day ceremony honoring military and community service.
The recognition coincided with the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, Women Veterans Recognition Day, and Flag Day, making the occasion especially meaningful. As a U.S. Army Veteran, Kathryn was honored for her continued commitment to public service and her contributions to the Orange County community.
During the ceremony, the City of Irvine recognized Kathryn's dedication both in and out of uniform, noting the meaningful impact her service has had on those around her. Her military experience instilled values of resilience, discipline, leadership, and service—qualities she continues to demonstrate through her work and community involvement.
ACC-OC is honored to have Kathryn as part of our team and celebrates her well-deserved recognition for a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to both country and community.
On Tuesday, June 23, ACC-OC's Marlene Barraza, Director of Communications, and Kathryn Morrison, Director of Member Services, joined regional leaders and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of Cityside Fiber in Rancho Santa Margarita. They were also joined by ACC-OC Board Affiliate Member Kelley Lee of Southern California Edison, who attended the celebration in support of this exciting milestone.
The event marked an exciting milestone as Cityside Fiber continues to expand its high-speed fiber network and invest in stronger connectivity throughout Orange County. We are thrilled to see their continued growth and success and are proud to have Cityside Fiber as an ACC-OC Affiliate Member.
Congratulations to the entire Cityside Fiber team on this exciting achievement—we look forward to seeing your continued impact across our region!
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 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.
Giles – O’Malley Center for Leadership | CSU Fullerton
The Summer Leadership Institute aims to equip high school students with essential leadership tools and techniques that can be applied in school, community, and future careers, through workshops, group activities, leadership exercises, and opportunities for hands-on learning.
Graduates of the Summer Leadership Institute will receive a signed certificate from the Center commemorating their achievement.
For more information, please contact leadership@fullerton.edu
Download the PDF
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 Costa Mesa
The City of Costa Mesa is launching an initiative “Celebrate America 250 by Planting 250 Trees.”
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
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
Comments