Policy Pulse: March 13, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
ACC-OC’s delegation traveled to Sacramento this week for our 2026 Advocacy Trip, spending two days meeting with state leaders, legislative offices, and key agencies to advocate for priorities impacting Orange County cities.
The program included discussions on critical issues such as energy, housing, fiscal policy, aging services, economic development, health and human services, transportation and water infrastructure.
These conversations are an important opportunity to elevate the needs and perspectives of our cities and public agencies at the State Capitol. ACC-OC appreciates the engagement from state leaders and looks forward to continued collaboration to support and strengthen communities across Orange County.
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 and First 5 Orange County invite you to a timely webinar on the recently published 2025 Orange County Child Care Landscape Study—a countywide look at the current supply of licensed child care and what it will take to expand access for families. This webinar will be held on Thursday, April 2nd from 12:30-1:30 PM as part of the ACC-OC Healthcare, Veterans, and Community Services Committee, chaired by Councilmember Howard Hart, City of San Juan Capistrano.
First 5 OC will share new data on availability, affordability, and geographic disparities in licensed child care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and explore how child care access impacts population retention, workforce development, and long-term economic stability across Orange County.
We’ll also discuss what it takes to develop and grow child care facilities in today’s regulatory environment, including zoning, permitting, and key requirements under SB 234.
In this webinar, participants will learn about:
Key findings from the recently published 2025 Orange County Child Care Landscape data, including availability, affordability, and geographic disparities in licensed child care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.
Discuss facility development challenges and best practices for child care providers, including zoning, permitting, and compliance with SB 234.
Provide countywide resources and technical assistance available through First 5 Orange County and partners to support child care expansion and quality improvement.
Offer actionable steps and advocacy opportunities to improve access to high-quality child care and support equitable outcomes for all children in Orange County.
As a policymaker or city planner, this webinar will offer practical insights and clear next steps to strengthen childcare across Orange County.
Please note, this webinar is designed for Orange County Elected Officials, City Staff, and ACC-OC Members only.
Join us on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 for an evening celebrating bold leadership, innovative ideas, and the individuals and organizations making an impact across our community.
Nominations and event registration will open soon. RSVP to receive a notification when details become available.
ACC-OC is actively monitoring the 2025–26 legislative session to protect and advance the interests of our members.
SUPPORT - SB 935 (Choi): Local Agency Design-Build Projects
ACC-OC supports expanding design-build contracting for local agencies to streamline public infrastructure delivery and reduce costs.
OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED - SB 677 (Wiener): Transit-Oriented Development
ACC-OC supports smart housing growth, but this bill needs amendments to better address local planning impacts before we can get behind it.
Stay connected as we continue to advocate on your behalf in Sacramento.
ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, connecting cities and public sector organizations with energy-saving opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Through SoCalGas initiatives such as the Regional Energy Pathways (REP) Program and the Statewide Water Infrastructure and System Efficiency (WISE™) Program, eligible agencies can benefit from expert guidance, project support, and valuable financial incentives.
Program Highlights
Regional Energy Pathways (REP) Program
No-cost energy assessments to identify savings opportunities
Financial support for energy-efficient upgrades
Project management assistance and on-bill financing
Whole-facility energy audits and no-cost measures such as insulation, low-flow fixtures, and kitchen equipment improvements
Statewide WISE™ Program
Rebates for energy-efficient water and wastewater system improvements
Eligible measures include high-efficiency pump upgrades, VFD installations, boiler replacements, and insulation improvements
Available to water and wastewater pumping customers within PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, and SDG&E territories
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 |
Statewide WISE Program
California Sober Living Taskforce (CASLAR)
This is a reminder that our next California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force meeting will take place, Friday, March 13th, at 2:00 PM. The meeting will be in person at:
County of Orange | 601 N Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701| CAS MPR Room, and via Zoom.
Topic: Sober Living Task Force Meeting - March 2026
Time: March 13, 2026 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 828 3921 5746
Passcode: 726714
Congressman Lou Correa
Congressman Lou Correa is hosting a Women Veterans Resource Fair this Saturday at the Tierney Center for Veteran Services. The event is open to women who are military-connected, including women veterans, active duty service members, reservists, military spouses, and dependents.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with organizations offering resources such as housing support, VA benefits assistance, legal services, employment opportunities, and more. A painting activity will also be available for children and adults, making this a family-friendly event.
For questions or additional information, contact the Congressman’s office at (714) 559-6190.
(X)BN
XBN is partnering with the SoCal Procurement Alliance for their 5th Annual Supplier Outreach Event at the Anaheim Convention Center—and the numbers speak for themselves:
1,500+ Attendees
375+ Exhibitors
50+ Government Agencies
25+ Chambers & Non-Profits
25+ Corporate Partners
What You'll Experience:
Business Matchmaking with qualified buyers and decision-makers
Expert-Led Panels on procurement and contracting
Next-Level Networking across all sectors
Real Opportunities to secure contracts and partnerships
This is Collaboration(X) at scale. This is the X-Factor in action!!
University of California, Irvine
Join UC Irvine students, alumni and friends for a screening of “Bright Harvest: Powering Earth from Space,” a 25-min documentary that follows the incredible journey of three Caltech professors who came together over a decade ago to solve a problem: How do you power Earth from space to provide an endless supply of clean, sustainable energy?
Municipal Water District of Orange County
You're invited to the region's premier water conference, the OC Water Summit. Now in its 18th year, this annual event brings together water industry leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and community stakeholders to address today's most pressing water challenges. Explore critical issues in water supply reliability, policy innovation, emerging technologies, and sustainable solutions—while connecting with hundreds of professionals shaping the future of water in our region. Join us for a dynamic day of insightful discussions, collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities.
Registration will open soon.
Disneyland Resort
Disney Destinations is featuring offers just for California residents:
Big savings on 3-Day Park Hopper tickets valid Jan 1–May 21, 2026.
Up to 25% off Disneyland Resort hotel stays for 3+ nights through May 7, 2026.
Special Magic Key pass option with a low down payment and monthly plan.
Park Foundation
Environment Grant
Grants to USA nonprofit organizations for environmental projects. Applicants must
contact program staff before applying. Funding is intended for activities that assist in
keeping drinking water clean, protected, affordable, accessible, and managed as a
public necessity, and for projects that challenge continued shale gas extraction and
infrastructure expansion.
Application Deadline: April 4, 2026
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust Grant
Grants to USA nonprofit organizations to improve the lives of injured military veterans
and their families. Funding is intended to support a range of services and programs
including, but not limited to, therapeutic and recreational activities, career training and
education, rehabilitation programs, shelters for the homeless, and the supply of
mobility items.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD)
Capital Improvement Grant
Grants of up to $5,000 and grants of up to $25,000 to California nonprofit
organizations to enhance local parks and park facilities in eligible locations. Support is
given to capital improvement projects that reflect the needs of the local community.
This grant program is intended to help community groups initiate, organize, plan, and
implement a project in partnership with Conejo Recreation & Park District. Capital
improvement projects must be constructed on District property.
Application Deadline: May 1, 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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