Policy Pulse: March 20, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
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.
The OC Child Care Landscape Webinar: Challenges, Resources & Next Steps
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.
April 2, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Sports, Places, and Entertainment – Enhancing The Orange County Economy Webinar with Kosmont Companies
Join ACC-OC and Kosmont Companies for this Webinar to learn how sports and entertainment projects can become powerful catalysts for economic growth, community revitalization, and long-term value creation.
April 8, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
SONGS Decommissioning Project Tour
Join ACC-OC and Southern California Edison and Todd Priest & Associates to tour San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station decommissioning process before the domes are permanently dismantled.
May 27, 8:30 - 12:30 PM
Golden Hub of Innovation
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 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 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
Orange County Power Authority
Orange County Power Authority has launched a no-cost pilot program to help renters improve comfort, reduce energy use, and support grid reliability—without requiring landlord approval or home modifications. Eligible OCPA customers in Irvine, Buena Park, and Fullerton can receive approximately $1,600 in portable energy equipment, including a heat pump for efficient heating and cooling and a battery system to help manage energy use during peak periods. Applications are open for a limited time and close April 5, with participants selected via lottery and priority given to income-qualified customers.
Sustain SoCal
Celebrate thirteen years of mobility solutions! Sustain SoCal's signature Transportation event, Driving Mobility, is an ecosystem favorite.
Topics Include:
Electrification at Scale
Infrastructure Access
Energy Grid Preparedness
Building Up the Hydrogen Backbone
Public Transit Needs
Autonomous & Self-Driving Vehicles
Drones & Air Mobility
Software-Defined Logistics
Smart City Integration
Transportation Funding Needs
Sustain SoCal is now seeking professional speakers and sponsors as they develop their agenda. Contact info@sustainsocal.org!
Past expo participants include Karma Automotive, Lucid Motors, Rivian, Nissan, Kia, Honda, Ryvid, WattEV, and more!
Use code DM13ACCOC for 50% off
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)
The Transportation Corridor Agencies announce the signing of the Master and Operating agreements by partner agencies to advance the 241/91 Express Connector project. Upon completion, this new tolled median-to-median connector will establish a direct link between the 241 Toll Road and the 91 Express Lanes. The execution of the Master and Operating agreements is a milestone step to moving the project into the construction phase.
(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!!
Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC)
The Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) will benefit from $25M in continuous GGRF funding through the California Association of Local Conservation Corps, following a budget letter from Senators Maria Durazo and Blakespear. This funding will provide corpsmembers with more opportunities to build skills while working on projects that improve communities across Orange County.
City of Laguna Hills
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is offering up to $55,000 for mobile home repairs and $45,000 for single-family homes through the CalHome Home Rehabilitation Program.
City of Lake Forest
Join the Lake Forest Chamber and the City of Lake Forest for an evening of networking, connection, and insight into our community’s future.
The evening begins with the Chamber Meet the Mayor Networking & Cocktail Hour at 5:00 PM. This Chamber-hosted portion includes networking, dinner, and cocktails, and offers attendees the opportunity to connect with local business owners, community leaders, and Mayor Robert Pequeno in a relaxed setting.
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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