Policy Pulse: March 27, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
ACC-OC’s 2026 Sacramento Advocacy Trip brought city leaders face-to-face with state policymakers to discuss key issues impacting Orange County communities—including housing affordability, infrastructure funding, regulatory challenges, and public safety.
Across more than 30 meetings, a clear message emerged: while the state is offering significant funding and policy opportunities, cities continue to face barriers in accessing these resources due to complexity, rising costs, and regulatory hurdles.
Ongoing advocacy will be critical to ensure state programs remain flexible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of local governments.
2026 ACC-OC Sacramento Advocacy Trip Report
The 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report is now available—offering a comprehensive, data-driven look at the opportunities and challenges facing women and girls across our region.
We’re proud to recognize ACC-OC 2nd Vice President Hon. Crystal Miles (Villa Park) for her leadership in helping bring this report together, alongside the many dedicated contributors who made this work possible.
This inaugural report highlights key insights on economic security, education, housing, healthcare, and more—providing a valuable resource to inform policy and strengthen our communities.
We encourage our members and partners to explore the findings and join us in congratulating Hon. Crystal Miles and all those involved in advancing this important effort.
2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report
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 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! |
First 5 Orange County
First 5 OC is engaging land use and zoning officials across the County to ensure the data accurately reflects local processes and to identify areas where improvements may reduce barriers for both jurisdictions and child care providers. The following link provides access to a local land use survey that documents policies and planning procedures related to child care in Orange County.
Survey Link:
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.
OC Forum
OC Forum’s upcoming luncheon, She Builds Capital, on Friday, April 10th at The Pacific Club.
This program will feature a panel of exceptional leaders:
• Susan B. Parks, Orange County United Way
• Natasha Mata, Wells Fargo
• Lindsey Monina, CFA, Knightsbridge Wealth Management
• Christine Allen, Esq., Law Stein Anderson
They’ll share real stories and practical insights about financial confidence, navigating major life milestones, and supporting the financial wellbeing of our teams and communities.
The program is open to all about a topic that matters for anyone leading teams or planning for the future.
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.
USA250 OC
One is known as “the Father of Our Country,” the other “the Grandfather of our Country.” One won the war for independence at home; the other won the war abroad.
Imagine a spirited chat between two of America’s most indispensable founders as they reflect on the fragile birth of a new nation and their visions for liberty and leadership. Enjoy Franklin’s mischievous wit and curiosity with Washington’s steady resolve and calm, commanding presence as they swap stories about their lives, the ideals that would shape and forge a nation, and their life-long friendship.
Join us for “A Conversation With Ben and George” on Saturday, April 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. in Yorba Linda. Admission is Free and attendees will also enjoy a discounted museum admission of $17.76 to the museum galleries, including the new America 250 Exhibit.
Space is limited so please RSVP soon.
For more information about America’s 250th birthday go to USA250-OC.com.
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
(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.
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
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
California Climate Investments
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program
Grants and loans to California communities and developers for projects that integrate affordable housing with sustainable transportation and infrastructure improvements. Funding is intended to support transit-oriented development, active transportation, and community amenities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase access to housing, jobs, and key destinations. Projects should prioritize disadvantaged and low-income communities and demonstrate measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Application Deadline: May 4, 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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