Policy Pulse: March 6, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
ACC-OC was proud to join city, county, and community leaders from across Orange County in celebrating the grand opening of Waste Management’s new recycling center in the City of Orange.
This state-of-the-art facility represents an important investment in the region’s sustainability infrastructure, helping to improve recycling capacity, reduce landfill waste, and support a more circular economy for Orange County.
ACC-OC remains committed to advancing sustainability as a key policy priority. By supporting innovative infrastructure and collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors, we can help ensure Orange County continues to grow responsibly while protecting our environment for future generations.
We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate this milestone alongside local leaders and industry partners who are working together to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for our region.
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray and Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended Outlook OC 2026, hosted by the OC Forum, on March 3 at the The Pacific Club. They were joined by ACC-OC leaders Hon. Tanya Doby (Los Alamitos), President; Hon. Norma Campos Kurtz (Anaheim), Large City Representative #1; and Hon. Chad Wanke (Placentia), 4th District Representative.
The program featured a dynamic panel discussion with Dr. Mira Farka of California State University, Fullerton, Dean Jon Gould of University of California, Irvine, and Cori Takkinen of Townsend Public Affairs, moderated by Lucy Dunn of the Orange County Business Council. Panelists explored how the economy, public opinion, and policy decisions will shape Orange County during this important election year.
The event brought together regional leaders, policy experts, and community stakeholders for a thoughtful, nonpartisan discussion on the trends and turning points influencing Orange County’s future.
ACC-OC values participating in these conversations and strengthening connections with partners across Orange County’s civic and public affairs community.
ACC-OC Director of Communications Marlene Barraza attended the 2026 State of the City hosted by the City of Fountain Valley on March 5, an evening celebrating the city’s accomplishments and vision for the future. The event, themed “Stars, Stripes and FV Proud,” honored the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States while highlighting the strong sense of community that defines Fountain Valley.
During the program, Jim Cunneen, Mayor of Fountain Valley, and members of the City Council reflected on the city’s progress over the past year and shared updates on initiatives shaping the community’s future. Attendees also heard remarks from Tony Strickland, California State Senator representing the 36th Senate District, who joined local leaders in celebrating Fountain Valley’s continued growth and civic pride.
ACC-OC was proud to join our partners at UC Irvine this week for a special night at the Anaheim Ducks game. The evening brought together community leaders, supporters, and friends for an exciting night of hockey and connection.
The game was particularly memorable as the Ducks honored Head Coach Joel Quenneville who recently became one of only two head coaches in NHL history to reach the incredible milestone of 1,000 career wins. Fans celebrated the achievement with a special in-arena recognition during the game.
Adding to the excitement, the Ducks capped off the night with a thrilling overtime shootout victory, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
ACC-OC is grateful for opportunities like this to connect with partners like UC Irvine and celebrate moments that bring our community together.
On the Way to Sacramento
This weekend, ACC-OC heads to Sacramento for our annual advocacy trip, where Orange County leaders will meet directly with state legislators and administration officials to advocate for policies that support our communities. Stay connected by following ACC-OC on social media for real-time updates, photos, and highlights from the trip.
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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.
Notice of Opportunity: ACC-OC Committee Chairs
ACC-OC is accepting applications for two open Committee Chair positions:
Economic Development & Tourism Committee Chair
Housing & Homelessness Committee Chair
Committee Chairs play an important role in shaping ACC-OC’s annual programming by partnering with ACC-OC staff to provide input on yearly objectives through ACC-OC Bold Programs (Better Opportunities for Learning and Development). Chairs will also help support and host committee programming, including webinars and/or in-person events. Please note, these committees are non-voting and chairs serve a two-year term.
Eligibility
Per ACC-OC policy, Committee Chair positions are open only to ACC-OC Member City Elected Officials whose city is not currently:
Serving in a leadership role on the ACC-OC Board of Directors, or
Holding another ACC-OC Committee Chair position
At this time, eligible applicants must be Elected Officials from the following Member Cities:
Aliso Viejo, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Stanton, and Westminster.
Interested applicants are invited to complete this form. The appointments will be made by the ACC-OC Board of Directors at the March Board of Directors Meeting. Applications close Friday, March 6th.
Please email Lauren Kline, Director of Programs and Operations, with any questions at lkline@accoc.org
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
(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!!
State Treasurer's Office
Please join the State Treasurer's Office for a quarterly webinar series.
Receive updates and learn more about State Treasurer’s Office programs and resources that can benefit the communities you serve.
Topics will include:
Key Updates from the State Treasurer’s Office
CalABLE - Expanded Eligibility for Individuals with Disabilities
California Earthquake Authority - Earthquake Resilience for California Communities
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 State University, Fullerton
You are invited to the Public Administration Spring Mixer! Join for an evening of connection, community, and celebration as they bring together students, faculty, alumni, and community members. All attendees will be entered into an opportunity drawing.
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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