Policy Pulse: May 15, 2026
- ACC-OC
- 49 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Last chance to nominate! Nominations for the ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards close today, Friday, May 15.
This special evening brings together more than 200 of Orange County’s leaders to celebrate the people, projects, and partnerships driving innovation and impact across our region. We are especially excited to share that Molly Jolly, the new President of Angels Baseball and the first female president in franchise history, will join us for our keynote conversation. It is sure to be an inspiring and memorable discussion on leadership, vision, and breaking new ground.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to recognize outstanding leaders, programs, and initiatives that are driving innovation and excellence throughout our communities.
Additionally, registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for the Golden Hub of Innovation Awards event taking place on June 24th at the Nixon Library.
Event Details:
ACC-OC Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
The Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
June 24, 2026 I 4:30-8:00 PM
4:30 - Cocktail Reception
5:30 - Dinner Service & Keynote Address
6:45 - Golden Hubs of Innovation Awards
8:00 - Event Concludes
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and support the impactful work happening across Orange County. We look forward to receiving your nominations and seeing you at the event!
Questions? Email Lauren Kline, Director of Programs and Operations at lkline@accoc.org
ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison and Director of Communications Marlene Barraza attended Laguna Beach's 2026 State of the City Mayor’s Luncheon on Monday, May 11, at the beautiful Montage Laguna Beach. The annual event brought together Laguna Beach’s business, nonprofit, hospitality, arts, and civic leaders for an afternoon focused on community connection and city updates.
Mayor Mark Orgill shared insights on Laguna Beach’s current priorities, accomplishments, and vision for the future, while attendees had the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the community. Hosted by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon continues to serve as one of the city’s premier civic and business gatherings.
ACC-OC is proud to support the City of Laguna Beach and its ongoing efforts to strengthen the community, foster collaboration, and shape a vibrant future for residents and businesses alike.
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 BOLD Program: OCVIBE Project Overview + Construction Tour
Join ACC-OC’s Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at OCVIBE, one of the largest privately funded development projects in Southern California. This tour is hosted by ACC-OC’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee, chaired by Vice Mayor James Mai, City of Irvine.
June 10, 12:00 PM - 1:30 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.
June 18, 8:30 AM - 12:30 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 Orange
Thanks to a 2 million appropriation from Congressman Lou Correa, Orange has 10 new lit pickleball courts at Hart Park.
Play is free (first come, first served) and the courts are open until 11:00 pm.
City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach has a brand-new fleet of open-air trolleys inspired by the historic Pacific Electric Red Cars that connected Newport Beach to Los Angeles from the early 1900’s until the 1950’s.
During that era, the trolleys brought thousands of visitors from Los Angeles to the beaches, harbor & Balboa Peninsula, transforming Newport Beach into the coastal destination it is today.
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, the free Balboa Peninsula Trolley will continue the people moving legacy & operate every Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM to 9:30 PM through Labor Day, running from Mariners’ Mile to the Balboa Pier.
Think:
✅ Easy to park
✅ Less traffic
✅ Access to the beach, restaurants, harbor, shopping, local events & more
This investment in smart transportation is possible thanks to a multi-million dollar grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority which covers 90% of the cost & supports new, cleaner operating shuttles & expanded routes.
Hop on, take in the views, and enjoy the ride! 🌴🌊
Santa Margarita Water District
The Water Festival returns for another unforgettable day of education, exploration, and family fun. This community favorite invites residents to learn about H2O, connect with their local water provider, and discover how water, wildlife, and sustainability work together to support our environment. Enjoy hands-on activities, bus tours, live shows, music, food, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Details:
Saturday, May 16
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SMWD: 26111 Antonio Parkway, RSM
USA250
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/ .
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
More than 130 cyclists took to the streets of Orange early Wednesday morning, riding together in a show of community spirit and support for active transportation as part of OCTA’s annual Bike Rally, a signature event celebrating May as Bike Month.
The 4-mile group ride began at the Orange Metrolink Station and traveled through city streets and a slice of Santa Ana to OCTA headquarters, highlighting how easy, accessible and enjoyable biking can be for commuting, recreation and everyday trips across Orange County.
OCVIBE
A bold new public art program is coming to Anaheim, as OCVIBE partners with FUTUREFORMS to bring more than 70 original works to life across the district. The result will be a vibrant, walkable outdoor gallery in the heart of the city.
Sustain SoCal
Sustain SoCal invites you to explore the future of urban agriculture and sustainability through an engaging, hands-on experience. Topics include irrigation and water management, food safety considerations, compostable products, and transforming waste streams into revenue opportunities. The program also includes guided tours of local sites.
Details:
Tuesday, May 19
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Rancho Mission Viejo – Ranch Camp
30225 Ranch Canyon, Mission Viejo
Municipal Water District Orange County
You are invited to join us for an evening of meaningful discussion, networking, and policy insights at the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s (MWDOC) Water Policy Forum & Dinner. This signature event will take place on Monday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. at The Westin.
The forum will focus on the future of California water management, featuring a panel on the Sites Reservoir Project. Experts will discuss water rights, regional benefits, costs, and next steps for this key infrastructure effort.
Southern California Edison
To help you stay informed and prepared for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, SCE is hosting two virtual discussions for customers.
You will learn about:
· What to expect this year
· How to prepare for outages
· Available programs and services
· Getting support during an outage
· Enhancing emergency preparedness
You may register to attend the May 19 or May 21 virtual community meetings.
Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG)
OCCOG invites you to their 2026 Annual Conference: The Future is Here.
You will want to be in the room with Orange County’s most influential voices as we gather to shape the region’s future.
Wednesday, May 27th at STA Jets in Costa Mesa.
This year’s conversations: Leveraging technology for wildfire mitigation, Autonomous Vehicles, and Advanced Air Mobility, with a first introduction to Joby’s EvTOL!
Keynote Speaker: Economist Chris Thornberg
Sponsoring and underwriting puts your team in the room with 200+ elected officials, city managers, planning leaders, and other decision makers from around the County.
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
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