Policy Pulse: May 2, 2025
- ACC-OC
- May 2
- 7 min read
ACC-OC had the privilege of attending the 2025 SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly celebrating SCAG’s 60th anniversary with panels featuring regional leaders from government, business, advocacy, and academia discussing the pressing topics of Southern California’s future. Orange County Cities and Agencies including the City of Santa Ana and the Transportation Corridor Agencies were recognized for their groundbreaking work in Sustainability Initiatives.
On May 1, ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray presented at WakeUp! Newport, hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at Newport Beach City Hall. Murray highlighted ACC-OC’s ongoing leadership initiatives and collaborative efforts across Orange County, emphasizing the organization's commitment to regional policy solutions and civic engagement.
ACC-OC’s Energy, Environment, and Water Committee, chaired by Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi, hosted a highly informative and well-attended webinar on April 30 to help cities navigate the newly enacted AB 1572, which bans the use of potable water for irrigating nonfunctional turfgrass on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties.
Experts from the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the law’s phased implementation timeline, key exemptions, and compliance requirements. Attendees also received valuable insights into rebate opportunities, technical support, and long-term strategies to align with California’s water conservation framework.
Powerpoint Presentation |
Join us for the ACC-OC Leadership Summit and the prestigious Golden Hub of Innovation Awards, where local leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to shape the future of Orange County. This exclusive event will feature thought-provoking discussions on key issues facing the region, as well as highlight groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative solutions that are driving progress. The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards will recognize outstanding achievements in public policy, innovation, and community impact, honoring those who are making a difference in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top decision-makers, celebrate exceptional leadership, and be part of the conversation that shapes Orange County’s future!
Event Includes:
4:30 - Cocktail Reception
5:30 - Dinner Service & Keynote Address
6:45 - Golden Hubs of Innovation Awards
The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations in Orange County for their exceptional creativity and leadership in driving innovation across various sectors, fostering progress and prosperity within our communities.
2025 Golden Hub Award Categories Include:
Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence
Collaborative Community Development & Innovation
Community Safety and Resilience Excellence
Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Transportation Innovation and Mobility Solutions
Valor Award - Honoring First Responders and Veterans
City Staff Leader of the Year
City Manager of the Year
ACC-OC Innovator of the Year
Legacy Award (Judges' Choice)
CalOptima Health PACE Center & Street Medicine Tour
Join ACC-OC and CalOptima Health to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Orange County’s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Garden Grove. Experience the PACE center’s modern and spacious location and learn how PACE combines health care and adult day services.
Tour the La Paz Landslide Project
Discover the groundbreaking efforts behind one of Orange County’s most impactful environmental recovery projects! In partnership with the City of Laguna Niguel's Public Works Department, ACC-OC is excited to host an exclusive tour and briefing on the La Paz Landslide Project.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has provided amended Rules (PARS) 1111 and 1121, which aim to reduce NOx emissions from natural-gas-fired furnaces and water heaters.
While these regulations could bring significant environmental changes, concerns remain about transparency, financial impacts on homeowners and businesses, public awareness, and the readiness of the electrical grid. A coalition of stakeholders urges AQMD to delay implementation until at least 2029 to allow for infrastructure improvements and cost mitigation.
What’s Next?
Public Hearing - Postponed until June 6, 2025 (subject to change)
Notice of Public Hearing - posted April 11, 2025
Draft Socioeconomic Impact Assessment - posted March 31, 2025
Draft Proposed Amended Rule 1111 - posted April 1, 2025
Draft Proposed Amended Rule 1121 - posted April 1, 2025
Draft Staff Report - posted April 1, 2025
A recent economic report by Cost of Living Council provided a comprehensive analysis of the financial consequences associated with the proposed amendments to AQMD Rules 1111 and 1121. The findings reveal that implementation without delay could cost Southern California residents and businesses billions in retrofits, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure strain—placing a disproportionate burden on working families and small businesses.
ACC-OC remains committed to advocating a balanced, practical approach supporting environmental goals and economic feasibility.
ACC-OC's Submitted Letter |
ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, helping cities and public sector organizations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Benefits of Participating:
✔ No-cost energy assessments to identify saving opportunities
✔ Financial support for energy-efficient equipment upgrades
✔ Expert guidance from energy professionals on best practices
✔ Reduced energy consumption to meet state and local sustainability goals
✔ Project management assistance to streamline implentation
Through programs like the Large Public Sector Program and Public Direct Install Program, eligible organizations can receive:
Whole facility energy audits to create customized energy-saving roadmaps
No-cost efficiency upgrades, including hot water insulation, low-flow fixtures, and commercial kitchen improvements
Rebates and on-bill financing for energy-efficient equipment installations
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 |
CalOptima Health
This past week, CalOptima Health coordinated and distributed a joint letter with our local safety net partners to Orange County’s delegation to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to advocate for the protection of Medicaid funding amid the ongoing threat of cuts during the budget reconciliation process.
The other signatories include:
County of Orange Health Care Agency
County of Orange Social Services Agency
First 5 Orange County (Children & Families Commission of Orange County)
Hospital Association of Southern California
Orange County Medical Association
Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers
O.C. Medicaid Advocacy Coalition | CalOptimal Health Medicaid Advocacy |
City of Stanton
You're invited to the City of Stanton’s 2025 State of the City on June 26! This marks an exciting new chapter for their community, and they can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening, where you’ll hear from City leaders about Stanton’s future, explore upcoming projects and connect with your neighbors. Enjoy exciting family-friendly activities, performances and more! The first 100 registered participants will receive a FREE dinner. The event will conclude with a Symphony on the Go performance beginning at 7:30pm.
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 6-8:30pm
Location: Stanton Central Park, 10660 Western Ave.
Questions? Please contact our Community Services Department at (714) 890-4270.
City of Irvine
The State of the Great Park is May 6 — and you're invited!
With a budget of over $1 billion, the Great Park is America's largest under-development municipal park. Join the City of Irvine for a one-of-a-kind, interactive community experience at the State of the Great Park, where residents, neighbors, and visitors can explore the past, celebrate the present, and envision the exciting future of one of the nation’s most ambitious public park projects.
Attendees will enjoy interactive exhibits from Great Park partners, a unique virtual reality (VR) experience that immerses guests in the present and future of the Great Park, a look at the updated walkable timeline at the Great Park, live music, refreshments, and more. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community.
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. PT
Where: Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Park in Parking Lot 2. (See Great Park map)
Who:
Mike Carroll, Chairman of the Great Park and Councilmember
Larry Agran, Mayor of the City of Irvine
William Go, Vice Chairman of the Great Park and Councilmember
Sustain Southern California
Sustain SoCal invites you to join a timely and impactful event focused on transforming how they grow, distribute, and consume food in Southern California. The Agriculture & Food Systems event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and community members to explore how regenerative agriculture, circular restaurant practices, and emerging ag-tech can improve food security, soil health, and sustainability across the region.
This is a must-attend for local farmers, food service workers, sustainability advocates, and anyone passionate about reducing food waste and building a more resilient food system.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The Cove at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA 92617
OC Sanitation District
OC San is proud to receive the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Report for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2024. This award from the Government Finance Officers Association is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
This is the 31st consecutive year OC San has been honored with this award, recognizing OC San’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability. To receive the award, the Annual Comprehensive Report met the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
City of Dana Point
The American Red Cross continues to face the worst blood shortage in more than a decade. You can help! Sign up to donate at an upcoming blood drive in town.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
10:00am - 4:00pm
Dana Point Harbor Partners
34475 Golden Lantern
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
9:00am - 3:00pm
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
33501 Stonehill Dr.
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
Department of Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
This program provides technical and financial support to conserve priority coastal ecosystems. Through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies, the Coastal Program aims to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
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