Policy Pulse: May 23, 2025
- ACC-OC
- May 23
- 6 min read
This Memorial Day, ACC-OC honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We are profoundly grateful for their courage, dedication, and selflessness. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
We’re excited to welcome back the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) as an affiliate member of ACC-OC. Serving central Orange County since 1961, IRWD is a leader in water reliability, resource innovation, and environmental stewardship. From delivering high-quality drinking water to pioneering recycled water and conservation programs, IRWD continues to set the standard for sustainable utility service. We look forward to partnering with IRWD to advance smart, sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Orange County communities.
ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Thank You for the Overwhelming Response!
We’re thrilled to share that we received an overwhelming number of nominations for this year’s Golden Hub of Innovation Awards—thank you to everyone who submitted! Your enthusiasm highlights the incredible innovation and dedication happening across Orange County, and we can’t wait to celebrate your achievements.
The ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards honor excellence in public service and recognize creative, collaborative efforts from local governments, regional agencies, and community partners.
We invited nominations in the following categories:
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)
Nominations closed on Friday, May 16 at 5:00 PM
Seats are still available—register now to join us as we honor innovation, leadership, and public service across Orange County!
Summer Legislative Reception & Orange County Non-Profit Expo
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the Orange County Non-Profit Expo and Live Music by 90's cover band Diego's Garage, featuring OCTA's CEO Darrell Johnson. Splash into summer with local leaders, community changemakers, and nonprofit champions - all at Orange County's favorite waterpark!
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has provided amended Rules (PARS) 1111 and 1121, which seek to reduce NOx emissions from natural-gas-fired furnaces and water heaters by 2067. ACC-OC remains concerned about transparency, financial economic impacts on residents and small businesses, public awareness, and the readiness of the electrical grid. It’s important for cities and community stakeholders to send letters to the AQMD Board urging them to delay action on these amended, proposed rules, which as written will have significant cost impacts for all residents, with low-income communities and seniors on fixed incomes being the hardest hit.
What’s Next?
June 6, 2025 - Public Hearing (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.
This month, ACC-OC submitted an updated comment letter highlighting continued concerns with the proposed regulations in advance of the June 6th Public Hearing.
ACC-OC remains committed to advocating a balanced, practical approach supporting environmental goals and economic feasibility.
ACC-OC Updated AQMD Comment Letter - May 2025 | City Template SCAQMD |
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 |
City of Irvine
The City of Irvine is set to host its inaugural Irvine Mobility Summit from June 4 to 6, 2025. This three-day event will focus on sustainable transportation and enhancing the city's bikeability and connectivity. Mobility experts, transportation leaders, and community stakeholders will collaborate on innovative solutions for reducing car dependency and promoting safer, more accessible streets for all residents.
June 4th: The summit kicks off with a Business Meet & Greet at 6 p.m., providing an opportunity for networking among professionals and stakeholders.
June 5th: The main event features keynote presentations on global cycling impacts, best practices for infrastructure integration, and innovative transportation solutions. Discussions will also cover Irvine's initiatives supporting climate action goals and improving mobility safety.
June 6th: The summit concludes with morning workshops and a Community Bike Tour in the afternoon, encouraging public engagement and showcasing Irvine's commitment to sustainable transportation.
The summit is free and open to transportation professionals, stakeholders, and community members, with registration required.
CalOptima Health
Join CalOptima's Community Health Resource Fair!
Apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal
Free food distribution and diapers while supplies last
Learn about the community resources for basic needs, health, & wellness and mental health resources
Enjoy family-fun: music, face-painting, balloons, and more!
City of Westminster
Little Saigon, Calif. – The community is invited to 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, California. Bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and civic partners from across Southern California, this milestone gathering honors the remarkable journey and contributions of Vietnamese Americans over the past five decades.
Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee
Keeping your family and community safe is simple. The OC Free Gun Lock Program provides free firearm locks to Orange County residents, helping prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of accidents.
Orange County residents can now request free gun locks through an online form at d4.ocgov.com/FreeGunLocks, with locks mailed directly to their homes. Each package includes a QR Code, linking to a video tutorial on safe firearm storage and information about California's evolving gun laws, including SB 53, which require secure storage for all firearms starting in 2026.
For more information or to request a free gun lock, visit d4.ocgov.com/FreeGunLocks.
Flyer
SoCalGas
Costa Mesa has approved a long-awaited affordable housing project for seniors, set to be built next to the city's senior center. The four-story development will feature 70 units—68 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom apartments—with 35 units designated for low-income seniors earning up to 60% of the area median income, 34 for very low-income seniors earning up to 30%, and one unit reserved for an on-site manager. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027, addressing the community's critical need for affordable senior housing.
City of Anaheim
Celebrate 30 years of patriotic pride on Saturday, June 8, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Pearson Park in Anaheim.
City of Fountain Valley
On Wednesday, June 4, the City of Fountain Valley will host Youth in Government Day, a program for third-grade students from Cox and Plavan Elementary schools. City Hall will be closed to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. due to this event. The event is designed to reinforce classroom learning about local government and inspire future public servants.
Samueli Foundation
Breakaway Fund
Hard-to-Fund Needs: The Breakaway Fund is a $5M grantmaking initiative designed to invest in critical yet traditionally underfunded areas. This fund provides flexible, accessible funding for Orange County-serving organizations to pilot new, innovative ideas; upgrade essential infrastructure and technology; strengthen leadership capacity and retain key staff. The Breakaway Fund is structured to be responsive, low-barrier, and inclusive, ensuring that both emerging and established nonprofits have the resources needed to scale their impact without the constraints of
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
Samueli Foundation
Build OC Fund
Capital Funding: A $5 million Build OC Fund to support Orange County-based nonprofits’ capital projects, consisting of individual grants up to $1M.
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
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
Samueli Foundation
LFI and Leadership Accelerator Program
The Leading for Impact (LFI) and Leadership Accelerator program, run by the renowned Bridgespan Group, provides scholarship-supported access to strategic coaching, leadership development and peer-learning opportunities for 100 nonprofit executive teams. Through a mix of classroom workshops, team-led projects and executive coaching, LFI equips leaders with the skills and tools to strengthen their organizations, drive long-term sustainability and increase their community impact. Participating organizations contribute a portion of the program cost, ensuring shared investment in their growth and success.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
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