Policy Pulse: May 29, 2026
- ACC-OC
- May 29
- 6 min read
Congratulations to the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) board and staff on a very successful 2026 Annual Conference this week. ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray, Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison, and Director of Legislative Affairs Wendy Strack attended the event, where regional leaders, transportation experts, and technology innovators came together to explore the future of mobility and community infrastructure.
This year’s conference focused on emerging technologies shaping Orange County and beyond, including autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, wildfire response innovation, and evolving transportation solutions to meet growing community needs. The event provided valuable insight into how local governments can prepare for rapid technological change while continuing to build safe, connected, and resilient communities.
Join us for a home run conversation with Molly Jolly, President of Angels Baseball, as we discuss leadership, community impact, and the future of one of Orange County’s most iconic organizations. Jolly made franchise history as the ninth President of the Angels and the first woman ever appointed to the role. Entering her 26th season with the organization in 2026, she brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience spanning finance, operations, strategic growth, marketing, communications, and overall business strategy. In her current role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Club and helps shape the future direction of the Angels organization both on and off the field.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Golden Hub of Innovation Awards taking place on June 24th at the Nixon Library.
Registration closes Wednesday, June 10th
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
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
We are currently at capacity for our Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program tour of 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.
For additional information, please contact Lauren Kline at lkline@accoc.org.
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.
Registration closes Friday, June 5th
June 18, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Transportation Corridor Agencies: Executive Briefing
Join our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for our upcoming Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program for an exclusive Executive Briefing with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).
July 23, 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM
ACC-OC Summer Reception and Non-Profit Expo at Wild Rivers
Please join us for our annual Summer Reception and Non-Profit Expo with complimentary access to Wild Rivers!
This event is open to ACC-OC Members and their Families Only.
July 30, 4:30 PM - 7:30 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 Fountain Valley
Join Fountain Valley on Saturday, June 13 at 9 a.m. for the 2nd Mile with the Mayor. Meet in front of City Hall (10200 Slater Ave.). Residents are invited to lace up their walking shoes and join the Mayor for Mile with the Mayor, a fun and active community gathering designed to bring neighbors together while enjoying the outdoors.
State Treasurer's Office
Join the State Treasurer’s Office on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for the next webinar in the Inside the Vault: Resources for Local Leaders series. This webinar will feature updates from the State Treasurer’s Office, including information on the newly launched HOPE Trust Account Program and a new Disneyland-themed license plate benefitting children’s hospitals.
OC Forum
As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, civic literacy is emerging as one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation. From declining civic participation to increased polarization, the consequences of civic illiteracy are far-reaching.
USA250 OC
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/ .
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.
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
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