Policy Pulse: May 8, 2026
- ACC-OC
- May 8
- 7 min read
ACC-OC board members and staff joined regional leaders at the 2026 Regional Conference & General Assembly, held May 7–8 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. The conference featured panels, discussions, and networking opportunities focused on some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including resilience, housing affordability, mega-events, and the emerging AI economy.
Board members and staff engaged with partners, shared insights, and gathered valuable perspectives to help inform and strengthen ACCOC’s ongoing work.
Due to continued interest and requests for additional time, we are extending the nomination deadline for the ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards to May 15th.
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 Communications Marlene Barraza and Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison attended the 2026 State of the City Luncheon hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Bella Collina San Clemente. During the event, attendees heard from San Clemente Mayor Rick Loeffler, who shared updates on the City’s priorities, development projects, infrastructure efforts, and economic outlook. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for local leaders, business professionals, and community stakeholders to connect and discuss the future of the San Clemente community.
ACC-OC Director of Communications Marlene Barraza attended the City of Westminster’s 2026 State of the City Luncheon on Wednesday, May 6. The event highlighted Westminster’s continued progress, key initiatives, and vision for the future, while bringing together community leaders, business partners, and regional stakeholders.
Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen shared updates on economic development, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and community-focused priorities that continue to strengthen Westminster and enhance quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
ACC-OC appreciates the opportunity to join local leaders in celebrating the City’s accomplishments and ongoing commitment to innovation and community engagement.
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! |
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)
OCTA is celebrating Bike Month this May by encouraging people across Orange County to get out and ride, whether for commuting, recreation or short everyday trips. The monthlong campaign highlights the benefits of biking as a convenient, healthy and sustainable way to travel.
Orange County Conservation Corps
Orange County Conservation Corps shared that Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva signed onto Senator María Elena Durazo’s budget letter supporting GGRF funding for the California Conservation Corps, OCCC, and the California Association of Local Conservation Corps. This investment will help expand skill-building opportunities for corpsmembers and continue benefiting communities across Orange County.
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
City of Dana Point
City of Dana Point is shutting down the entire street of Del Prado in Dana Point again this spring to bring you over 200 vendors, music, food and drinks. This is their signature event and free to the public, do not miss this chance to shop some of the best vintage home, clothing and surf you have ever seen in one place.
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.
OC Forum
OC Forum’s upcoming program, “Is A College Degree Still Valuable?” brings together leaders from higher education and the business community to discuss education’s evolving role in Orange County. The conversation will focus on workforce readiness, innovation, and long‑term regional impact.
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
Comments