Policy Pulse: October 10, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Oct 10
- 7 min read
ACC-OC and Charter Communications hosted a BOLD (Better Opportunities for Learning and Development) session on Monday, October 6, offering an in-depth look at broadband infrastructure and Charter’s continued investment in Orange County communities.
Attendees gained valuable insights into broadband operations, including the fundamentals of cable systems, right-of-way collaboration, network components, and the expansion of broadband access through new technologies and community partnerships. The program also featured an onsite tour of Charter’s facilities, highlighting construction processes, supply chain operations, and field management.
A special thank-you to the following presenters:
Alicia Berhow, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Felipe Monroig, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Cory Hoyt, Area Vice President, Field Operations
Dave Donley, Senior Manager, Construction
Kevin Ruorock, Manager, Supply Chain
Jontae Richardson, Director, Manager of Field Operations
ACC-OC extends its sincere appreciation to Charter Communications for hosting this informative session and for their continued partnership in supporting education and innovation across Orange County.
Join OC Forum and ACC-OC for a data-driven, non-partisan discussion on California’s Proposition 50 and its proposed impacts to Orange County.
Our Featured speakers are Dr. Douglas Johnson and Dr. Justin Levitt of National Demographics Corporation (NDC), two of the nation’s leading experts on redistricting. This program will provide local elected officials and community leaders with a clear, nonpartisan overview of Governor Newsom’s proposed changes to California’s Congressional maps. Attendees will gain practical insight into the legal framework, regulatory requirements, and potential local impacts of the proposal.
NDC, ACC-OC, and OC-Forum are committed to providing fact-based, impartial analysis to help Orange County officials navigate this complex and timely issue.
Use promo code ACCOC2025 for 20% off registration!
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill and Bee Canyon Greenery
Join us for an exclusive tour of the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill and Bee Canyon Greenery, and discover how Orange County Waste & Recycling turns trash into resources.
Orange County Regional Holiday Mixer
Join ACC-OC and our Regional Partners for the 2025 Regional Holiday Mixer! Co-hosted by The League of California Cities Orange County Division, Orange County Business Council, and OC Tax, we hope you can join us to celebrate at the beautiful Orange County Museum of Art to celebrate the year!
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!
City of Garden Grove
The City of Garden Grove’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), in partnership with the Garden Grove Police Department, will host its next basic academy from Wednesday, October 22, to Saturday, October 25, 2025. The free academy teaches community members how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, and how to provide support to first responders when professional resources are stretched.
Classes take place Wednesday through Friday, October 22 to October 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Apply online by Tuesday, October 14, 2025,
Orange County Board of Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
Supervisor Sarmiento is hosting a Small-Scale Summit that will bring together manufacturers, non-profits, developers, municipal landowners, and funders to explore innovative housing solutions for Orange County.
This gathering will provide a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions about successful housing projects from other counties, explore funding opportunities, and connect with municipalities interested in adopting this model.
The event aims to bring together development sector professionals like yourself to share insights, learn from proven approaches, and foster collaboration to advance small-scale housing solutions in our communities.
Details:
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: County Conference Room, 630 N. Broadway Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
OC Goodwill
Taking place on Tuesday, October 14, at the beautiful Newport Beach Country Club, The Good Lunch will bring together passionate community and business leaders for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and purpose.
Whether you're a first-time supporter, a Goodwill OC Champion, or a community partner, you're invited to be part of this meaningful event.
Your support will not only help create brighter futures for individuals across Orange County, but also spotlight your commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.
Here are the details:
Event: The Good Lunch, benefiting Goodwill of Orange County’s Career Pathways program
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Venue: Newport Beach Country Club – One Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach, CA
Time: 11:00 AM Reception | 12:00–1:30 PM Lunch Program
Attire: Business Casual
Parking: Complimentary valet provided for all guests
Contact OC Goodwill with any questions at CommunityDevelopment@OCGoodwill.org
Or for assistance please call Heather Marshall at 714-547-6308 ext 3006
Sustain SoCal
Sustain SoCal and its network of over 4,000 regional stakeholders proudly presents their 16th Annual Energy Conference: Energy in Perspective.
This year’s program will take a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy—both today and into the future.
50% off Discount Code: ACCOC16ON16
City of Huntington Beach
Join Huntington Beach for their next FREE eBike Rider Training on Saturday, October 18, at Spring View Middle School (16662 Trudy Ln.). Come learn about safe riding, traffic awareness, and California eBike laws.
Choose from three 80-minute sessions:
9:00-10:20 AM
10:30-11:50 AM
12:00 PM-1:20 PM
Space is limited—sign up early!
For questions, email Sgt. Mike Thomas at mthomas@hbpd.org
OC Sanitation District
Join the Orange County Sanitation District for the State of OC San on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at OC San Headquarters in Fountain Valley. Hear from Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, as the distinguished guest speaker. An optional plant tour will follow the program.
United to End Homelessness
Join United to End Homelessness on November 15 at Champion Stadium for a group aerial photo to launch The Person in Front of You Campaign.
The first 250 people will receive a limited-edition T-shirt designed by local artist Trevor Girard!
Bring a non-perishable food item to support local food banks and shine a light on how food & housing insecurity are connected.
Be part of the aerial photo event and the movement for housing & hunger solutions!
SoCalGas
With no-cost registration, the 12th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild with innovation at one of the industry's largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates. Attend any day at no-cost!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
For More Information:
Email - ercfoodsvc@socalgas.com
Phone - 562-803-7323
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
FY 2026 Brownfield Grant Opportunities
OCCOG’s Project Management Partner, Montrose Environmental, is available to support local agencies with potential grant opportunities as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 EPA Brownfield Grants. The menu of available grants can be found at https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/marc-grant-application-resources. This will be the last grant competition with 400% more funding via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and no matching funds are required.
Eligible brownfield projects could include properties with older structures (e.g., built before the 1980s), which may contain regulated building materials (e.g. – lead-based paints, asbestos and PCBs) and properties with soil, groundwater and/or surface waters impacted with petroleum and/or hazardous substances (e.g. – former auto repair/gas stations, illicit dump sites, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities). Eligible applicants include cities, land clearance authorities, redevelopment agencies, regional councils, special districts, tribes, and non-profit organizations.
Brownfield grant types include:
Community-Wide Assessment: Up to $2M for Tribal applicants; used to complete a wide range of activities, including Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), cleanup/restoration/reuse plans. Funding can be used to support these activities on numerous sites over a 4–5-year grant implementation period. Funding is not limited to properties you already own and can be used to support land acquisition opportunities.
Cleanup: Up to $4M; used to complete remediation and restoration of one or more brownfield-impacted properties that you own.
Multi-Purpose: Up to $1M; used to complete a combination of assessment, cleanup, and reuse planning activities on one or more brownfield-impacted properties.
Guidelines are due to be issued shortly, with grant applications anticipated for November. Award announcements are scheduled to be made in May 2026, with implementation beginning in October 2026.
Please contact Chris Gdak at Montrose Environmental at cgdak@montrose-env.com or (425) 760-1342 for more details.
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
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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