Policy Pulse: September 12, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Sep 12
- 5 min read
ACC-OC members recently joined our BOLD (Better Opportunities for Learning and Development) Program for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at OCTA’s Express Lanes infrastructure. Participants gained valuable insight into the operations, technology, and strategy behind Orange County’s managed lane network, including a tour of the Anaheim Operations Center and a presentation on the 91 Express Lanes and system management.
ACC-OC President and OCTA Vice Chair Hon. Jamey M. Federico (Dana Point) joined OCTA as it launched the first wave of sand placement to protect the coastal rail line in San Clemente. More than 3,400 cubic yards of sand were placed along a quarter-mile stretch of beach — the first step in a broader effort to stabilize the corridor and prevent erosion. ACC-OC is proud to support this vital regional project.
We’re thrilled to share that our Member Registration for the 2025 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip (Oct 20–23) has sold out early—a testament to the incredible enthusiasm from our community to champion Orange County’s regional priorities in the Nation’s Capital. Stay tuned for highlights to come!
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill Tour with OCWR
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes BOLD program tour of the OCTA Express Lanes – where innovation meets mobility.
Southern California Edison Grid Technology Learning Center Tour
Gain an inside look at how SCE’s cutting-edge Grid Technology Development labs are shaping the future of energy — from wildfire mitigation to smarter meters and a more resilient grid.
ACC-OC Broadband 101
Join ACC-OC and Charter Communications for an insightful Broadband 101 discussion as part of our Better Opportunities for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Charter Communications and its ongoing investment in Orange County communities.
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 |
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.
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 Los Alamitos
Join the City of Los Alamitos on October 1st for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth at the 4th Annual Elevate Women's Conference!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Los Alamitos Community Center
Orange County Business Council
Behind every safe and vibrant community are the first responders and frontline heroes who show up day and night. On September 18, join business and community leaders at Orange County Business Council's 2025 First Responders Dinner to celebrate and thank the courageous professionals who protect the county’s businesses, residents and visitors. The evening will feature a conversation with Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and will include Emmy Award-winning NBC4 reporter Hetty Chang as emcee for the First Responder Honoree Awards. Learn more and register today.
CalOptima Health
Calling future health care leaders! CalOptima Health is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Administrative Fellowship Program. The 12-month program begins in July 2026 and will give interested applicants an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, leadership development and mentorship from senior leaders.
City of Aliso Viejo
The 2025 Aliso Viejo Health & Safety Fair will take place on Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Aliso Viejo Ranch (100 Park Ave.).
There will be health screenings, expired medical disposal, free giveaways, a touch-a-truck portion and more!
Questions? Call the Aliso Viejo Recreation & Community Services Department at 949-425-2550 or email them at recreation@avcity.org
City of Yorba Linda
The City of Yorba Linda invites you to attend a Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Public Library. Key topics will include personal and home disaster preparation, “Know Your Way” evacuation zones and neighborhood exits, and an overview of our local agencies’ collective planning efforts.
City of Irvine
Join Laguna Niguel on Tuesday, September 9th, for our first Jr. Civic Workshop of the school year!
Learn about your local government, including how your City operates and collaborates with other agencies to provide the community with essential services. In September, we will be learning about the City Manager and City Seal! This opportunity is available to 6th - to 8th grade students. Students will receive one community service hour for attending.
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
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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