Policy Pulse: September 29, 2025
- ACC-OC

- Sep 29
- 5 min read


On Tuesday, September 23, ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray joined Venture Strategic’s Jeffrey D. Corless, MBA, President & CEO, to present an update on the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force (CASLAR) to the City of Villa Park City Council. For more information, visit www.soberlivingtaskforce.com .


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.


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!

ACC-OC Legislative Alert
SB 79, currently on the Governor’s desk for consideration, would require housing development projects within ¼ to ½ mile of existing or proposed transit-oriented developments in cities with populations over 35,000 to be automatically allowable on sites zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial purposes—provided the project meets certain requirements.
While ACC-OC supports city housing goals, we believe these goals are best achieved through collaborative partnerships between state and local governments—not top-down mandates that ignore unique community needs and characteristics.
We encourage cities to notify the Governor of their opposition to SB 79.
SB 79 Oppose ACC-OC City Template


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.
Stay Tuned for the Following:
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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 |


John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport maintains ranking as North America’s favorite large airport. For a second consecutive year, JWA ranked highest in overall passenger satisfaction among large airports in North America, according to new research from consumer data firm J.D. Power.

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

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.

City of Irvine
The City of Irvine is hosting Nonprofit Week September 30 through October 4, providing an opportunity for professionals and volunteers from local nonprofit organizations serving the Irvine community to come together.

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 Fountain Valley
The Annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K is back again this year on Saturday, September 27 at the Fountain Valley Sports Park (as well as virtually)! We are excited to celebrate this annual community event to raise money for pediatric cancer research and bring money to the local community.

City of Garden Grove
The City of Garden Grove recently broke ground on the $11 million Woodbury Park Revitalization and Expansion Project, which will grow the park to 3.8 acres. GGTV3 reporter Breanna Greenup has all the details.

City of La Palma
The City of La Palma is proud to present the inaugural Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, November 8. RSVPs are required for this event, with priority given to La Palma veterans.

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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