Policy Pulse: September 5, 2025
- ACC-OC
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray and Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison joined Jamboree Housing, the City of San Juan Capistrano, and local leaders for the Salida del Sol Elected Officials & VIP Open House. This invitation-only event highlighted a unique collaboration that brought to life a brand-new City Hall alongside 50 units of affordable housing for low-income families, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Attendees enjoyed networking, guided tours, and a first-hand look at how innovative partnerships are delivering lasting community impact.
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 BOLD Program: OCTA Express Lanes Tour
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes BOLD program tour of the OCTA Express Lanes – where innovation meets mobility.
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.Â
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
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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
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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 |
Sustain SoCal
Sustain SoCal and its network of over 4,000 regional stakeholders proudly presents our 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.
With rising energy demand, decarbonization goals, and evolving infrastructure needs, the conference will examine how our current energy portfolio and grid can meet the moment.
Experts will explore the influence of policy and legislation, the role of innovative technologies, and the integration of diverse energy resources in shaping a sustainable energy paradigm.
Details:
Date: Thursday, October 16th
Time: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Location: UCI Beall Applied Innovation
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
Orange County United Way
Orange County is strongest when we come together. That’s why on Saturday, September 6 at 8 AM, Orange County United Way is hosting an event - happening simultaneously in all 34 cities across Orange County - to launch their new strategic plan and show they are truly UNITED4OC 2030.
This is your chance to stand with your neighbors, right in your own city, and take the first steps in solving Orange County’s toughest social challenges—together.
City of Laguna Niguel
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
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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.
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Application Deadline: June 30, 2027
Department of Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
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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.
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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