Policy Pulse: April 11, 2025
- ACC-OC
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Join us for the ACC-OC Leadership Summit and the prestigious Golden Hub of Innovation Awards, where local leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to shape the future of Orange County. This exclusive event will feature thought-provoking discussions on key issues facing the region, as well as highlight groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative solutions that are driving progress. The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards will recognize outstanding achievements in public policy, innovation, and community impact, honoring those who are making a difference in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top decision-makers, celebrate exceptional leadership, and be part of the conversation that shapes Orange County’s future!
Event Includes:
4:30 - Cocktail Reception
5:30 - Dinner Service & Keynote Address
6:45 - Golden Hubs of Innovation Awards
The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations in Orange County for their exceptional creativity and leadership in driving innovation across various sectors, fostering progress and prosperity within our communities.
2025 Golden Hub Award Categories Include:
Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence
Collaborative Community Development & Innovation
Community Safety and Resilience Excellence
Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Transportation Innovation and Mobility Solutions
Valor Award - Honoring First Responders and Veterans
City Staff Leader of the Year
City Manager of the Year
ACC-OC Innovator of the Year
ACC-OC Special Briefing
Strengthening Integrity in Public Leadership
Join us for this critical ACC-OC Special Briefing - Strengthening Integrity in Public Leadership held in partnership with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County District Attorney's Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
This event is open to Orange County Elected Officials and Senior Staff only. Registration Required.
VIP Tour of Republic Services' CVT Processing Facility Grand Opening
As part of ACC-OC's Energy, Environment, and Water Committee, chaired by Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi, we invite you to a VIP tour of the Grand Opening of Republic Services’ CVT processing facility in the City of Anaheim. This pre-Grand Opening tour highlights one of the largest and most advanced organics and recycling facilities in the Country, a comprehensive sustainability center that provides safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible diversion solutions to local communities. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity!
Broadband 101 Briefing
Join ACC-OC and Charter Communications for an insightful Broadband 101 discussion. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Charter Communications and its ongoing investment in Orange County communities.
CalOptima Health PACE Center & Street Medicine Tour
Join ACC-OC and CalOptima Health to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Orange County’s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Garden Grove. Experience the PACE center’s modern and spacious location and learn how PACE combines health care and adult day services.
We’re proud to share that Kris Murray, ACC-OC's Executive Director, will be the featured speaker at Wake Up! Newport.
Hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this free community event offers residents a chance to engage directly with regional leaders on key policy issues. Kris will provide updates on ACC-OC’s current initiatives and our ongoing work to support collaborative public policy across Orange County.
Details:
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Location: Newport Beach City Hall Community Room
Time: 7:00 AM – Breakfast | 7:45 AM – Program Begins
We encourage our members to attend and be part of the conversation!
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has provided amended Rules (PARS) 1111 and 1121, which aim to reduce NOx emissions from natural-gas-fired furnaces and water heaters.
While these regulations could bring significant environmental changes, concerns remain about transparency, financial impacts on homeowners and businesses, public awareness, and the readiness of the electrical grid. A coalition of stakeholders urges AQMD to delay implementation until at least 2029 to allow for infrastructure improvements and cost mitigation.
What’s Next?
Stationary Source Committee Meeting - April 18, 2025
Stationary Source Presentation - forthcoming
May 2, 2025 - Public Hearing (subject to change)
Notice of Public Hearing - posted March 28, 2025
Draft Socioeconomic Impact Assessment - posted March 31, 2025
Draft Proposed Amended Rule 1111 - posted April 1, 2025
Draft Proposed Amended Rule 1121 - posted April 1, 2025
Draft Staff Report - posted April 1, 2025
ACC-OC remains committed to advocating a balanced, practical approach supporting environmental goals and economic feasibility.
ACC-OC's Submitted Letter |
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 |
City of Santa Ana
Join Mayor Valerie Amezcua for a family-friendly tree planting event at Santiago Park in Santa Ana on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to celebrate Arbor Day. All ages are welcome to help grow a greener future.
Sustain Southern California
Sustain SoCal invites you to join a timely and impactful event focused on transforming how they grow, distribute, and consume food in Southern California. The Agriculture & Food Systems event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and community members to explore how regenerative agriculture, circular restaurant practices, and emerging ag-tech can improve food security, soil health, and sustainability across the region.
This is a must-attend for local farmers, food service workers, sustainability advocates, and anyone passionate about reducing food waste and building a more resilient food system.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The Cove at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA 92617
City of Fountain Valley
Join the community for a special Earth Day event at the Fountain Valley Library on April 15, 2025, as part of OC Public Libraries' (OCPL) month-long environmental celebration. In partnership with OC Waste & Recycling, the event will feature:
- Getting Wiggly with Composting: An engaging program introducing the basics of composting.
- Earth Day Kits: These kits are available at all OCPL branches and offer fun, eco-friendly activities.
- Build-A-Mix Trail Mix: A hands-on treat-making activity presented by OCPL’s Charlie Cart/Food Literacy Committee.
Throughout April, OCPL is hosting various sustainable programs, author events, crafts, and storytimes across Orange County libraries.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with sustainability initiatives and celebrate Earth Day with your community!
Orange County Water District
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is proud to present the award-winning Children's Water Education Festival.
The Festival presents a unique opportunity to educate third, fourth, and fifth grade students about local water issues and the environment. Since its inception, more than 152,000 Orange County students have experienced the Festival and its offerings.
Registration for the 28th Annual Festival is now open. The webpage is available for interested teachers, presenters, and volunteers.
The Festival is provided at no cost to Orange County schools. Hosting an event of this magnitude is made possible by many generous sponsors, presenter,s and dedicated volunteers.
City of Irvine
In partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, the City of Irvine offers free monthly grocery boxes to eligible residents through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Each box weighs approximately 30 pounds and includes a variety of items such as dried beans, fresh produce, canned and frozen vegetables, fruit/vegetable juice, meat (when available), poultry, fish, nuts, milk, cheese, rice, cereal, and pasta.
Food boxes are distributed monthly at the Heritage Park Community Center, located at 14301 Yale Avenue. Pick-up dates are scheduled on Thursdays between noon and 3 p.m. Reservations are encouraged to ensure availability.
CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County
The OC Fellows Program is a two-year professional development program designed for recent college graduates working in Orange County (OC). Through quarterly leadership workshops, networking events, and community engagement, OC Fellows gain valuable skills, build connections across industries, and engage with top business leaders. This program offers a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to a strong and dynamic OC business community. This program is led by CEO Leadership Alliance, who is committed to developing diverse young talent in OC.
Application Requirements
• Recent college graduate (2022–2025) with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Full-time employment at an OC company.
• Employer support to attend quarterly events.
• Commitment to a two-year program (July 2025 – June 2027).
• Open to applicants starting a new job in Fall 2025 post-graduation.
• No cost to the OC Fellow or the employer
United to End Homelessness
In honor of Affordable and Fair Housing Months, United to End Homelessness is excited to host a unique training opportunity in partnership with People for Housing OC.
Join them for this one-hour presentation on advocating for affordable housing in Orange County. Learn about the critical role affordable housing plays in addressing homelessness and the ongoing housing affordability crisis. This session will provide best practices for effective advocacy and actionable steps you can take to strengthen your community.
Elizabeth Hansburg, Co-Founder and Director of People for Housing OC, will share key insights on why we have a housing shortage, how much housing OC needs, and how you can make a local difference. She will be joined by Michael Shepherd, Associate Director of Community Strategies at United to End Homelessness, and Sarah Heath, Community Engagement Manager at United to End Homelessness, who will offer additional perspectives on housing solutions and narrative change.
Register now to be part of the movement to build and Orange County where everyone has safe and affordable place to call home and opportunities to thrive.
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
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