top of page

Policy Pulse: February 14, 2025

Writer's picture: ACC-OCACC-OC



We are thrilled to welcome AltaMed as the newest affiliate member of ACC-OC! AltaMed has been making a lasting impact across Southern California, ensuring access to essential medical, dental, and senior care for all. We look forward to partnering with AltaMed to support healthier communities throughout Orange County.

Welcome aboard!

 

ACC-OC’s Sacramento Advocacy Trip is almost sold out! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to join Orange County’s local leaders in the state’s capital to advocate for policies that impact our communities on March 17-18, 2025. This two-day trip includes high-level meetings with key legislators, state agencies, and policy experts to discuss critical issues such as housing, utilities, transportation, infrastructure, public safety, and more. Secure your spot now and be part of shaping Orange County’s future in Sacramento!


 

On February 13th, more than 80 city officials participated in a Webinar co-hosted by the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force (CASLAR), ACC-OC, and the League of California Cities – OC Division for an update on recent legal rulings and the state JLAC audit. The session featured an overview of the Ohio House ruling by Costa Mesa City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow and an in-depth discussion of the JLAC audit findings by Assemblymember Diane Dixon. Speakers also covered proposed legislation aimed at strengthening oversight and protections for sober living and recovery home residents and communities. This critical conversation provided leaders and stakeholders with the latest legal and policy developments.



 


Join OC Forum for an exclusive conversation moderated by ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray with Representatives Derek Tran and Dave Min as they step into their new roles in Congress. 

 

The La Paz Landslide Project


Discover the groundbreaking efforts behind one of Orange County’s most impactful environmental recovery projects! In partnership with the City of Laguna Niguel's Public Works Department, ACC-OC is excited to host an exclusive tour and briefing on the La Paz Landslide Project.

 


Webinar: Transforming Medi-Cal through California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM)


The Association of California Cities—Orange County (ACC-OC) and CalOptima Health invite all Orange County-based federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as their staff and ACC-OC affiliate members, to participate in this webinar.

 

Women in Leadership


Join us for the 3rd Annual Orange County Women in Leadership Summit as we explore ways to ACCELERATE EFFECTIVE ACTION. Building on the success of the first two years, the 3rd Annual summit will draw a diverse and engaged audience of female elected officials and community leaders. Join us to capitalize on this momentum and focus on ways to foster strategic partnerships among female leaders in the region. #OCWOMENLEAD2025 

 

To find out more information about these events or to register, visit our upcoming events page!

 

CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County


The CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC) has released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting key achievements in talent development, economic investment, and innovation. Through strategic collaboration with business leaders, educational institutions, and local entrepreneurs, CLAOC continues to drive Orange County toward becoming a premier hub for inclusive growth and opportunity. The 2024 Impact Report highlights CLAOC’s achievements in developing career pathways for over 300 students, retaining top talent through the OC Fellows Program, investing $71 million in 59 local startups, and securing $200 million in public funding to support diverse entrepreneurs in Southern California.

Looking Ahead to 2025:

CLAOC is focused on expanding talent development programs, increasing investments in local startups, and strengthening Orange County’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. The organization will work closely with industry partners and educational institutions to ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the future workforce.

 

City of Santa Ana

 

The City of Santa Ana has been chosen as the only California city to receive a public art installation from Mural Mosaic as part of its Winter 2025 tour. The America Connects Heart & Home National Mural Mosaic will be unveiled on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Jerome Community Center.  

Throughout January, Santa Ana residents—including students, seniors, and neighborhood groups—participated in painting individual tiles for the project. Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency secured this opportunity as part of its commitment to expanding public art and enriching local green spaces. The mural will remain a lasting fixture at the Jerome Recreation Center for at least two years.


 

Orange County Power Authority


OCPA is seeking proposals from nonprofits, community-based organizations, and qualified firms and individuals for outreach services to support the development of our Community Power Plan. The Community Power Plan will be OCPA’s five-year plan for developing energy programs that promote sustainability, energy independence, and cost savings for our customers. We are especially looking for those with experience reaching hard-to-reach and under-resourced communities so that all the voices in OCPA communities are heard. Know someone?


 

Southern California Edison


Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a Medical Baseline Allowance program to provide extra energy at the lowest baseline rate for customers relying on electrically powered medical equipment. Eligible participants receive an additional 16.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day to help offset costs associated with essential medical devices.

To qualify, a full-time resident in the household must:

- Regularly use life-supporting electrical equipment,

- Require heating or cooling due to a medical condition or

- Have a life-threatening illness or compromised immune system that necessitates temperature control.


Enrollment also ensures advance notifications for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. Customers can apply by submitting an application, including a section completed by a qualified medical professional.

 

City of Mission Viejo


The City of Mission Viejo is hosting a free Community Health Fair as part of the Oso Fit 5K Fun Run on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 7:30 am to 11:00 am at the Norman P. Murray Community Center.


The Health Fair will feature local health and wellness organizations offering free health screenings, giveaways, and informational handouts. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, access important health resources, and connect with community wellness experts.


The event is open to all and is a wonderful chance to explore ways to improve your well-being while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.

 

Sustain SoCal


Sustain SoCal is hosting the Sustainable Communities: Solutions in Resiliency event, which will focus on innovative approaches to enhancing climate resilience, fireproofing, and local self-sufficiency in Southern California.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: The Cove at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA

Key Topics:

  • Climate Resiliency

  • Fireproofing Strategies

  • Local Self-Resiliency Initiatives

This event is an excellent opportunity for community members, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate on building more resilient communities in the face of environmental challenges.

 

Santa Margarita Water District

 

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has been awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). This recognition underscores SMWD's dedication to accountability, open communication, and responsible governance, reflecting its commitment to serving the community with integrity and excellence



 

Department of Interior

Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Wildland Fire (OWF) - Slip-on Tanker Units


Funding is available for the procurement of slip-on tanker units, which enhance wildfire suppression capabilities and strengthen community preparedness in fire-prone regions.


Application Deadline: February 26, 2025

Apply Here

California Energy Commission

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 2

 

This program supports expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, contributing to the national EV network under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding aims to boost EV infrastructure across California.

 

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Apply Here

Department of Labor

 Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP)

 

This program provides funding to support the reintegration of homeless veterans, including specialized initiatives such as the Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program (IVTP) and the Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans' with Children Reintegration Grant Program (HWVHVWC). These grants aim to assist veterans in securing meaningful employment and achieving long-term stability.

 

Application Deadline: April 12, 2025

Apply Here

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, 2025

Apply Here

rt affordable housing, homeless prevention programs, and other housing-related projects. Funds are allocated based on California jurisdictions’ housing needs.

 

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

Apply Here


bottom of page