Policy Pulse: February 21, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Feb 21
- 6 min read
The South Coast AQMD’s Proposed Amended Rules (PARS) 1111 and 1121 could bring significant changes to homeowners, businesses, and property owners in Orange County. However, major concerns remain unresolved:
Lack of Transparency – Revised rule language has yet to be released, and there is no clear cost analysis outlining the financial burden on homeowners, multifamily property owners, and tenants.
Low Public Awareness – Despite outreach efforts by cities, chambers of commerce, and organizations like ACC-OC, most impacted residents and businesses remain unaware of these proposed changes.
Electrical Grid Capacity Concerns – It remains uncertain whether the electrical grid can support the increased demand required for widespread electrification, potentially leading to service interruptions and increased costs.
A coalition of organizations is urging AQMD to delay implementation until at least 2029 to allow for infrastructure improvements and cost mitigation. They are also calling for full transparency, financial assistance, and expanded public outreach before any decision is made. Orange County residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved:
AQMD representatives will present at the ACC-OC Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting on February 27, 2025
Public Consultation for Proposed Amended Rule 1111 and Proposed Amended Rule 1121 is scheduled for March 6, 2025
A public hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025
Now is the time to make your voice heard and ensure a balanced, practical approach to these regulations.
Template Letter
We are pleased to welcome Burke, Williams & Sorensen as our newest affiliate member of ACC-OC! With a legacy spanning over 90 years, Burke, Williams & Sorensen is a trusted law firm specializing in public agency, labor and employment, environmental, and real estate law. Their expertise in guiding municipalities, businesses, and organizations through complex legal landscapes makes them valuable to our network.
We look forward to collaborating with BWS to support good governance and strong public-private partnerships in Orange County.
We are thrilled to welcome Chrysalis as our newest affiliate member of ACC-OC! Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for individuals experiencing homelessness or economic barriers through job readiness programs, individualized support, and transitional employment opportunities.
Their impactful work in workforce development and economic empowerment strengthens communities across Southern California, and we are proud to have them as a partner in advancing regional collaboration.
Welcome to ACC-OC, Chrysalis! We look forward to working together.
ACC-OC’s Sacramento Advocacy Trip is SOLD OUT!
Thank you to everyone who secured their spot to join Orange County’s local leaders in the state’s capital on March 17-18, 2025. This two-day trip will include 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. Stay tuned for future opportunities to be part of shaping Orange County’s future in Sacramento!
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!
State Treasurer's Office
Join the State Treasurer’s Office for Inside the Vault, a quarterly webinar series designed to provide local leaders with updates on financial programs and resources that benefit their communities.
Key Topics for the March 19, 2025 Webinar (1:00 PM - 1:30 PM):
✔ State Treasurer’s Office Updates
✔ Sales Tax Exclusion Program – Learn about tax incentives for qualifying businesses
✔ California Debt & Investment Advisory Committee’s Education Portal – Access financial education and guidance
City of Irvine and Cityside Fiber
Exciting news for Irvine! The Cityside Fiber Launch Celebration marked a major milestone in the city’s journey toward citywide high-speed internet access. With the introduction of Cityside Fiber, residents and businesses will benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity, addressing gaps in areas previously lacking fiber infrastructure.
The Irvine City Council unanimously approved (5-0) efforts to accelerate and expand the project at its most recent meeting. This decision paves the way for a rapid rollout, ensuring that more neighborhoods gain access to cutting-edge broadband technology.
Starting in February 2025, Irvine will enter a new era of digital connectivity, enhancing opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and seamless online access for all. Stay tuned as this transformative initiative takes shape!
Orange County Transportation Authority
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is advancing efforts to protect and stabilize the coastal rail line through San Clemente. On February 10, 2025, the OCTA Board of Directors approved four priority projects under the Coastal Rail Stabilization Priority Project. These initiatives aim to ensure safe and uninterrupted rail service along the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) corridor, facing challenges from bluff failures, landslides, and coastal erosion since 2021.
Collaborating with geotechnical, structural, and coastal engineers, as well as stakeholders like the City of San Clemente, State Parks, Metrolink, LOSSAN, Amtrak, and BNSF Railway, OCTA is focused on implementing resilient and cost-effective solutions. In the fall of 2024, OCTA secured $305 million in state and federal funding to support the design and construction of these critical stabilization projects.
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.
City of Buena Park
A Fair Housing Workshop will take place on March 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Ehlers Event Center in Buena Park. The session will cover tenant and landlord rights, fair housing protections, and how to address disputes. The Fair Housing Foundation will present information on state and federal housing laws, security deposits, rent increases, and the Tenant Relief Act.
Orange County Business Council
The Orange County Business Council (OCBC) will hold its 2025 Annual Dinner and Board Installation on February 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The event will celebrate OC’s investments, recognize new board members, and honor the recipients of the 14th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards. This marks OCBC’s 30th anniversary. Tickets are available for both members and non-members.
Orange County Conservation Corps
Celebrate 32 years of community service with Orange County Conservation Corps! Their 2023-24 Annual Report highlights inspirational Corpsmembers and projects.
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 | 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 |
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 | 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 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 |
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