Policy Pulse: February 28, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Feb 28
- 6 min read
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray recently moderated a dynamic panel discussion at the OC Forum, featuring Orange County’s two newest Members of Congress, Representatives Derek Tran and Dave Min. The event, attended by prominent community and business leaders from across the region, provided an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Representatives Tran and Min about their legislative priorities and vision for the future. Attendees gained valuable insight into the perspectives of these emerging leaders, representing Orange County in our nation’s Capitol.
The Woman Veterans Mental Health Symposium will take place on March 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Orange Coast College, College Center Building. This event is dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by women veterans and will include discussions, resources, and support networks.
A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.
Event Sponsors:
Vice Chair Katrina Foley, OC Board of Supervisors
Costa Mesa Councilmember Andrea Marr
Orange Coast College Veterans Resource Center
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Southern California Edison Veterans Group
Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of Orange County Healthcare Agency
Black Chamber Education Fund
This is a valuable opportunity for women veterans to connect, learn, and access resources tailored to their mental health needs.
At today’s ACC-OC Legislative & Regulatory Committee meeting, we welcomed Dr. Sarah Rees, Deputy Executive Officer for Planning, Rule Development, and Area Sources at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Dr. Rees provided an essential update on Proposed 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?
March 6, 2025 - Public Consultation for PAR 1111 & PAR 1121
March 21, 2025 -
May 2, 2025 - Public Hearing (subject to change)
ACC-OC remains committed to advocating a balanced, practical approach supporting environmental goals and economic feasibility.
ACC-OC's Submitted Letter | SCAQMD Presentation |
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 focus on empowering women in elected office, business, and community-based organizations. Building on the success of the past two years, this summit will bring together Orange County’s leaders to explore strategies to drive meaningful change and accelerate effective action across all sectors. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of women’s leadership in our region. #OCWOMENLEAD2025
To find out more information about these events or to register, visit our upcoming events page!
Southern California Association of Governments
Applications for the 2025 SCAG Scholarship Program are now open. The program, in partnership with the California Transportation Foundation, provides nine $4,000 scholarship awards for high school or community college students from the SCAG region. Applications are due electronically on March 21. More information is available on the SCAG website.
CalOptima Health
Mark your calendars for the CalOptima Health Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crown Valley Community Center in Laguna Niguel.
This free event offers:
Information on essential health, wellness, and mental health resources
Assistance with CalFresh and Medi-Cal applications
Free health and dental screenings
Free food distribution (while supplies last)
Naloxone distribution to prevent opioid overdoses
Family-friendly activities
View the Flyer
City of Fountain Valley
Join the City of Fountain Valley and Mayor Ted Bui for the 2025 State of the City Luncheon on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Saigon Grand Center (16149 Brookhurst Street).
This year’s theme, “Going for the Gold,” celebrates Team USA’s 2024 Olympic success and Southern California’s upcoming 2028 Olympics. Highlights include a keynote speaker, a panel discussion led by Mayor Bui, and special performances by Fountain Valley High School.
Ticket Information:
Pre-sale tickets: $45 (available until January 26).
Regular tickets: $55 (starting January 27).
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Join MWDOC’s Water Policy Forum & Dinner on Thursday, March 20, 2025, featuring Deven Upadhyay, the newly appointed General Manager of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. With over 20 years of experience, Upadhyay has played a key role in shaping Southern California’s water future through leadership in system operations, engineering, and resource management.
This must-attend event provides a unique opportunity to hear Upadhyay’s vision and strategies for addressing the region’s evolving water challenges. Attendees will connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and water experts for meaningful discussions on water policy, sustainability, and regional planning.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the future of Southern California’s water supply! Visit MWDOC’s website for more details and registration.
Orange County Water District
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has announced its Resilience Plan: Adaptive Strategies for Securing Abundant and Reliable Water Supplies, a long-term blueprint to enhance the region’s water security over the next 25 years.
OCWD Board President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E., emphasized that innovation, investment, and proactive planning are key to ensuring a reliable water supply. The plan outlines 16 priority projects over the next five years, including:
Increased stormwater capture at Prado Dam using Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations
Sediment management at Prado Basin
Enhancements to seawater intrusion barriers to protect groundwater quality
PFAS treatment systems to ensure clean groundwater
Unlike traditional planning efforts, the Resilience Plan is a living document, allowing OCWD to adapt to evolving conditions. Since 1933, OCWD has been a leader in water resource management, ensuring a sustainable water supply for 2.5 million residents.
City of Westminster
The City of Westminster, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Inland Empire and Orange County, is hosting the Westminster Small Business Expo on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Rose Center, located at 14140 All American Way, Westminster, CA.
This event aims to support and empower local entrepreneurs by providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and insights into business growth and sustainability. Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry experts, attend informative workshops, and explore various services tailored to small business needs.
Orange County Conservation Corps
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is offering a free educational program, the Wastewater 101 – Citizens Academy, designed to provide community members with an in-depth understanding of wastewater management and OC San's operations.
Program Details:
Format: Four virtual workshops led by OC San experts, covering topics such as the district's mission, operational processes, capital improvement projects, and environmental services.
Schedule: Workshops are held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Who We Are and What We Do: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Protecting Our Environment: Fundamentals of Environmental Services: Thursday, March 20, 2025
OC San: The Nuts and Bolts: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Building for the Future: OC San’s Capital Improvement Program and Our People: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Graduation Ceremony: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., recognizing participants who complete all workshops.
Optional Facility Tour: Saturday, April 26, 2025, offering a first-hand view of OC San's treatment processes.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about OC San's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
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, 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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