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Policy Pulse: December 2, 2024


ACC-OC extends our deepest gratitude to our members and affiliates for your exceptional leadership throughout 2024.

 

Together, we’ve made meaningful progress in tackling the critical issues facing our communities—whether by advancing impactful policies, fostering collaboration, or implementing innovative programs.

 

As the year draws to a close, we encourage you to explore ACC-OC’s End-of-Year Report, which showcases the milestones we’ve achieved together and lays the groundwork for even greater accomplishments in 2025.

 

Thank you for your dedication and partnership. We’re excited to continue building a brighter future with you in the year ahead!



 

Orange County Regional Holiday Mixer


Join ACC-OC and our Regional Partners for the 2024 Regional Holiday Mixer! Co-hosted by The League of California Cities Orange County Division, Orange County Business Council, OC Forum, and Orange County Public Affairs Association, we hope you can join us to celebrate at the beautiful Orange County Museum of Art to celebrate the year!

 

Newly Elected Officials Orientation & Training


Register for ACC-OC's 2025 Newly Elected Council Member Orientation and Training. Meet and learn from Orange County's top regional agencies and leaders and receive your AB 1234 and AB 1661 training and certificate. Plus, enjoy a vendor luncheon and reception with the 2025 ACC-OC Board of Directors Installation!


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

 

City of Fountain Valley


The Fountain Valley Fire Department invites the community to participate in the 32nd Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive! This effort supports local charities and non-profits that deliver toys to children who may not otherwise experience the joy of the holiday season.

Donation Details:

  • Dates: Now through December 24

  • Drop-off Locations:

    • Fountain Valley City Hall (10200 Slater Ave.)

    • Fountain Valley Recreation Center (16400 Brookhurst St.)

    • Fountain Valley Senior Center (17967 Bushard St.)

    • Fountain Valley Fire Station #1 (17737 Bushard St.)

    • Fountain Valley Fire Station #2 (16767 Newhope St.)



Additional Ways to Help:

  • Online Donations: Visit the Fountain Valley Community Foundation at www.FVCommunityfoundation.org or scan the provided QR code.

  • Mail-in Donations: Send to "Spark of Love Donation" at 10200 Slater Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

For more information, contact Fire Marshal Michelle Rudaitis at (714) 593-4430 or via email at Michelle.Rudaitis@fountainvalley.org. Together, let's spread holiday cheer!

 

Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley


Supervisor Katrina Foley is hosting the New Coats for Kids Drive to support local children and teens during the holiday season.

Event Details:

  • Dates: Now – December 20, 2024

  • What to Donate: Brand-new coats for kids and teens

  • Drop-off Locations:

    • Hospitality Night: Downtown Laguna on December 6

    • Community Center: 380 3rd Street, Laguna Beach

Look for donation boxes at these locations to contribute and help keep children warm this winter! Thank you for your generosity in making a difference in young lives.

 

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California


The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) has received a second round of federal funding for the Pure Water Southern California program, a large-scale water recycling project aimed at addressing Southern California's water supply challenges. This initiative led in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, will create one of the largest advanced water treatment facilities in the world. The facility will transform treated wastewater into a new, sustainable source of drinking water for the region.


The project received a $20 million boost through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, adding to prior federal investments. When complete, the facility is expected to produce up to 150 million gallons of water daily to meet the needs of over 500,000 households annually. This development is critical for reducing reliance on imported water sources, particularly during severe droughts, and contributes significantly to regional water resiliency.


For more details, you can explore the official announcement.

 


City of Laguna Hills


The City of Laguna Hills is currently accepting applications for its Committees and Commissions. Residents interested in contributing to the community can apply to serve in roles influencing city policies and initiatives. These positions allow citizens to engage directly with issues such as planning, parks, recreation, and other areas of public interest.


To be eligible, applicants must be Laguna Hills residents and meet any specific qualifications required for the position. The application process includes completing a detailed form outlining background information, interests, and qualifications.



 

Orange County Water District


The Orange County Water District (OCWD) highlights the potential benefits of consolidating its operations with the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), as explored in a study by the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). This consolidation aims to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for local water management.


Key benefits include:

- Improved coordination of water supplies: This includes better integration of groundwater, reclaimed, and imported water sources to enhance reliability.

- Streamlined operations: Consolidation would eliminate redundant administrative functions, reducing costs and staff through attrition and retirements.

- Unified advocacy: A single agency could represent the region with a cohesive voice in legislative and grant-seeking efforts.

- Cost savings for ratepayers: Avoiding duplicative efforts and optimizing project prioritization could save millions of dollars.


This proposal aligns with the 2022 Orange County Grand Jury recommendations, which called for such consolidation to benefit ratepayers and enhance resource management. Findings from LAFCO’s ongoing study are expected in mid-2024, providing further clarity on the feasibility and implementation of this initiative.


For more details, read the Press Release

 

City of Laguna Niguel


Are you looking to give back this holiday season? The Parks and Recreation Department seeks volunteers for two exciting December events: the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Annual Holiday Parade. These festive gatherings are community highlights, and volunteers are essential to making them a success. Whether you want to help with setup, decorations, guiding attendees, or other event tasks, there are plenty of ways to get involved and spread holiday cheer. It’s a great way to engage with the community, make new friends, and contribute to the festive atmosphere.


To volunteer for the Christmas Tree Lighting, click HERE.

To volunteer for the Holiday Parade, click HERE.

For more details, visit the City of Laguna Niguel's website.

 

Department of Labor


This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that improve environmental health outcomes in underserved communities, focusing on reducing environmental hazards and addressing health disparities. The funding encourages community-based solutions and aims to enhance public health by tackling environmental risks, with eligibility open to both public and private applicants. It provides a chance to engage local populations and create long-term benefits through targeted environmental interventions.


 

California Energy Commission


 The California Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (EVC RAA) Program focuses on repairing and replacing non-functional EV chargers to ensure their reliability and accessibility. The program offers $59.5 million in funding to businesses, public agencies, and other eligible entities to meet the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) standards.



 

Department of Transportation

 

The FY 2025-26 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant provides funding for local and regional transportation planning projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience. The program encourages initiatives that support sustainable, multimodal transportation systems and align with state environmental goals. A total of $29.5 million is available across various categories, including sustainable communities and climate adaptation planning.



 


Department of Housing and Community Development

 

The 2023 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) offers $296 million to local governments for projects focused on affordable housing development, homelessness services, and housing rehabilitation. Eligible activities include building rental units, providing supportive services for homeless individuals, and improving housing affordability for low-income households. Funding supports local strategies for housing accessibility and is intended to help meet state housing and climate goals. Applicants must align with state housing priorities for the funding.



 

Santa Margarita Water District


Santa Margarita Water District is looking for a Grant Analyst!

 


Details are as follows:

Position: Grant Analyst

Salary: $112,570 – $155,168

Sector: Public water utility

Status: Full-time, non-represented (exempt)

Application Closes: 12/6/24

 

Yorba Linda Water District


Yorba Linda Water District is looking for a Budget Analyst!

 

Details are as follows:

Position: Budget Analyst

Salary: $101,712.00 - $130,187.20

Status: Full-time

Application Closes: Continuous

 

Orange County Power Authority

 

Orange County Power Authority is looking for a Policy Advisor!

 

Details are as follows:

Position: Policy Advisor

Status: Full-time

 

OCV!BE

 

OCVIBE  is looking for a ServiceNow Administrator!

 

Details are as follows:

Position: Budget Analyst

Salary: $85,000 to $106,000

Status: Full-time


 

 

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