FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 2026
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of July and August 2026.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating for policy and legislative priorities, sponsoring legislation (where appropriate), and seeking local, state, and federal funding for projects and programs.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without ongoing legislative engagement, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects, or how proposed legislation may impact OC San operations and infrastructure planning.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate for OC San’s interests and help identify, monitor, and respond to legislation and grant opportunities that benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To strengthen relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to engage elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and outreach trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not actively engage with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be enacted that adversely impacts OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in July and August:
• Staff participated in a variety of meetings, including the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Federal and State Committee meetings. Discussions included updates on state and federal legislation and potential impacts to OC San and other wastewater agencies. Additionally, staff attended the Orange County Water District (OCWD) Communications & Legislative Liaison Committee meeting where members discussed current and upcoming legislation and received an update on OCWD’s proposed Multipurpose Center.
• OC San staff, including the Director of Engineering, attended the 2026 State of the County hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The program featured a panel discussion with Orange County Supervisors Katrina Foley and Donald P. Wagner, who provided updates on the state of the County, including finances, housing, and other regional priorities.
• The 2027 OC San Legislative and Regulatory Plan is currently being prepared. The Plan is a guiding document that is presented annually to the Board of Directors for adoption. Staff will present a draft Plan to the Administration Committee in October 2026 and the final in November.
Upcoming Activities in September:
• The State of OC San is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at OC San Headquarters. The luncheon will host various stakeholders from across the county and state. Congressman Lou Correa has been invited as a special guest.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Adopted Budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Legislative Update
• Federal Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• State Matrix
• Local Legislative Update
• Presentation