FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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2027 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY PLAN
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Adopt the Orange County Sanitation District 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan.
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BACKGROUND
Each year, the Board of Directors adopts a Legislative and Regulatory Plan that outlines the Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) goals, key issues, and policy positions. The legislative and regulatory policies were developed with consideration of agency priorities, wastewater industry issues, member agency interests, and emerging legislative and regulatory matters. These Board-adopted policies serve as OC San’s official positions on issues of importance to the agency. The Legislative and Regulatory Plan is a dynamic document reviewed and adopted annually to reflect changing local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory priorities.
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 a strong legislative and regulatory advocacy program, elected officials and policy makers may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects or the potential impacts of proposed legislation and regulations on OC San’s operations and communities it serves.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Adopt the 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan to guide staff with local, state, and federal officials to advocate for OC San’s legislative interests, monitor and influence proposed legislation and regulations, and identify funding opportunities that benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community we serve.
To support these advocacy efforts, staff will continue to strengthen relationships with elected officials and policymakers through facility tours, individual meetings, and ongoing engagement.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not adopt the 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan, OC San’s legislative interests may not be clearly defined and supported.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Legislative affairs activities are included in OC San’s FY 2026-27 and 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:
• OC San 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan