FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 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 month of October 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 and policy makers may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects, or how proposed legislation and regulations 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 identify, monitor, and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals and funding opportunities that benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the communities OC San serves.
To strengthen relationships, OC San will continue to engage elected officials and policy makers through facility tours, individual meetings, and advocacy visits 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, and policymakers, legislation and regulations could be enacted that adversely affect OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in October:
• OC San staff and its state lobbyist are reviewing legislation signed into law by the Governor to assess potential impacts on OC San’s operations, policies, and programs.
• OC San staff, subject matter experts, and lobbyists updated the OC San 2027 Legislative and Regulatory Plan (Plan). The draft Plan was presented to the Administration Committee in October and is scheduled for Board consideration and adoption in November.
Upcoming Activities in November:
• The November 3rd General Election will help shape the legislative landscape at the state and federal levels. Election results will influence the composition of Congress and the California Legislature, potentially affecting legislative priorities, funding opportunities, and regulatory policies affecting public agencies. OC San staff and its state and federal lobbyists will monitor election outcomes and assess potential impacts on OC San’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
CEQA
N/A
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