FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT 2026 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 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan.
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BACKGROUND
Each year, the Board of Directors adopts a legislative and regulatory plan that summarizes the Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) goals, key issues, and policy positions. The policies in this document are developed with consideration of agency priorities, the wastewater industry, OC San’s member agencies, and broader policy needs. These Board-adopted policies serve as OC San’s official positions of support or opposition on issues of importance to the agency. The Legislative and Regulatory Plan is a dynamic document, adopted annually, and may be modified throughout the year to align with changing Local, State, and Federal policymaking agendas.
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 advocacy program, elected officials may not fully understand OC San’s mission, programs, and projects, or how proposed legislation could impact them.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Adopt the 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan directing staff to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate for OC San’s legislative interests and to identify, create, and monitor legislation and grants that benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To strengthen OC San’s relationships with elected officials, staff will continue to coordinate facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and lobby trips with representatives in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
October 2025 - Received and filed the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of September 2025.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Orange County Sanitation District 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan