Starting in 2010, the Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) began partnering with the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) to host Advocacy Trips for Orange County business and elected officials to visit Sacramento and meet with key legislators, cabinet members and policy leaders. This year’s Advocacy Trip had 65 registrants, their largest group yet.
Over the course of two days there were more than 36 legislative and policy meetings with officials such as Assembly Speaker Tony Atkins, the Assembly Appropriations Chair Jimmy Gomez, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, and UC President Janet Napolitano. There were a variety of topics discussed, ranging from higher education, transportation, housing, and economic development.
“Orange County can have a powerful vo
ice in Sacramento when we speak together,” said ACC-OC CEO Lacy Kelly. “That is the essence of this advocacy trip. Local governments are joined by the business community, academia and non-profits to ensure our voices are heard and that we create a lasting impact.” –Lacy Kelly, Association of California Cities- Orange County, CEO
Probably one of the biggest highlights of the trip was a surprise guest at the ACC-OC Dinner Reception, Governor Jerry Brown! He spoke at the dinner, expressing his interest in engaging the OC local government and thanking all who were present for advocating on behalf of Orange County.
