Email from Orange County Business Council

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

OCBC News

OCBC Advocates for Transportation Funding, Project Delivery Reform

OCBC President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Ball traveled to Sacramento last week to lead a delegation of Southern California transportation leaders focused on improving funding reliability and accelerating project delivery.

Serving as Board Chair of Mobility 21, the regional coalition representing both public- and private‑sector transportation partners, Ball joined executives in delivering a clear message to legislators and Administration officials: address funding instability, remove unnecessary barriers that delay infrastructure projects and strengthen partnerships that support economic growth and regional competitiveness.

Pictured with Ball are Darren Kettle, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority/Metrolink (left) and OCBC Board Member Ryan Chamberlain, Chief Executive Officer of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (right).

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Regional Leaders Discuss Funding and Implementation Needs for Prop 36

OCBC convened regional leaders at Orange Coast College last week to examine the implementation of Proposition 36 and its implications for Orange County’s business community. Although voters approved the measure with broad support, the absence of sustained state funding has created concern that local governments will shoulder the financial burden. With public safety and quality of life central to economic vitality, the conversation centered on aligning funding with voter intent.

Panelists including Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Senior District Attorney Robert Mestman (Prop 36 co-author), Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent, outlined how the measure is taking shape locally. They emphasized that while Prop 36 aims to pair accountability with treatment to reduce repeat offenses, adequate funding remains critical to ensure public safety resources are used effectively and to allow law enforcement to focus on serious and complex crime.

Stronger collaboration between law enforcement and the business community will be key to Prop 36's success. Improved reporting, employee education and proactive prevention strategies will help support community safety and uphold voter intent.

For any questions or to attend the next Business Connection "Orange County Early Talent Signals," please contact Jorgie Sandoval, Business Initiatives Facilitator.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report

Committee Meetings

OCBC Committee Meetings are an exclusive benefit for OCBC investors. Meetings are hybrid unless otherwise noted. Registration is required.

Economic Development

April 16 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Government Affairs

February 20 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Housing

May 12 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Infrastructure

April 7 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Workforce

March 11 | 9-10 a.m.

All Committee Meetings

OCBC Champions Charter–Cox Communications Merger

a5b16bd9-f356-4fd4-b864-c583d49d4fc1 image

At a recent California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Public Participation Hearing, OCBC Government Affairs Manager Paulina Alvarez provided public comment in support of the proposed merger between Charter Communications and Cox Enterprises.

Reliable, high-quality broadband and communications infrastructure is critical to Orange County’s economic competitiveness. The proposed transaction would strengthen network investment, improve service reliability and better support residents, businesses and employers that depend on seamless connectivity.

OCBC recognizes Cox and Charter’s commitment to workforce investment, competitive service offerings and expanding high-speed internet access, all key drivers of innovation, small business growth and long-term regional prosperity.

As the CPUC continues its review, OCBC will remain actively engaged throughout in the process.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Image courtesy of Charter Communications and Cox Enterprises

Supervisor Janet Nguyen Re-Appointed to AQMD Board

Orange County Board of Supervisors Janet Nguyen was reappointed by Chairman Doug Chaffee to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Governing Board last week.

In this role, Supervisor Nguyen helps advance air quality goals while carefully considering impacts on local businesses, residents and regional industries. This was a welcome announcement, as OCBC made its voice known that Nguyen was the business community's first choice for this role. In 2025, Nguyen was pivotal in defeating proposed AQMD rules that would have banned natural gas water and space heaters for new and existing businesses. Her continued service ensures Orange County maintains an experienced and balanced voice in regional air quality policy discussions.

OCBC values leadership that prioritizes both environmental progress and economic vitality.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Photo courtesy of the Orange County Board of Supervisors

Industry Leaders Examine Capital Market Pressures on OC Housing Development

OCBC’s Housing Committee brought together industry leaders to examine how capital market conditions are shaping housing production in Orange County. The discussion covered rising construction costs, growing affordability challenges and recent legislation impacting development.

Panelists discussed AB 1050, which limits certain private land use restrictions to facilitate qualifying residential redevelopment of commercial properties; AB 130, which reduces barriers to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU); and the "Building an Affordable California Act," a potential ballot initiative, which voters will assess later this year, aimed at streamlining approvals for priority housing projects.

Pictured (left to right, top) panelists JLL Director of Capital Markets Kellan Liem; OCBC Board Member and Related California Executive Vice President Steven Oh; OCBC Board Member and Shopoff Realty Investments President & Chief Executive Officer Bill Shopoff; moderators Manatt, Phelps & Phelps, LLP Land Use Partner Susan Hori, Esq.; Nossaman LLP Land Use and Environmental Partner Benjamin Z. Rubin, Esq.; and (bottom) panelist Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP Partner Tara Shabahang.

As housing remains a major constraint on Orange County’s economic growth, OCBC continues advancing solutions that improve access to capital and support pro-housing policies.

To learn how to join the Housing Committee and other OCBC committee meetings, please contact Jorgie Sandoval, Business Initiatives Facilitator.

Photos courtesy of OCBC

Investor News

Generous Gift Expands Workforce Housing to Support Hoag Expansion

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is preparing to add 1,000 new healthcare jobs as part of its $1.2 billion Sun Family Campus expansion, supported by a transformative $30 million gift from Ron and Sandi Simon to provide workforce housing and $1.25 million in annual housing stipends.

With Orange County’s high cost of living creating major barriers for essential workers, the initiative will help ensure nurses, technicians and other caregivers can afford to live in the community Hoag serves.