On June 11th, the Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) proudly hosted over 250 elected officials, public administrators, and regional leaders at the 2025 Leadership Forum and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. The event celebrated the extraordinary achievements and forward thinking initiatives that continue to shape the future of Orange County’s public sector.
The evening highlighted the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and leadership driving excellence across city governments and public agencies throughout the region.
ACC-OC extends its sincere gratitude to Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Doug Chaffee, Supervisor Don Wagner, Yorba Linda Mayor Janice Lim, and ACC-OC President Jamey Federico, Council Member for Dana Point, for their support and participation. We were honored to welcome Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, President of California State University, Fullerton, whose keynote address offered inspiration and a compelling vision for the region’s future.
A special tribute was led by ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, who presented the prestigious Valor Award in recognition of first responders and veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The 2025 Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognized the following projects and individuals for their outstanding contributions:
Award Recipients
Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence
- Honorable Mention: City of Santa Ana – PBX (Planning Building Express) Project • Winner: City of Newport Beach – The Newport Beach ADU Website Initiative Collaborative Community Development & Innovation
- Honorable Mention: City of Dana Point, Visit Dana Point & Dana Point Chamber – Economic Development Initiatives
- Winner: Salida Del Sol Housing Project – Jamboree Housing & City of San Juan Capistrano
Community Safety and Resilience Excellence
- Honorable Mention: Transportation Corridor Agencies & Irvine Police Department – Motorcycle Officer and Training Program
- Winner: Falck Ambulance – Sensory Friendly Ambulance Program in partnership with the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC
Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
- Honorable Mentions:
o Municipal Water District of Orange County – Leak Detection Program o La Paz Road Landslide Resiliency Project
- Winner: Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Headquarters Transportation Innovation and Mobility Solutions
- Honorable Mention: Anaheim Transportation Network – “The Charge” Project
- Winner: City of Costa Mesa – Adams Avenue and Pinecreek Drive Intersection Multimodal Improvements Project
Valor Award – Honoring First Responders & Veterans
- Recipient: Orange County Fire Authority Santiago Hand Crew Firefighters City Staff Leader of the Year
- Sandra Lozeau, Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development, City of Anaheim
City Manager of the Year
- Mark Pulone, City of Yorba Linda
ACC-OC Innovator of the Year
- Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority
Legacy Award
- DisneylandForward Project – Disneyland Resort and City of Anaheim
This year’s Summit and Awards Ceremony served as a powerful testament to the innovative spirit and commitment to public service that defines Orange County. ACC-OC remains committed to supporting collaborative governance and recognizing impactful leadership that benefits our communities. For the full list of nominees and program, visit us at https://www.accoc.org/leadership.