Government Relations

The South Orange County Community College District Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations seeks to support legislation beneficial to the District and its two colleges—Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. We work to expand and maintain financial opportunities throughout the District, by fostering and sustaining relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and industry experts.

Advocacy Activity

SOCCCD retains an advocacy firm (Townsend Public Affairs) to monitor state and federal legislation and grant funding. Advocacy efforts also include communication and visits with local, state, and federal legislative representatives to relay information about important higher education and workforce development issues.

Note: Any official position take on proposed legislation or initiatives must first be reviewed then approved by the board and chancellor before submission or publication. For questions, please contact Letitia Clark, Chief Communications Officer - lclark31@ socccd.edu.

Orange County Community Colleges Legislative Task Force

SOCCCD is a member of the Orange County Community Colleges Legislative Task Force (OCCCLTF), a coalition of the four community college districts in Orange County. Together, we advocate for legislation, public policy, and funding which affect student access to higher education, community college governance, and job training opportunities for more than 300,000 students in Orange County. View the OCCCLTF's Guiding Principles to view the mission, objectives, membership, and legislative priorities for 2022.

Community Funded Coalition

SOCCCD belongs to a nine-member coalition of community colleges that receive basic aid funding. Monthly meetings are held to review State legislation that could have an impact on our institutions.

Orange County Public Education Partnership

SOCCCD is a member of the Orange County Public Education Partnership (OCPEP), an advocacy group comprised of all public community colleges and universities in Orange County. Together, we work to protect education as an investment and economic contributor in Orange County. We advocate on issues such as funding sustainability, student financial aid, regulatory relief, and economic and workforce development.

Legislative Priorities

In partnership with the Colleges and advocacy firms, the Board of Trustees and Chancellor review and approve a set of annual priorities to focus on throughout the legislative sessions. To learn more, click on the documents below:

2023 Legislative priorities document cover

Senator Josh Newman visits Saddleback College

The district was honored to co-host a visit from Senator Josh Newman and his team to the Saddleback College campus in Mission Viejo.

As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Newman is interested and invested in the work of the California Community Colleges.

Additionally, Senator Newman plans to advocate for the greatest needs of students in Sacramento to support their academic success and longevity in Orange County.

Here are photos of Senator Newman's visit.

Trustees Advocate for Students in DC

Board Clerk Carolyn Inmon, Trustee Marcia Milchiker, and Chancellor Julianna Barnes made visits to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to talk with the legislators representing SOCCCD. They met to advocate on behalf of Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College students, programs, and support services.

Assembly Member Tri Ta visits Saddleback 4

Assembly Member Tri Ta Meets District Leaders

The California Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair, Assembly Member Tri-Ta met with district and college leaders

at Saddleback College to discuss his support of community college partnerships with K-12 districts and upcoming issues to be aware of during the 2023 - 2024 Legislative Session.

Many thanks to Assembly Member Tri Ta for his strong advocacy and interest in the work of the South Orange County Community College District.

Here are photos of Assembly Member Tri Ta's visit.