By classifying the pandemic as a state of emergency, city staff were given more power to execute contracts independently and access special state and federal funds.
Category: SOUTH COUNTY
South Orange County takes in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and the master-planned cities around them, where growth and open space keep meeting at the council dais. Every story we have published about south county, newest first.
Posted inGovernment
South Orange County Cities Choose Where To Spend Pandemic Bailout Money
As cities receive additional rounds of COVID-19 relief funding, officials grapple with where and what to spend the grants on.
Posted inGovernment
Aliso Viejo Leaders Consider Becoming a Charter City, Setting Term Limits and Council Vacancies
In November 2022, voters may get to decide if a special election should be held to fill a city council vacancy.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
Orange County’s New Electric Utility Still Doesn’t Have Money to Turn Lights On
The agency is two months late on establishing a credit line, holding up power purchases for residents throughout the county.
Posted inGovernment
Anaheim Among Cities Identified as High Risk for Financial Issues in New State Report
The concerns come after the city lost an estimated $38 million in tax revenue due to the pandemic, while other local cities showed a net gain in tax revenue over that time.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine Residents Demand City Council Action on Asphalt Factory Near Homes
Council members and residents have been at a standstill since a forum earlier this year, as open questions persist on what can be done to control the air quality.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
OC Power Authority Approves Revised Conflict of Interest Code Following Transparency Criticism
The code will now be sent to county supervisors where it may be approved after a six month delay, but some residents and still criticize the lack of transparency.
Posted inGovernment
South Orange County Cities Look at How to Spend Millions in COVID Relief Money
As agencies throughout Orange County debate how to spend millions in relief funds, residents have focused on what each city is prioritizing.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
OC Power Authority to Rewrite Conflict of Interest Code Without Fixing Transparency Concerns
Some Power Authority members have voiced concerns the agency’s code doesn’t go far enough to address transparency concerns for consultants.
Posted inGovernment
Irvine to Consider Increasing Great Park Residents’ Control Over Their Special Taxes
While neighborhood residents pay some of the highest property taxes in the city, they have almost no say on where that money goes.
