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:

Community College Awareness Month

April was Community College Month and the South Orange County Community College District was proud to participate by attending several proclamation presentations throughout our service area. To learn more about the awareness campaign, please read our news release.

Trustees and Chancellor in front of Capitol Building

Trustees Advocate for Students in DC

Board Clerk Carolyn Inmon, Trustee Ryan Dack, 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.

Irvine Valley College Hosts Joe Biden

President Joe Biden came to campus to deliver remarks on lowering costs for American families. The visit was part of his two-day tour of Southern California.