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 two advocacy firms (Strategic Education Services and Capitol Advocacy Partners) 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:

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.

chancellor barnes, and trustees pose with senator min

Senator Min Tours the ATEP Campus

SOCCCD hosted Senator Min at the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP).

katie porter with volunteers for 911 day

Katie Porter Volunteers with IVC United Way

Irvine Valley College's Student United Way hosted a 9/11 day of Remembrance and service, and representative Katie Porter joined faculty, staff, students, trustees, and volunteers to make emergency preparedness baskets for OC families.