Email from Orange County Business Council

Monday, July 20, 2026

OCBC News

Prado Dam Upgrades to Protect 3 Million Southern California Residents

OCBC’s Infrastructure Committee recently toured the Prado Dam to learn more about a $1 billion improvement project to strengthen flood protection across Southern California.

Attendees learned about the dam's critical role in managing water flow and safeguarding the region. During a presentation, officials illustrated how it could affect cities throughout Orange County if the dam were not in place, underscoring the importance of the ongoing improvements.

Upgrades are expected to prevent $170 billion in potential damages and increase flood protection for more than 3 million residents across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Business leaders interested in learning more about upcoming OCBC tour visits can contact OCBC Business Initiatives Manager Maria Linares.

Photos courtesy of OCBC

Expanded Child Care Tax Credits Create New Opportunities for Employers

Federal legislation signed into law this month expands tax incentives for employers that invest in child care benefits for their employees, creating new opportunities for businesses to address one of Orange County's most significant workforce challenges. Barriers to child care cost Orange County businesses an estimated $5.4 billion annually in lost productivity and wages.

Jesse Ben-Ron

The enhanced credit is designed to encourage employer participation in childcare solutions. The credit rate has increased from 25 percent to 40 percent for larger businesses and to 50 percent for small businesses, while the maximum credit has risen from $150,000 to $500,000 for larger employers and $600,000 for small businesses. The legislation also allows small businesses to pool resources and jointly contract with qualified childcare providers, reducing administrative burdens. Employers may also claim the credit for developing/operating on-site childcare programs or for contracting with licensed providers to secure childcare slots for employees.

To learn more about these benefits, contact OCBC Vice President of Business Initiatives Jesse Ben-Ron.

2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report

Committee Meetings

OCBC Committee Meetings are an exclusive benefit for OCBC investors. Meetings are hybrid unless otherwise noted. Registration is required.

International Business Attraction

August 21 | 10-11 a.m.

Economic Development

October 8 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Workforce

August 12 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Housing

August 18 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Infrastructure

October 6 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Government Affairs

August 14 | 9-10:30 a.m.

All Committee Meetings

OCBC Welcomes Summer Interns

OCBC is pleased to welcome two students to its Academic Internship Program, launched this spring, to provide hands-on experience in economic development, public policy, communications and community engagement.

Summer 2026 interns pictured from left:

Jack Roepke, California State University, Fullerton
Sanskriti Singh, University of California, Irvine

OCBC is honored to be part of Singh and Roepke's professional development and grateful for the enthusiasm, talent and contributions they are bringing to the organization this summer.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open through Aug. 5.

For more information, please contact OCBC External Affairs Manager Jorgie Sandoval.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Investor News

$430 Million Investment From CalOptima Health to Strengthen Hospital, Specialty Care Access

CalOptima will invest $430 million through 2028 to increase payments to hospitals and specialist physicians, drawing from its $783 million unallocated resource pool to strengthen access to care amid Medi-Cal changes. CalOptima maintains approximately $1.7 billion in reserves and expects to retain $250 million to $260 million in unallocated funding for future strategic investments.

See how CalOptima is supporting Orange County's health care system.

Image courtesy of CalOptima Health

TCA Expands Bond Buyback Program, Building on $150 Million in Savings

The San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency and Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency boards approved an expansion of the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ Open Market Bond Buyback Program, authorizing up to $200 million in future bond repurchases per agency as part of a long-term debt reduction strategy.

Since its launch in 2023, the program has retired $151 million in bonds and generated approximately $150 million in interest savings, helping strengthen the agencies’ financial position and maximize value for the region.

Futures™ Program Highlights Workforce Innovation in Washington, D.C.

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's award-winning Futures™ program took center stage in Washington, D.C., as six San Clemente High School students presented workforce solutions developed through the initiative at a national convening hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The work-based learning program connects students with local employers to solve real-world business challenges and is gaining recognition as other communities explore adopting the model.

Learn more about the program's latest milestone.

Photo courtesy of Susie Lantz

18th Annual OC Water Summit Returns Sept. 25

The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) will host the 18th Annual OC Water Summit Sept. 25, bringing together water industry leaders, elected officials and business professionals to address water supply reliability, policy innovation and emerging technologies.

The event will feature expert discussions and networking opportunities for hundreds of pro