Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Council Members to Attend the Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC-OC) 2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip from September 14-17, 2026.
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From: Sandra Escudero, Interim City Clerk
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Tanya Ramirez, Interim Assistant City Clerk
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request for members of the City Council to travel to Washington D.C. for the 2026 ACC-OC Advocacy Trip from September 14-17, 2026; and provide direction on approval.
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BACKGROUND
The Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC-OC) represents the interest of Orange County cities on regional public policy issues. The Association believes in education that empowers, policy development that is collaborative, and advocacy that is service orientated. The organization was established in 2011 under the philosophy that Orange County cities need to have a collaborative voice on public policy issues impacting the community.
The annual federal legislative advocacy trip to Washington D.C. is an opportunity for Orange County member city leaders to champion regional priorities at the national level. Program highlights include:
• Access to high-level meetings with Congressional representatives and federal decision-makers.
• Evening receptions with Orange County’s Congressional Delegation.
• Policy briefings at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and key federal institutions.
• Premium networking with elected officials and regional leaders from across Orange County.
• Three-night hotel stay with daily breakfast and lunch included.
Currently, Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen; District 1 Councilwoman Amy Phan West; and District 4 Council Member NamQuan Nguyen have expressed interest in attending the 2026 advocacy trip. With the trip coming up in September, staff will soon have to register and make travel arrangements for any council members who will attend; registration closes on August 19.
Per Resolution No. 5338, which established the travel policy for elected and appointed officials, out-of-state travel requires formal approval by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost is approximately $3,350 for registration, airfare, hotel lodging, and per diem ($92 per full day at Washington D.C.) expenses per council member; and will be expended from the City Council account 10000-44030 (training and meeting).
The City Council’s training and meeting budget has $37,000 allocated for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year; and this amount covers conferences, training, meetings, and related expenses. Staff estimates the annual budget based on council’s desire to attend these types of events. If the City Council chooses to fund attendance on this trip, or any other trip, it would be expensed from the allocated annual training and meeting budget of $37,000.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Per the travel policy, all out-of-state travel for council members must be approved by council action. The City Council may choose to approve or deny any council members’ attendance and participation in this event.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 5338
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager