Orange County in California has been actively engaging in intergovernmental lobbying in 2023, with over $2.9 million spent so far. This expenditure accounts for approximately 12% of the total lobbying budget of local governments and public agencies in the county. The primary reasons for this lobbying effort are two-fold, as explained by Sarah Hill, a political science professor at Cal State Fullerton. Firstly, local governments seek to influence state regulations in their favor, advocating for decreased regulation in general. Secondly, they aim to secure more funding from the state, as California’s local governments heavily rely on state funds.
The County of Orange has spent the most on lobbying, with a total of $518,257, representing nearly 20% of the county’s total expenditure. The areas of focus for this lobbying effort include funding for opioid and fentanyl prevention, flood investments, and local government control over public works projects. Notably, it’s important to mention that the data from the California secretary of state does not specify whether local governments have lobbied for or against the legislation.
Following the County of Orange, the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) has spent $324,508 on lobbying activities. The IRWD’s primary objective is to protect its customers’ interests and maintain low rates. They collaborate with other California water agencies and associations to promote legislation and policy initiatives that enhance water infrastructure projects’ funding and improve water supply quality and reliability. This district has focused its lobbying efforts on dam safety and resiliency, water rates, drought conservation regulations, and water infrastructure investments.
Other entities in Orange County that have engaged in significant lobbying include CalOptima Health, the Orange County Transportation Authority, the Orange County Water District, the Santa Margarita Water District, and the city of Anaheim. The Orange County Water District and the Santa Margarita Water District have prioritized water recycling, affordability, and groundwater protection. CalOptima Health, as the provider of publicly funded health coverage in the county, has lobbied for legislation that would allow the creation of homeless death review committees. These committees would aim to identify reasons for unhoused individuals’ deaths and implement strategies to reduce fatalities.
Apart from these examples, most cities within Orange County have focused their lobbying efforts on budget matters and legislation that directly affects local interests. For instance, Anaheim has supported Senate bills aimed at assisting cities in dealing with homelessness. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken exhibited support for these bills during her visit to Sacramento. Furthermore, San Clemente, a coastal city, lobbied for legislation pertaining to beach sand replenishment and landscaping along major thoroughfares.
One of the reasons Orange County engages in lobbying activities is due to its lower property tax revenue compared to other counties in California. This disparity in funding sources necessitates lobbying efforts to secure additional funding. Despite potential concerns about corruption, lobbying is primarily a means for cities and local governments to have their voices heard in Sacramento and advocate for the best interests of their residents. Ultimately, lobbying serves as an integral part of the democratic process, despite its substantial costs.
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