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2 <br /> During its review, the Group identified twenty-one (21 ) Priority Legislative Issues <br /> (Attachment 2). From that list, the Group determined its "Top 5 Priority Legislative <br /> Issues" (Attachment 1). It is recommended that the Board review the proposed Top 5 Legislative <br /> Issues as well as the full list of twenty-one (21 ) items, consider modifying both documents as <br /> may be necessary based on discussion, and consider any other potential revisions. <br /> It should also be noted that the LIWG has been developing an expanded document regarding the <br /> Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues that provides background information and talking <br /> points for the priority issues. Upon completion, that document will be shared with Board members <br /> and staff for use as pursuit of the Board's adopted Legislative Priority Issues moves forward. <br /> Following discussion of and any amendments to Attachments 1 and 2, the Board is asked to <br /> approve both documents. Staff will then work with the Chair to share the approved documents <br /> with Orange County's legislative delegation in preparation for discussion at the March 23, 2026 <br /> Legislative Breakfast. <br /> The work of the Legislative Issues Work Group to this point is based on the current information <br /> available for the 2026 General Assembly Session. The issues addressed by the Group may <br /> evolve and change over the session and require additional attention by the Group and Board of <br /> Commissioners. New issues may also arise necessitating additional review. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with reviewing and approving <br /> Orange County's 2026 Priority Legislative Issues. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems <br /> development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection and educational <br /> outreach. <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Protect water supply/watersheds. <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Improve harm reduction, prevention, and support services for adults and <br /> children experiencing behavioral health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual <br /> or developmental disability. <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Expand access to quality, affordable healthcare services. (e.g., Crisis <br /> Diversion facility, Medicaid expansion, crisis response, healthy living campaign). <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our <br /> most vulnerable community members (e.g., veterans, unhoused people, foster children, <br /> older adults, etc.). <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Reduce impacts and barriers for justice-involved children and adults <br /> through deflection, diversion, therapeutic interventions, and re-entry support, including <br /> housing. <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life <br /> of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br /> • GOAL 3: HOUSING FOR ALL <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Address need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency <br /> shelter beds and other low-barrier housing including eviction diversion. <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Invest in permanent supportive housing. <br />