2026 Golden Hub of Innovation Awards Nominations

2026 ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Award Nominations

Celebrating Impact and Innovation in Orange County!
Thank you for making a nomination for the ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. All nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 8, 2026.

Our panel of judges will review all nominations. The top finalists for each catagory will be announced no later than Friday, May 22, 2026. You will be notified if your nomination proceeds to the finals.

Winners will be announced at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Award Ceremony, hosted on Wednesday, June 24th from 4:30-8:30 at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda.

Please complete the form below including a description of why your nominee deserves recognition. You may submit more than one nomination, please complete a new form for each nomination.

Questions? Email Director of Programs and Operations, Lauren Kline, at lkline@accoc.org
- Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence: This category celebrates initiatives at the intersection of technology and governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and efficiency. It honors innovative approaches that leverage digital solutions to enhance citizen engagement, streamline operations, and foster trust between government entities and communities. Nominations should highlight the effective utilization of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, such as smart city projects, e-government solutions, participatory budgeting platforms, open data initiatives, and community feedback mechanisms. These initiatives should demonstrate tangible improvements in transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness within governance processes, ultimately leading to enhanced public services and citizen satisfaction.Collaborative Community Development & Innovation: This category recognizes initiatives that drive community investment, economic development, and innovation through effective collaborations between public and private sectors. It celebrates programs that rejuvenate neighborhoods, attract investment, and foster economic growth while delivering innovative solutions to address community needs. Nominations should highlight projects that create jobs, enhance infrastructure, support small businesses, and improve public amenities through successful public-private partnerships. These initiatives should showcase tangible outcomes such as revitalized communities, increased economic opportunities, and improved quality of life for residents.Community Safety and Resilience Excellence: This category recognizes initiatives that prioritize community safety, resilience, and preparedness in the face of various challenges. It celebrates innovations that enhance public safety agencies' effectiveness while also bolstering resilience and emergency response capabilities. Nominations should showcase how these initiatives, whether through crime prevention programs, community policing, disaster mitigation projects, or innovative emergency communication strategies, contribute to safer neighborhoods, more efficient emergency services, and greater community preparedness for future challenges.Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: Promoting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency is essential for mitigating climate change and reducing costs. This category acknowledges initiatives that have implemented sustainable practices, reduced energy consumption, or improved environmental quality. Nominations should showcase projects that have implemented renewable energy solutions, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, or promoted eco-friendly practices, leading to tangible environmental benefits.Transportation Innovation and Mobility Solutions: Highlighting innovative transportation solutions and mobility initiatives that improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility options for Orange County residents. Nominations may include projects focused on transit expansion, active transportation infrastructure, smart mobility technologies, or initiatives to improve transportation equity and accessibility. Recognizing efforts to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the region's transportation systems.Valor Award - Honoring First Responders & Veterans: This award celebrates the exceptional courage, dedication, and service of first responders and veterans who have made a profound impact in their communities. Whether through acts of bravery, leadership, or a commitment to public safety and well-being, these individuals embody the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.City Staff Leader of the Year: Celebrating staff members who have shown exemplary dedication and leadership in spearheading innovative programs or initiatives.City Manager of the Year: Honoring city managers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, collaboration, and commitment to addressing the challenges facing their communities.ACC-OC Innovator of the Year: Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity in driving innovation within cities, public agencies and their communities.
- Project Title or Individual Name:*
- Reason For Nomination*
  Explain in detail why your nominee deserves the selected award.
- Summary Statement *
  Please include a 2-4 sentence short summary statement for your nomination.
- Nominee's Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Nominee's Information*
  
  TitleOrganization
- Nominee's Phone Number
  
  Area CodePhone Number
- Nominee's E-mail Address*
- May we contact your nominee to let them know of your nomination?
- Your Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- Your Information*
  
  TitleOrganization
- Your E-mail Address*
- Your Phone Number*
  
  Area CodePhone Number
- Please Upload Supporting Documents and Images such as Preferred Logo, Photos or Headshots:
  
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- Should be Empty:

2026 ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation Award Nominations