OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Board of Supervisors Meeting Where the Board Voted to Approve the 2025-26 Budget, Didi Hirsch Contract, Traffic Reduction, and John Wayne Airport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
June 24, 2025 

Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley

(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the unanimous vote to support

Item 76: Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget: The Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Final Budget. The FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget of $10.8 billion addresses essential community, capital, and operational needs for the county.

“The 2025-26 budget of $10.8 billion is balanced and reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and funding the County’s essential operational, capital, safety, and community needs,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “In a time of statewide budget constraints, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to avoid any layoffs while ensuring that all our employees received their Cost-of-Living Adjustments and maintaining a balanced budget.”

Vice Chair Foley continued, “The budget reflects technical adjustments and strategic investments in parks, libraries, landfills, and airport infrastructure. It also includes critical funding for health and support services that uplift our most vulnerable residents. Our County Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, County Budget and Finance Director, and the Budget Team worked tirelessly on this year-long effort.”

Notable Budget Highlights:

Supervisor Salary Increases

“With statewide budget constraints and funding uncertainties at the federal level, I voted against pay raises for myself and my colleagues. We have a responsibility to be fiscally responsible, prioritizing the needs of those we serve and the employees who deliver necessary programs,” said Vice Chair Foley. “County funds should be used to compensate our staff, and cover costs incurred due to recent setbacks by disgraced former supervisor Do, or potential cuts to essential services. In these turbulent times, our focus should be on supporting our workforce and communities across Orange County, not on giving ourselves unnecessary raises.”

Public Protection

“As a labor law attorney, I understand how critical fair labor practices and transparency are to a strong and just workforce. That’s why I’m proud that this year’s county budget includes funding for the Worker’s Rights Enforcement Program -- a state grant initiative that combats wage theft, enforces labor laws, and protects the rights of working people,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Thanks to this funding, the District Attorney’s office will be better equipped to process worker claims efficiently and fairly.”

Community Services

“I’m also glad to share that Orange County Animal Care will be adding staff to expand public hours and increase access to the shelter, something advocated for by many of my constituents,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “With more staff on board, I’m excited to see even more animals connected with forever families and for our shelter to continue serving our community.”

Vice Chair Foley continued, “Additionally, our Health Care Agency is adding 9 Environmental Health Specialists and 3 Hazardous Materials Specialists, an investment in the safety and sustainability of our natural environment and expediting of environmental health permits. This expansion means greater oversight and protection of our public health, coastline, oceans, and waterways. From monitoring water quality at our beaches to ensuring that hazardous materials are properly managed, this funding helps protect the ecosystems we love and depend on for future generations.”

Infrastructure & Environmental Resources

“These funds are essential to maintaining the safety, health, and economic well-being of our county,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “From providing critical healthcare in our jails to supporting our most vulnerable residents and expanding access to animal care, these investments reflect our commitment to responsible governance, efficient airports, sustainability, and public service.”

Item 73: Approve Contracts for OC Sailing and Events Center Dock Reconstruction Project: The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a two-year contract ($194,411) with Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc. for the final design phase services and $4,000,000 for construction of our Orange County Sailing and Events Center Dock Reconstruction Project at the Dana Point Harbor.

“In 2018, the Board of Supervisors approved the revitalization some of Dana Point Harbor, but not the public docks which serve our community groups at the Orange County Sailing and Event Center. Bellingham Marine is currently replacing thousands of slips throughout the Harbor, and utilizing their mobilized construction to modernize our public docks will save the taxpayers $3.4 million,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Replacing our aging public docks enhances safety and expands ADA access for local families, youth programs, and visitors.”

Item 16: Adopt Resolution and Approve Revised OC Traffic Committee Bylaws (Public Works): The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the revised Orange County Traffic Committee Report of April 10, 2025, and to adopt a resolution that will restrict right turn on red for southbound Antonio Parkway at Sendero Way during peak hours to ensure the safety of Rancho Mission Viejo residents.

“In April, residents in Rancho Mission Viejo asked our office to limit right turns on Sendero Way to increase traffic and pedestrian services. Today, we delivered on that promise in record time,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “I’m hopeful that limiting right turns at this intersection will effectively decrease cut-through traffic, ensuring a safer neighborhood for Rancho Mission Viejo residents whether they’re walking, running, or riding their E-Bike.”

Item 50: Mental Health Services Act Plan Update Fiscal Year 2025-26: The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 annual update to the Orange County Mental Health Services Act Three-Year Program and Expenditure Plan which will allow funding for all Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Programs and services for the upcoming fiscal year.

“With the passage of Proposition 1, we are preparing for the transition from Mental Health Services Act to the new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), which will bring updated guidelines and priorities to better serve our community,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “This transition is extremely difficult. We are in a position of being forced to cut successful programs that do not fit within the new requirements of BHSA, or Prop 1. I am glad to see that funding remains to support the veterans peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, but so many other services are on the chopping block.”

Item 51: Contract for Suicide and Self-Harm Reduction Services and 988 Hotline Services: The Board of Supervisors voted to approve two contracts to Didi Hirsch Psychiatric Services for management of the 988 hotline and to provide suicide and self-harm reduction services for the term of one year (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026).

“I’ve spent a significant amount of time weighing our options,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. "I have heard from many of our residents about the profound positive impacts Didi Hirsch has had on their own lives and for those who’ve lost someone to suicide. I am confident that Didi Hirsch will be able to set up Medi-Cal billing and be retroactively reimbursed for their services. I support giving the award to Didi Hirsch, and I encourage them to work with OCAPICA when appropriate.”

Vice Chair Foley continued, “I want to recognize Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance’s invaluable partnership in Orange County, providing compassionate, culturally responsive services that uplift our communities and ensure everyone has access to the care and support they deserve. I trust they will continue to build a healthier and stronger community by serving all our underserved communities of all backgrounds with exceptional services.”

Item 55: Approve Biometric Verification Services License with AIClear, LLC: The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a one-year pilot with AIClear, LLC (Clear), providing John Wayne Airport passengers with an additional option for faster, more convenient identity verification and expedited security screening.

“With 80,000 Clear customers currently in Orange County, we are one of the only major airports in the State of California not partnering with Clear. The other airport is in Burbank,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “The pilot program is projected to bring in more than $470,000 annually, with Clear maintaining responsibility for all of its own staffing. I am confident that this will be a successful one-year pilot.”

Item 63: Approve Contracts for Families and Communities Together Program (FaCT): The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve contracts for the Families and Communities Together Program, continuing Family Resource Centers, Family Stabilization Services, and Differential Response - Path One Services. The Board also voted to include Minnie Street and the Newport Mesa Family Resource Center, expanding service across District 5 from Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano.

“Strong families build strong communities, and these resources help lay that foundation. Approval of these contracts will continue vital services for Orange County families, providing crisis support, counseling, parenting education, and early intervention to keep families together,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “The contracts fund Family Resource Centers in Orange County’s highest-risk areas, ensuring families and children get tailored assistance like emergency housing, domestic violence prevention, and case management, supporting self-sufficiency and resilience. We are expanding our reach to serve even more families across District 5 and beyond.”

Item 80: Approve Bond Financing and Related Documents for Clay Lacy Aviation, Inc.: The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and approved a resolution for Clay Lacy Aviation, Inc. to finance up to $120 million in improvements at John Wayne Airport, including a new terminal, hangars, and office space, enhancing services for general aviation customers. Once completed, the new facilities will be owned by the County while leased and operated by Clay Lacy.

“This is not a loan from the County. Clay Lacy is responsible for the financing and retains full responsibility of their bond,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “This public approval is required by the federal tax code for tax-exempt bond financing and is a common tool used in public-private partnerships. My priority remains ensuring John Wayne Airport improvements benefit the community while protecting taxpayers from financial liability. This project will modernize facilities without using public funds, supporting local jobs and economic growth.”

In addition, Vice Chair Foley released statements in recognition of the following resolutions presented during the Board of Supervisors meeting:

Resolution proclaiming June 15, 2025 as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day”:

“This month, as we honor Elder Abuse Awareness Day, pause and reflect on the invaluable role our older adults play in our families, communities, and history. With more than 690,000 seniors in Orange County and 1 in 10 experiencing abuse annually, we must stand together to ensure our aging population lives with dignity, safety and respect – in their homes and in their communities,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “In 2024, the County of Orange Social Services Agency's Adult Protective Services received 20,571 reports regarding abuse and neglect. If you suspect abuse, speak up. Call Adult Protective Services at 800-451-5155.”

Resolution proclaiming June 20, 2025 as “World Refugee Day”:

“Our refugee community is filled with people who were forced to flee their home countries because of a real and reasonable fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Thousands of refugees have been welcomed into Orange County. We stand in solidarity with our refugee neighbors, witnessing their strength, listening to and learning from their stories, and re-committing ourselves to building a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and has a place to call home.”

Resolution proclaiming June 2025 as “Gun Violence Awareness Month”:

“Gun violence impacts all of us. Organizations like Moms Demand Action Orange County have worked tirelessly to make a difference, including making phone calls and writing letters and emails in support of gun violence prevention measures, including in San Clemente,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “According to the OC Sheriff’s Department, there were 149 gun-related deaths in Orange County in 2024. Whether it’s Self-harm, Community violence, Domestic Violence, or even political violence, we have to end gun violence and reckless gun usage in our country.”     

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      Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.    

Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:

Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,

Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),

Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee,

Regional Transportation Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency,

Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA),

TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee,

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,

Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,

Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board,

Coastal Greenbelt Authority,