OCBC 15TH ANNUAL
TURNING RED TAPE INTO RED CARPET AWARD NOMINATION CRITERIA FORM
Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Award Nomination Form Due: Monday, November 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Winners Announced and Recognized at OCBC’s Annual Dinner: Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Anaheim, CA.
Entry Submission Instructions:
- All nominations must be submitted through the online form linked below. Nominations will not be accepted via email, postal mail, Word document, PDF, etc. If you would like a downloadable, PDF version of this form to assist in gathering information needed for your nomination, please click HERE. The form must be completed in one session; there is no option to save your information and return later.
- Nomination Deadline: Monday, November 17, 2025, 5 p.m.
- Nomination Fee: $125 per entry
- You will select a method of payment for the entry fee at the end of this form; once again, only online submissions are accepted. If you select credit card, you may pay then via credit card. If you select check, you may make the check payable to OCBC – 3210 El Camino Real, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92602. Checks must be received by Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Winners will be recognized at OCBC’s 2026 Annual Dinner in Anaheim on Thursday, February 26, 2026. All nominees will be able to purchase special, discounted tickets to attend the Annual Dinner once award nominations have closed.
- For questions, please contact: Paulina Alvarez, Government Affairs Manager, [email protected] or 949-794-7208.
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS AND JUDGING CRITERIA
Economic Development Award Judging Criteria:
The Economic Development Award recognizes outstanding and innovative programs in economic and business development that retain or generate jobs and investment on an ongoing basis. This award honors comprehensive initiatives that drive economic growth through business retention and expansion, integration of innovative technology, sustainable development, and community revitalization. Honorees must demonstrate measurable impacts such as job creation, enhanced business success, environmental sustainability, modernized infrastructure, and anything else that has contributed to the overall economic vitality and resilience of our Orange County community. Economic Development Awards will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Extent of the economic impact on its community, such as an increase in the overall tax base, the creation of new jobs, or other measurable program goals.
- Achievement of its stated objective with measurable results. Projects should be completed before being nominated; applicants should rely on actual, not expected or projected, outcomes.
- Development of strong relationships with key stakeholders and widespread support in the community.
- Innovation, originality, and cost effectiveness.
- Relevance and transferability of elements to other communities.
Economic Development Award Category Examples:
- 2025 Winner – City of Costa Mesa: Totally Electronic Self-Service Application (TESSA): The City of Costa Mesa streamlined its land management and permitting systems into one centralized application system called Totally Electronic Self-Service Application, or TESSA. The digital platform used across all departments has reduced processing time, allowing projects to launch sooner. Moreover, the city partnered with local universities to provide part-time roles to interns offering hands-on experience in developing a centralized application system.
- 2025 Honorable Mention – City of Santa Ana: Planning and Building Agency Express Permit Program (PBx): The City of Santa Ana’s Planning and Building agency launched PBx, short for Planning and Building Express, an express permit service that allows customers to get same-day permits at the Building Safety Division counter. Since the program’s launch, wait and service times have been reduced. With the success of the program, the city is assessing other areas to expand PBx services such as Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permitting services.
Public-Private Partnership Award Judging Criteria:
This award recognizes outstanding collaborative projects that have significantly enhanced economic development within communities. Winners represent efforts in which larger private contributions have been added to smaller, vital public commitments. Nominees should demonstrate:
- The extent to which public and private sector participants have formed a true partnership or joint venture in planning, developing, and financing the project.
- Direct economic benefit to the community (e.g., job creation, increased tax base). Be sure to include metrics when demonstrating results.
- Spin-off impact of the project.
- Creativity in packaging and marketing the project.
Public-Private Partnership Category Examples:
- 2025 Winner – Related California: The Crossroads at Washington: In 2019, the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange selected developer Related California to build an 86-unit affordable housing development. The Crossroads at Washington, which provides housing for low-income families and special needs populations, offers onsite services for residents, as well. Today, it is 95% leased with more than 200 residents living in the development, working in Orange County, attending local schools and supporting the local economy.
- 2025 Honorable Mention – Jamboree Housing Corporation: Estrella Springs: Jamboree Housing partnered with public agencies such as the County of Orange, the city of Santa Ana and CalOptima Health to transform an underused Budget Inn in Santa Ana into Estrella Springs. The 89-apartment development offers housing for individuals and veterans experiencing homelessness, those living with mental health diagnoses, and individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income (AMI). Units provide kitchens with modern appliances, while residents also have access to a computer lab, fitness stations and community garden.
Leadership in Public Service Award Judging Criteria:
This award recognizes an elected or public official who has served as a committed advocate for economic advancement in the public sector. Nominees must have demonstrated sustained and effective efforts to mobilize community groups and industry leaders in the development of programs and projects, played a key role in the planning and designing of new economic development activities, and displayed dedication and commitment to Orange County as a leader and advocate for the business community.
Leadership in Public Service Award Category Example:
- 2025 Winner – City of San Juan Capistrano: The City of San Juan Capistrano worked with ALMQUIST Development to plan and approve its joint vision of River Street Marketplace, an economic revitalization project that establishes San Juan Capistrano as South Orange County’s premier dining and entertainment destination. Designed to impact the city’s economic development, the 60,000 square foot family-friendly dining and shopping hub, located in the oldest neighborhood in California dating back to 1775—Los Rios Historic District—brings in 32 new businesses and approximately 440 new jobs, and features farm-inspired architecture that pays homage to the history of the site and surrounding community.
Please click the link leading to the category award you would like to submit a nomination for below. You may submit more than one entry in each category. Nominations will close November 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.