OCBC 16TH ANNUAL
TURNING RED TAPE INTO RED CARPET AWARD NOMINATION CRITERIA FORM
Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Award Nomination Form Due: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Winners Announced and Recognized at OCBC’s Annual Dinner: Thursday, February 11, 2027 in Anaheim, CA.Â
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 or PDF. If you would like to see the questions and gather information ahead of submitting the nomination, please print the nomination forms linked at the bottom of this page. The online form must be completed in one session; there is no option to save your information and return later.
- Nomination Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- There is no nomination fee. Nominations are free to submit.
- Winners will be recognized at OCBC’s 2027 Annual Dinner in Anaheim on Thursday, February 11, 2027. All nominees will be able to purchase early-bird discounted tickets to attend Annual Dinner once event registration opens.
- For questions, please contact: Paulina Alvarez, Government Affairs Manager, palvarez@ocbc.org or 949-794-7208.
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS AND JUDGING CRITERIA
NEW AWARD CATEGORY: Best for Business Award Judging Criteria:
The Best for Business Award recognizes cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting businesses, encouraging investment and creating jobs. The award honors cities that reduce barriers to doing business; streamline approval processes; limit fees; invest in infrastructure and public safety; and create an environment where businesses can start, grow and succeed.
Two cities will be recognized: one Large City (population of 60,000 or more) and one Small City (population under 60,000). Best for Business Awards will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Reducing the cost for businesses to open and stay open
- Reducing the length of time (plans, permits, etc.) for businesses to get approved
- Reducing the time to get new commercial/industrial construction approved
- Reducing the costs and length of time for existing commercial/industrial businesses to improve their operations
- Increasing use of City assets and investments that support business success
- Proof that city processes are increasing the issuance of business licenses and/or Conditional Use Permits.
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 the 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 Example:
- 2026 Winner – The City of Huntington Beach: Streamline Surf City: Streamline Surf City is a program that includes 28 initiatives designed to help the city’s permitting process run more smoothly, allowing 24/7 permit access for projects in Huntington Beach, real-time status updates and online appointment scheduling. This program has led to a 23% increase in certificate of occupancy issuance, significant increases in customer satisfaction and city staff consistently meeting 100% of targeted plan turnaround goals.
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 Example:
- 2026 Winner – City of Irvine, The Irvine Company, Irvine Unified School District and Jamboree Housing: Irvine Cares Family Housing Assistance Program: The Irvine Cares Family Housing Assistance Program, a collaboration between the City of Irvine, Irvine Unified School District, Irvine Company and Jamboree Housing, provides immediate, affordable housing for McKinney-Vento-identified families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program has placed 19 families—71 residents, including 43 children—into stable housing, pairing rent assistance with case management to support housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency.
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:
- 2023 Winner – California State Senator Josh Newman 29th District: California State Senator Josh Newman helped secure an $8.5 million grant through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) allowing RevHubOC to convene leading OC public, private, and non-profit organizations under NorthSTAR to build a social enterprise ecosystem for under-represented and under-resourced communities.
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 October 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.