California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Sanger Collaborates to Prepare Its Workforce

The city worked with its major employers, the local transit agency and Reedley College to address a shortage of workers with needed skills.

Arts and Entertainment District Boosts Santa Clarita’s Economy

The city revitalized a historic neighborhood using public infrastructure improvements, economic development and the arts to attract new visitors, shoppers and businesses.

Cathedral City’s Garden Program Takes a Fresh Approach to Health

The program offers an enjoyable way for children and adults to learn organic gardening, be physically active, make smart food choices and work together.

Rocklin Matches Volunteers With Those in Need

A web-based volunteer recruitment tool meets the needs of the city’s residents and its community partners.

Clovis Builds Dry Creek Trailhead to Educate and Connect the Community

The City of Clovis transformed a three-acre unimproved lot into an educational community recreation area that protects natural resources and promotes healthy living.

La Mesa’s Seniors Help With Safe Routes to School

The city recruited seniors to supervise and support students as they walk or bike to and from school.

Salinas Fosters Ag Tech Innovation

Technology will soon be radically transforming agriculture and the Salinas Valley, home to an agricultural industry that generates over $8 billion annually.

Brea and Fullerton Merge Fire Command to Maximize Resources

The consolidation occurred without layoffs, demotions or loss of pay to the affected employees and provided immediate financial relief for both cities.

Menlo Park Builds Relationships for Safer Neighborhoods

The city is the first in the nation to have a full-time police officer position funded by a private company.

Restorative Peace Building Initiative Succeeds in Reedley

Mediators work with crime victims and offenders to help resolve conflict and make amends.

Rancho Cucamonga Involves Youth to Improve Community Health

Young people help inform and shape policies that improve healthy eating and active living.

Acknowledging Excellence in City Programs

Sponsored by the League Partners, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence recognizes cities’ efforts to creatively address local challenges.

San José’s “Bring Your Own Bag” Ordinance Cuts Plastic Bag Pollution

Plastic bag litter and increasingly stringent regulations signaled it was time to act.

Benicia Turns Green Laws Into Greenbacks for Local Businesses

The Business Resource Incentive Program combines economic development and environmental sustainability.

Covina Develops Software for Rental Inspection Program

The city developed a proactive model and software to streamline inspections.

Fontana Arts Program Invigorates Local Economy

A dynamic arts program enhances the community’s quality of life and the local economy.

Team Chico Boosts Economic Development

Team Chico is a public-private partnership that helps businesses identify and explore opportunities for growth and expansion.

Enthusiasm Plays Central Role in Success of “Live Well Perris” Public Health Program

The City of Perris won the Award for Excellence in the Health and Wellness Programs category of the 2014 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program. To learn more about the award program, visit www.helenputnam.org.

Dublin Uses Public-Private Partnership to Transform Neighborhood

The city converted public housing to privately owned affordable housing and created a new neighborhood. The five-year planning process involved all key stakeholders, including existing residents,…

A Renaissance for Long Beach Airport

The $45 million project, completed five months ahead of schedule and on budget, was funded by a General Airport Revenue Bond and passenger facility charges.