California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Lancaster’s Holistic Approach to Healthy Neighborhoods

The Neighborhood Impact Program uses neighborhood revitalization and partnerships to address health, safety and social issues.

Fontana Revitalizes Downtown With a Focus on Seniors

The city provided its senior population with high-quality, affordable housing close to the services they need.

Perris Reaches Out to Make Sewer System Upgrade Possible

How one city overcame significant community resistance.

San Carlos Adopts Innovative Contracting Techniques to Maintain Service Levels

Like many California cities, San Carlos has faced some serious budgetary challenges in recent years.

Hollister Uses Solar Technology to Save Money and Educate Workforce

The city took an innovative tack in dealing with unpredictable electricity rates and used a public-private partnership to train workers for the green energy industry.

Gonzales Grows Green: An Innovative Economic Program

Gonzales offers an excellent model of an economic development program that focuses on sustainability and builds trust and understanding.

La Mesa Gives Seniors a Lift

The Rides4Neighbors program provides a variety of flexible transportation options for eligible senior residents.

Hayward Uses Murals to Fight Blight

Hayward’s Mural Art Program offers an outstanding example of a local effort that has helped reduce crime, build public-private partnerships, enhance community pride and save taxpayers’ money.

Cathedral City Takes a Smart Approach to Water

A grant program helps homeowners eliminate their thirsty landscaping and use a drought-tolerant xeriscape approach instead.