California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Farmersville’s Innovative Dual Roundabouts Welcome Visitors

The project’s safety and traffic improvements helped secure over $3.8 million in grant funds.

Citrus Heights Addresses Homelessness in a Suburban Community

The city launched a pilot program after local homelessness-related services were reduced or cut.

Santa Clarita Focuses on Employee Development

Training and mentoring employees on the job and investing in their growth saves time and money.

Santa Clarita Pushes Back Against Heroin

The city mobilized a hard-hitting campaign to address a crisis.

Woodland Commits to Fitness

A public-private partnership promotes healthy living and provides free fitness classes and more to residents of all ages.

Oxnard Taps Youth to Improve Quality of Life

City Corps participants gain valuable career skills.

Claremont Crisis Intervention and Outreach Saves Trees

Concerned residents volunteered to implement a program to mitigate the drought’s impact.

Palm Desert Capitalizes on Arts and Culture

First Weekend Palm Desert helps increase the city’s tax revenues and makes it a regional center for the arts by drawing crowds to lively events from November through May.

Rancho Cucamonga’s Kitten Nursery Steps Up

Animal shelters nationwide are inundated during “kitten season.”

Fairfield Reverses Crime and Neglect in Parkway Gardens

The city took legal action to help property owners effect change and address the shootings, illegal drug sales, traffic and other problems that plagued the complex.

Bakersfield Creates Jobs for Homeless People

The city and its partners created a model that helps communities use limited resources to solve multiple problems.

San Diego Focuses on Accountability, Transparency

After years of fiscal challenges, the city implemented innovative programs to boost efficiency and accountability.

Santa Clarita’s Special Needs Registry Provides Vital Information

The online registry provides an important public safety tool.

Concord Offers Support and Services to Victims of Domestic Violence

A one-stop center serves people who want to break the cycle of violence.

Menifee’s Youth Advisory Committee Boosts the Community

The committee advises the council and participates in local events.

Palmdale’s Season of Service Puts Volunteers to Work

Palmdale gives residents a way to help address critical infrastructure challenges.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence Christina Vincent

Carlsbad Focuses on Economic Opportunities in High-Tech Sectors

A city biotech incubator, a talent attraction campaign and a higher education initiative for workforce development help foster economic growth.