California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

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.

Santa Clarita Uses Collaborative Approach to Tackle Youths’ Drug Abuse

An upward trend in substance abuse spurred a partnership of the city, county and school district.

Goleta Makes Emergency Preparedness a Priority

The Goleta Prepare Now/Goleta Prepárese Hoy program provides education and training to community members so they can assist their families and neighborhoods during a disaster.

Monrovia’s YES Program Opens Doors For At-Risk Teens

Monrovia’s YES Program Opens Doors For At-Risk Teens The program provides career opportunities and guidance.

Eureka Reaches Teens With GULCH

Eureka Reaches Teens With GULCH Youth helped design a character building program.​

Santa Clarita Uses Community Approach to Strengthen Neighborhood

The city partnered with residents to find creative ways to address tough challenges.

Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza Showcases Water Conservation

A public project demonstrates sustainable stormwater management practices and offers an educational, inviting space.

San Clemente’s “Fun on the Run Fitness” Focuses on Youth

The Fun on the Run Mobile Recreation program visits four low-income neighborhood areas weekly to keep children engaged and active after school with physical activities, games, crafts and nutrition…