Does your city program have what it takes to take home Cal Cities' most prestigious award?

Submit your city’s application online by April 9

By Cal Cities Staff

Has your city found innovative, improved, or efficient ways to help residents thrive, enhance public services, or strengthen public trust? You may be eligible for some well-deserved statewide recognition through the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program.

Sponsored by Cal Cities Partners, the annual program honors outstanding work by member cities across the state in 12 categories. The program is an opportunity to thank employees and collaborators, celebrate with the community, and feel pride in your outstanding contributions to better your city.

Winners are recognized at the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Western City magazine, press releases, Cal Cities’ website, and presentations made at city council meetings.

Cities must be members of the League of California Cities to apply. To qualify, demonstrate that your city offered a program or service that has proven measurable and successful within a minimum of one year of actual implementation on or before April 2025.

Entries must be submitted online by April 9 at 5 p.m. Award categories include:

• Cal Cities Partner Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations
• Community Services and Economic Development
• Economic Development through the Arts
• Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Housing Programs and Innovations
• Intergovernmental Collaboration
• Internal Administration
• Planning and Environmental Quality
• Public Safety
• Public Works, Infrastructure, Transportation
• Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government

For questions, email Melissa Tualla.