Sacramento, CA — The League of California Cities has selected the City of San Carlos as a 2012 Helen Putnam Award winner. The 2012 award winners were honored during the Opening General Session of the League's Annual Conference & Expo at the San Diego Convention Center held Sept. 5 – 7.
The Award will be formally presented to the City of San Carlos at an upcoming City Council Meeting in October.
San Carlos' Winning Program
San Carlos won the award in the category of Internal Administration for its program titled "A Different Approach to the Budget: Cutting Costs & Adding Service."
The city resolved a $3.5 million structural General Fund budget deficit and increased services to the public over an 18 month period. This was done in the areas of police, fire, parks maintenance and recreation services through a mix of shared services, contract services and becoming a Recreation Service Provider in partnership with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and cities of Redwood City and Half Moon Bay.
The Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
Established in 1982, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding cities that deliver the highest quality and level of service in the most effective manner possible. Particular attention and credit is given to applications specifically advancing the League’s strategic priorities (www.cacities.org/priorities), which are determined each year by the board of directors.
The award is given annually in 11 categories: CCS Partnership Intergovernmental Collaboration Award; Community Services and Economic Development; Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement; Health and Wellness Programs; Housing Programs and Innovations; Internal Administration; Planning and Environmental Quality; Public Safety; Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation; the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government; and the League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations. Of the 99 nominations submitted in 2012, 12 cities were honored with awards.
A Few Words About Helen Putnam
Helen Putnam was a mother, school teacher, principal, mayor, and county supervisor. But most of all, Helen Putnam was a person who viewed meeting one's potential as the measure of success.
Excellence, to Helen Putnam, was shown by someone who did his or her very best. She was as supportive and loving of people who did their best as she was of people who did the best.
To the League and to California cities, Helen Putnam defined excellence. The Award for Excellence is given in her memory.
League of California Cities
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.
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