<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1EDyU6_0wDdvcIy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1EDyU6_0wDdvcIy00" width="433" height="288" ><figcaption>Photos by City of Concord</figcaption></figure>The City of Concord was honored Oct. 17 with the prestigious Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the category of Economic Development through the Arts for its Creative Concord public arts program. The League of California Cities bestowed the honor to Concord in an awards ceremony at the organization’s annual conference being held in Long Beach.Concord Mayor Edi Birsan accepted the award on behalf of the city.“We are grateful to be recognized for this program, which sparked public interest in the arts, spurred economic activity, and spotlighted Concord’s efforts to strengthen our community spirit through an arts and culture experience,” Birsan said.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3F9W9s_0wDdvcIy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3F9W9s_0wDdvcIy00" width="432" height="324" ></figure>Established in 2022 as an effort to reignite Concord’s vibrant downtown, the program brought three annual multi-day events to the city, featuring mural installations, live canvas paintings, live music, sculptures, and community involvement.Coming out of the pandemic, Concord understood the importance of developing a strong sense of place that represented the community’s identity and spirit. Simultaneously, the City wanted to support the economic vitality of Concord by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and boosting tourism.Since its inception, the program has brought together more than 100 organizations, businesses, and advocates to collaborate and help make Creative Concord thrive. The program has also given back in many forms, including paid opportunities for dozens of local artists and talent, donating artworks to local nonprofit organizations, monetary donations to charities through the sale of artworks created during the Art &amp; Music Jam event, and more.Creative Concord is made possible through a collaboration among the city, art-centric agency Local Edition Creative, and the tourism bureau Visit Concord.“With a focus on highlighting diverse styles, cultures, and themes, Creative Concord has enlivened the city with a portfolio of artworks that embody a sense of welcoming and an understanding that a wonderfully diverse community can be found here,” said Sage Loring, cofounder and creative director of Local Edition Creative.<h2>About the Award</h2>Established in 1982 by the League of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding achievements by California’s 483 cities. These winning cities have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, contributions which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services. The purpose of the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program is to recognize and promote the outstanding efforts and innovative solutions by city governments.<h2>Ten cities receive Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for outstanding program</h2>Sacramento, CA — The League of California Cities announced the 10 winning cities of the esteemed Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for 2024. Each city was chosen for its outstanding efforts and innovative programs to improve the quality of life and delivery of services in their communities. The winning cities are listed below with a link to a video featuring their initiatives:<ul><li>Benicia’s “Believe In Benicia” campaign addressed a $6-9 million budget deficit by educating residents, fostering dialogue, and gaining record-breaking voter approval for local tax increases, securing the city’s financial future.</li><li>Brisbane is making significant strides in climate action by implementing new rules for building audits and retrofits, which are expected to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions by over 5%.</li><li>Citrus Heights’ beautification program removed over 79 tons of debris in its first year. Through a coordinated, proactive effort to address blight and illegal camps, the city is enhancing public spaces, infrastructure, and community pride.</li><li>Vibrant murals and public art installations have revitalized Downtown Concord thanks to the Create Concord program, which increases community access to arts and culture.</li><li>LEAD Goleta, a bilingual six-week program designed to help residents understand and engage with local government, has empowered over 30 participants to actively participate in city governance and community decision-making.</li><li>Livermore partnered with its local school district to revitalize Horizons Family Counseling, expanding mental health support for youth and families through on-site counseling, workshops, and crisis intervention in schools.</li><li>The Healthy Room Project addresses juvenile delinquency by providing bedroom makeovers for vulnerable children, improving their living conditions, strengthening community bonds, and enhancing their well-being.</li><li>Modesto has partnered with a local nonprofit to create a comprehensive program for unhoused residents that offers outreach, job training, and housing assistance.</li><li>Modesto’s Student Engagement Officer program focuses on early intervention and building positive relationships with youth, resulting in reduced suspensions, fewer altercations, police calls, and mental health incidents.</li><li>The Hire Mo-Val program created nearly 34,000 jobs and revitalized the local economy by fostering business partnerships, offering workforce development, and offering direct hiring incentives. The program boosted household incomes by 53% and enhanced residents’ well-being.</li><li>Vacaville’s Summer at City Hall program empowers high school students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, by blending classroom education with city internships, fostering workforce development, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.</li><li>Watsonville’s Opportunity to Work program provides young adults with valuable skills and job training, resulting in the city hiring over a dozen participants and strengthening the local workforce.</li></ul>Established in 1982 by the League of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, given annually in 12 categories, recognizes outstanding achievements made by California’s 483 cities. These winning cities have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services. The purpose of the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program is to promote innovative solutions by city governments.The 2024 winners were chosen from 184 submissions.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. Cal Cities’ mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.For upcoming Contra Costa County events, click here</div></body>

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Concord Wins Helen Putnam Award for Creative Concord

The City of Concord was honored Oct. 17 with the prestigious Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the category of Economic Development through the Arts for its Creative Concord public arts program. The League of California Cities bestowed the honor to Concord in an awards ceremony at the organization’s annual conference being held in Long Beach.