The League of California Cities has selected the city of Santa Clarita as a 2015 Helen Putnam Award winner. The 2015 award winners were honored during the Opening General Session of the League’s Annual Conference & Expo at the San José Convention Center held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

The city of Santa Clarita is the winner of the Economic Development through the Arts award for the Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District. By investing in public infrastructure and the arts, the city transformed a less vibrant area into the thriving Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District. This has generated revenues by attracting new development, businesses and visitors to the area.

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 this year in 11 categories, although it is usually given annually in 12 categories: CCS Partnership Intergovernmental Collaboration Award; 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; Internal Administration; League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations; Planning and Environmental Quality; Public Safety; Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation; and the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government. Of 139 submissions, 12 were recognized for their outstanding programs.

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.