MORENO VALLEY, CA (September 24, 2026) – The City of Moreno Valley has once again been recognized with a distinguished Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities, marking the sixth Helen Putnam Award since 2020, and the fourth consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor.

“The Helen Putnam Award is among the highest honors we can receive as a City,” said Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “Earning this recognition year after year is testament to both the consistency and the high quality of our ongoing efforts across our community-focused programs and initiatives.”

Moreno Valley is being recognized in the Intergovernmental Collaboration Category for the “Moreno Valley Veterans Initiative.” Led by the Moreno Valley Business and Employment Resource Center, the Veterans Initiative is a comprehensive program designed to support veterans through employment services, resource coordination, outreach, and recognition.

The initiative includes the following programs:

  • Veterans Tuesdays, which provides monthly employment-focused workshops and services
  • The Moreno Valley Veterans Resource Group, which coordinates partner efforts and identifies service gaps
  • Regional Veterans Resource and Job Fairs, which bring together employers and service providers to expand access to opportunities and resources
  • The Hire a Veteran Incentive Program, which incentivizes local businesses to employ Moreno Valley veterans
  • City Recognition Programs, which honor veterans through commemorative events and memorials.

Together, these programs create a coordinated system of support that helps veterans successfully transition to civilian careers, access essential services, strengthen community connections, and receive the recognition they deserve for their service.

The award was announced at the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference and published in the organization’s news release.

Established in 1982, the Helen Putnam awards are regarded as one of the highest recognitions within city government and recognize cities that deliver the highest quality level of service in the most effective manner possible.

To learn more about the League of California Cities and the Helen Putnam Award, visit calcities.org.

Visit moval.org to learn more about the City of Moreno Valley’s award-winning programs and initiatives.

Watch the video here.