The League of California Cities announced today that the city of Modesto received the esteemed 2022 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Internal Administration for their implementation of a data collection tool that helps inform the city’s efforts to support unhoused residents.

Using geographic information system (GIS) technology, the city developed a customizable data collection survey that collects data on demographics, living situations, health barriers, and income sources. Homeless outreach workers are able to use the timely data to determine what type of assistance is needed and how to best support unhoused residents in the community.

The implementation of the data collection tool has increased the productivity and efficiency of outreach workers and reduced the time between a resident agreeing to accept services and receiving services. The tool provides real time data to help the city address service gaps or needs, deploy necessary resources, and make impactful decisions to help individuals move from the streets to shelters, connect to employment, access necessary mental and health services, and transition to permanent housing.

Established in 1982 by the Lalt=eague of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence is given annually and recognizes outstanding achievements by California's 482 cities. The purpose of the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program is to promote innovative solutions by city governments. The 2022 winners, recognized for their outstanding programs, were chosen from 155 submissions.

There are 12 award categories, including Intergovernmental Collaboration; 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.

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.

Modesto: 2022 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence [play video]