The City of Moreno Valley is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities. This honor, in the category of City-Business Relations, recognizes the City’s groundbreaking Hire MoVal program and its commitment to fostering partnerships and workforce development.
“This award speaks to the heart of who we are as a community,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “Hire MoVal is more than just a program—it's a promise to our residents and businesses that we will continue to invest in their success. This award reflects our commitment to building a brighter future for all.”
This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Moreno Valley has been honored with a Helen Putnam Award. In 2023, the City received the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government, highlighting the City's ongoing excellence in community engagement and civic innovation.
The Hire MoVal program, a cornerstone of Moreno Valley’s economic strategy, has significantly impacted the local economy. The program supports businesses and job seekers by offering services through the Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC), recruitment assistance, and local hiring incentives. Its success is a testament to the City’s proactive approach to creating a thriving local economy.
This year, the City’s BERC program was also recognized with three Gold Awards from the International Economic Development Council Award.
Established in 1982, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence is one of the highest honors given to California cities. Named after the first woman elected President of the League of California Cities, the award recognizes innovative, impactful programs that address the unique challenges faced by local governments. It recognizes outstanding achievements among California's 482 cities across 12 categories.
The City of Moreno Valley’s continued success in earning these prestigious awards highlights its unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of its residents and business community.
More information can be found at moval.org/berc.