Downey among 11 cities honored with Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
Ben Dickow, president of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, speaks at the 2023 City of STEM event. (City of Downey photo)
DOWNEY – The cities of Downey and Norwalk are among 11 municipalities statewide recognized by the League of California Cities with the prestigious 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, honoring innovation and community impact across California.
The award recognizes Downey’s leadership in community services and economic development through its efforts to make science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) accessible and engaging for residents across the Greater Los Angeles region.
Now in its 43rd year, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence honors cities that have made unique contributions to their communities, enhancing service delivery and reducing costs for residents and businesses. Downey’s winning submission was showcased at the 2025 Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo in Long Beach, and will be featured in Western City magazine and highlighted across Cal Cities’ social media channels.
The City of STEM event, led by the Columbia Memorial Space Center, began in 2015 as a small outdoor festival in Downey and has since evolved into the largest STEAM initiative in the Greater Los Angeles area. In partnership with over 200 organizations, including museums, universities, businesses, and nonprofits, the event offers a month-long celebration of science and creativity each April. The initiative concludes with a free, large-scale festival in partnership with LA Maker Faire at Exposition Park, attracting more than 30,000 visitors and reaching millions through digital and broadcast media.
“City of STEM embodies Downey’s rich aerospace legacy and commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators,” said Hector Sosa, Mayor of Downey. “This recognition highlights how partnerships, creativity, and community engagement can create opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.”
“The Columbia Memorial Space Center team is incredibly proud of what City of STEM has become,” said Ben Dickow, Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. “What began as a single community event has grown into a regional movement that connects people of all ages to the wonder of discovery, creativity, and the possibilities of science. This award celebrates the collaboration that makes that vision a reality.”
City Manager Roger Bradley added, “The City of STEM initiative reflects the power of partnership and innovation in local government. Through the Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey continues to expand access to science learning while promoting equity and economic opportunity throughout the region.”
The Columbia Memorial Space Center continues to connect students and families to hands-on science experiences while fostering diversity and access in STEM. The Helen Putnam Award recognizes Downey’s dedication to advancing educational and economic opportunities through innovation and civic engagement. A local recognition ceremony will follow the Cal Cities Annual Conference.
For more information about City of STEM, visit www.cityofstem.org.
Officials with the League of California Cities said Downey’s recognition reflects the city’s growing leadership in regional partnerships that promote education and community engagement. City of STEM has included events at local schools, community centers, and libraries, helping introduce thousands of children and families to interactive science experiences.
Norwalk was also recognized, earning the award in the Public Safety category for its Teen Alliance Program, which empowers local youth ages 13–18 through leadership development and community service. The program offers volunteer opportunities, monthly meetings, and skill-building projects that strengthen civic responsibility while supporting local causes.
City officials credited the Teen Alliance Program with creating meaningful mentorship connections and helping young residents become more involved in shaping their community.
The Helen Putnam Award for Excellence, established in 1982, honors California cities that deliver innovative solutions and improve residents’ quality of life. The 2025 winners were selected from 202 submissions across 483 cities.
Other cities recognized this year include Baldwin Park, Burbank, Hayward, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Needles, Pacifica, Santa Paula, and Watsonville.
The League of California Cities said the award program aims to “promote innovative solutions by city governments” and spotlight programs that serve as models for communities statewide.