The City of San Luis Obispo was recently recognized with a 2025 Risk Management Award from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) for Best Overall Performance in the Liability Program among cities with police departments.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and diligence of our team behind the scenes to keep the public safe, reduce liability and protect community resources,” said City Manager Whitney McDonald. “Our staff and policy makers have long prioritized safety and accountability and this award is just one indicator of that commitment.
This award highlights the City’s efforts to reduce risk, improve public safety, and manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. The recognition reflects San Luis Obispo’s commitment to preventing costly claims and lawsuits through proactive policies, staff training and strong internal procedures, especially in high-risk fields like law enforcement.
More than 77 other public agencies across California were eligible for the award. Winners were selected based on several factors, including low claim rates, improvements over time, responsiveness to safety recommendations and participation in risk management training and programs.
“The Risk Management Awards reflect the power of strong governance and leadership,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alexander Smith. “I am honored to celebrate this year’s award recipients. Their commitment to excellence in risk management sets a standard for our entire membership and for public agencies throughout the state.”
The awards were presented during the California JPIA’s Annual Board of Directors Meeting on July 23, 2025, in La Palma, California.
For more information about the City of San Luis Obispo and its public safety efforts, visit www.slocity.org/living/safety.