How Carmel plans to stay No. 1
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Carmel city leaders say they're committed to making Indiana's best city better, even if it isn't always a pretty process. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Carmel
Carmel city leaders say the community's next chapter will be written with an understanding that being "No. 1" isn't good enough.
Why it matters: One of Central Indiana's fastest-growing suburbs, Carmel is looking to maintain its reputation as a model city as it faces scrutiny around governance, equity and long-term planning.
What they're saying: "I was very familiar with our residents' high expectations, and I embrace it," Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam told Axios. "I'd rather have engagement over apathy any day."
Driving the news: The latest example of the city's self-reflection was last week's Affiliate Review Committee meeting when results of a fiscal and legal review were shared.
- The review found that mismanagement and an overreliance on city backing led to Carmel investing more than $8 million into the award-winning winter attraction Christkindlmarkt since 2017 with no return.
Flashback: The Carmel City Council created the committee last fall to examine the city's relationship with Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. and other affiliates brought on during the last administration.
State of play: Officials said steps taken since the shakeup have resulted in the city being reimbursed $284,000 this year for the first time in the Christkindlmarkt's history.
Yes, but: The meeting brought criticism from community members that the process was one-sided and that key Christkindlmarkt leaders, like former board chair Sue McDermott, were never consulted as the probe took place.
The latest: Councilor Jeff Worrell, a sponsor of the proposal to establish the review committee, said findings being presented does not mean the search for understanding and improvement is over.
- "There is a segment of our population that sees these findings … (and says) 'Something happened. Why was that? What were the circumstances?'" Worrell said. "I'm a big believer in there being two sides to every story."
The other side: As the city grapples with these difficult discussions, it has added another award to the mantle.
- The 2025 Niche rankings named Carmel the best place to live in Indiana, and the second best suburb in the U.S.
- In the statewide rankings, it also took No. 1 for best place to raise a family, best place for young professionals and the best public schools.
Between the lines: Finkam sees the affiliate review committee as part of a larger effort to keep Carmel high in the rankings and meet the expectations of residents who moved there in search of the best.
What's next: Carmel's recently formed Advisory Commission on Housing will implement the 13 recommendations made last year by the Finkam-formed Carmel Housing Task Force to fix problems related to access and options.
- The mayor said other 2025 priorities are the revitalization of the U.S. 31 corridor, investing in the city's multicultural community and improving public safety.
Plus: Worrell, who launched a civility campaign at the start of the 2024, said that push for more politeness in Carmel is growing, too.
- He hopes to bring 200 leaders from around the U.S. to Carmel in September for a national summit to discuss strategies that promote civility in communities.