Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam looked back on early victories and charted a course for the city's future in her State of the City address last night. The address, which drew an audience of over 550 community members, was held at The Palladium and hosted by the OneZone Chamber of Commerce, as reported by the City of Carmel.
In the early months of her tenure, Finkam has set into motion task forces tackling housing, senior citizen needs, and issues facing veterans and young professionals. One innovative initiative highlighted was a drone as a first-responder program launched by the Carmel Police Department, designed to provide emergency responders with vital real-time information.
"I hope you're proud of your public safety," Finkam stated, emphasizing the city's dedication to the police and fire departments, including efforts to "recruit and retain the best." Adding substance to her pledge for transparent governance, the mayor unveiled a new transparency portal intended to make financial dealings within the city clearer to the public. "The portal allows us to have a clear, detailed look at our city finances," she explained, a statement obtained by the City of Carmel.
During the event, a range of Carmel residents were celebrated for diverse contributions, from Olympians to a local centenarian. The evening also highlighted the City of Carmel Deputy Mayor program and Mayor's Youth Council, with Heritage Christian School sophomore Lily Hill, daughter of Carmel Police Officer Nate Hill, introducing the mayor. Part of Finkam’s "Elevate Carmel" plan includes a 311 non-emergency system, and the development of an international district is part of a push to attract more high-quality jobs and keep the taxes low.
Carmel's appeal as a family-friendly destination was a recurring theme, with Mayor Finkam remarking, "People love to live here. It's a mecca for families and people who visit can't wait to come back," a statement obtained by the City of Carmel. The address closed with acknowledgments to contributing organizations including OneZone Chamber of Commerce, The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, and Ascension St. Vincent.
