Effort informed by community input, tied to city’s strategic planning
Submitted by City of Carmel
Marking a significant milestone in its strategy to competitively position the city as a premier destination for business, new residents and visitors, the City of Carmel on Thursday launched its new identity.
The distinct identity, which expresses Carmel’s commitment to innovation, leadership and community empowerment, is the culmination of more than a year of planning that was informed by the city’s strategic planning effort.
The journey to Carmel’s new identity was a collaborative effort involving extensive community input through outreach efforts, the Community Engagement Survey, interviews and group discussions. Residents, businesses and stakeholders were engaged throughout the process to ensure that Carmel’s identity truly represents the City’s unique attributes and aspirations.

Finkam
“Positioning a city is about crafting a unified vision that resonates with residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “A strong identity that distinguishes Carmel as a first-class city benefits not only our community, but our entire region as we continue to compete with the rest of the Midwest and beyond for talent and investment. Insights and feedback from our residents and business leaders were invaluable as part of this work as was our strategic planning process.”
This work is an evolution from Elevate Carmel, which guided the city’s objectives in Mayor Finkam’s first year in office. The strategic plan will be shared with the community later this year.
Three core values are being emphasized as part of Carmel’s identity refresh: Innovate Fearlessly, Empower Together, and Lead with Heart. These values guide the city’s actions and communications, ensuring consistency, and alignment with community goals.

Russell
“A strong brand builds confidence – and Carmel’s refreshed strategy and identity send a clear message that this is a city where business, community and culture thrive together,” OneZone Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jack Russell said. “It’s a win for our economy and our future.”
