Former Utilities Director John Duffy presented with Range Line Pioneer Award
Submitted by City of Carmel
A first-of-its-kind platform to help residents track, manage, and resolve city-related issues was unveiled at the State of the City address on Monday night, Nov. 10, where Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam celebrated the year’s successes in advancing what she described as a city of vision, innovation, and heart.
Hosted by OneZone Chamber of Commerce and held at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Carmel 311 was announced midway through the gathering of more than 400 residents, who were invited to pull out their phones and download the app.
The mayor noted that Carmel 311 puts city services right in residents’ pockets, whether they are reporting a pothole, requesting debris removal, or simply looking for city updates.
“You can submit a request, add photos and track the details all in one place,” Finkam said. “Carmel 311 allows us to track how fast we are getting projects addressed for our residents.”
The mayor fielded questions from OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell, opening her remarks by acknowledging the critical contributions of both the City Council and her team. Remarks focused on the city’s three guiding pillars: Inspiring Livability, Innovating for Impact, and Investing in People.
OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell with Mayor Finkam. (Photo provided by City of Carmel)
Mayor Finkam cited the expansion of cultural festivals as well as the many national rankings and recognitions awarded to Carmel, including being the first city in Indiana to receive a JustServe City Award for collaboration and its efforts to foster a culture of volunteerism.
“These types of awards happen because of the people in our community, the investments by our businesses and by our city team,” Finkam said.
Joining Finkam and Russell on stage to acknowledge yet another recognition was Carmel Police Department K-9 Macy, who paw-delivered news of the Carmel’s designation as a Certified Better City for Pets.
Critical infrastructure projects also took centerstage, including the White River Greenway, Bur Oak Bridge, the addition of more miles of multi-use paths and raised pedestrian crosswalks, as well as the opening of Olympian Way. Also highlighted were building projects such as The Heron Club at Carmel for active seniors, which includes dedicated space for a future Veterans park with a central water feature, designed by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation in conjunction with the city’s veterans. Monon Square North and Gramercy and Marketplace were also featured, with the mayor noting that news related to the CNO campus on the U.S. 31 corridor is coming soon.
“It’s not just the parks, the streetscapes – it’s about the memories we create,” Mayor Finkam said. “That’s what separates Carmel from other communities.”
The people of Carmel were celebrated in the State of the City address, with a story of neighbors supporting one another and of a new resident who moved to Carmel for its active transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the Range Line Pioneer Award was awarded to John Duffy, who served as director of Carmel Utilities for more than three decades.
Mayor Finkam emphasized that Carmel’s 2025 successes are especially impressive given key challenges that included the F1 tornado that hit the city in April of this year, along with significant cuts to city revenue as the result of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), state legislation that reduces property taxes. Despite the cuts and the potential for even greater sacrifices next year, the mayor noted that the City was able to preserve its arts budget, expand its commitment to public safety and still pursue critical infrastructure projects.
Looking ahead, the mayor said news would be forthcoming on a community-driven group that will plan Carmel’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. This milestone will be especially meaningful in Carmel, as the city also celebrates its 50th year since incorporation as a city.
Special thanks to OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and Ascension St. Vincent for their contributions to this event.
A recording of the event is available on YouTube at tinyurl.com/CarmelSOTC2025.