OneZone Chamber Studios

Budget Talks, Cultural Celebrations, and Carmel Pride: A Look at City Progress

OneZone Chamber Studio Season 1 Episode 7

In this episode of Beyond the Roundabout, Jack Russell and Mayor Sue Finkam cover a wide array of developments shaping the City of Carmel. They open with a recap of the city’s spectacular Diwali celebration—a growing tradition that reflects Carmel’s commitment to cultural inclusion and authentic community-driven events. Mayor Finkam shares the backstory of how Diwali became a city-recognized event, its overwhelming turnout at Carter Green, and the joy it brought to thousands of residents. From there, the conversation moves to their joint visit to Carmel Clay Schools' expedition program, offering insights into public school excellence, school safety, and the pride students have in their education. They reflect on their interactions with students and administrators, highlighting the critical role schools play in Carmel’s continued growth. The discussion also previews the upcoming State of the City event and underscores the collaboration between the Mayor’s office and the Chamber of Commerce in promoting transparency and access. Throughout, Mayor Finkam emphasizes the values of intentional community building, performance-based budgeting, and honoring Carmel’s legacy of excellence while looking to the future.