INSIGHTS
- James Brainard is the six-term Republican Mayor of Carmel, Indiana – which makes him one of Indiana’s longest serving mayors. During his time as mayor, the population of Carmel has nearly tripled but remained focused on environmental sustainability!
- Mayor Brainard was the only one of four Republicans on a presidential task force on climate change.
- During the beginning of his term, he researched what made a city sustainable and asked the locals what the ideal city looked like. Most of them said they wanted places within walking distance, places they could go without having to drive long distances, more community centers, parks and other public areas.
- Mayor Brainard worked to grow Carmel while being conscious of wanting clean air, clean water and a quality place. He made his vision and the vision of the community into reality. They now have almost 1,000 acres of parkland, 190 miles of bike and pedestrian trails and have built a walkable, pedestrian friendly downtown!
- Carmel has won awards for being the # 1 Safest City to Raise a Child and Best Small Cities for Families in America, along with numerous other awards.
- The roundabouts implemented in Carmel have not only allowed traffic to flow smoother, but it has saved fuel and therefore has improved air quality.
- Instead of ‘wasting’ the solid waste from sewer treatment plants, Carmel has invested in diverting that waste into fertilizer, saving the city money.
- Solution for those of us worried about the current administration? Local government is where it’s at – what we do at the local level is just as important!
- Around the nation: 1,250 Mayors and 1,240 have signed the KYOTO protocols – many mayors are doing the right thing.
GET INFORMED!
- Find out more about how cities can develop sustainably
- Get the City of Carmel’s latest updates on Facebook
- Follow the City of Carmel on Twitter
- Check out lots of cool stuff on their Pinterest boards
- Check out Carmel’s un-jammed, not packed roundabouts
GET ACTIVE!
- Research issues that may be going on within your community and how you can help.
- Have a question, concern, or suggestion for your local or state leaders? Give them a call! This is the best way to get a message directly to them.
- Research and vote for officials who are standing up for your community.
- Attend town/city meetings to find out what kinds of decisions are being made. Meetings are usually listed on town’s/city’s websites or local newspapers.
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