Jim Brainard is Mayor of Carmel, Indiana, and is the city's first five-term mayor.
Under his tenure, Carmel has experienced tremendous growth and prosperity. It is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The population has grown from 25,000 to almost 80,000 in the last 12 years. Park land, greenspace, and trails have increased from 40 acres to more than 800, including the Monon Trail and Central Park. The creation of a new downtown and the Arts & Design District has breathed new life into forgotten areas of the city. All of these improvements have given the citizens of Carmel increased opportunities for recreation and cultural activities.
Carmel has been honored with many awards for its high quality of life and environment initiatives. Most recently, the City was awarded first place in the Climate Protection Awards from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and as national runner-up of The Home Depot Awards of Excellence in Community Trees. Carmel has also been the recipient of the Sterling Tree City Award, honorable mention for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities and been designated a Bicycle Friendly City. Mayor Brainard is often requested to speak about Carmel’s initiatives at regional, national and international conferences.
Mayor Brainard has spearheaded significant beautification and economic development projects. One of these public private partnerships is the creation of a true downtown for the City of Carmel, known as Carmel City Center. The focal point of this cultural and entertainment district will be the state-of-the-art Regional Performing Arts Center, which includes a 1,600-seat concert hall of superb acoustical standards and a 500-seat multi-purpose theatre. Carmel City Center will also feature a public green/outdoor amphitheatre, a boutique hotel and numerous restaurant and retail venues. The Performing Arts Center is set to open in Fall 2010.
The economic vitality of Carmel is also a primary concern of Mayor Brainard. His comprehensive economic development plan has encouraged the growth of established companies located in Carmel, and has brought in many new high-tech and life sciences firms. His diligence in developing the city helped its Meridian Street Corridor become home to the second largest concentration of office workers in the state of Indiana.