Carmel, IN

ID	Idea	Bridge %	Community-Minded Boosters %	Balanced-Growth Stewards %	Market-Oriented Traditionalists %	Total Votes
78	I have seen elsewhere where retired business owners offer free advice for young people starting in business such as accounting advice for ex, not services, just direction. Basic organizational things , mistakes to avoid.	100	100	100	100	51
301	Preserve and expand green space in new development projects	96	98	97	96	137
291	Preserve the Monon Trail as a natural green space	95	96	97	95	132
304	Ensure safe use of the Monon Trail by managing e-bike speeds and user conflicts	91	96	91	95	138
366	Hamilton County tourism data shows exactly which months are slow — use it. Schedule Carmel business events and promotions during those gaps, not just on top of Palladium nights when downtown is already packed.	91	99	91	95	275
298	Ensure heavy vehicles pay for the disproportionate road damage they cause	87	89	87	87	134
146	More signage (decorative) on the Monon regarding speed and forbid e-bikes by class and/or top speed capability. No one needs to be riding over 20 mph on the Monon and limits should be in closer to 10 mph in known congested areas.	86	91	92	86	70
236	stop valet parking stops on Main Street. Put it on the side streets, people are avoid the area. Due to traffic back ups.	86	90	86	95	109
311	Stop awarding city business to out of state companies. Specific example; the city awarded its rebranding work (six figure contract) to a Florida agency. How many agencies in Carmel could have done that work?	86	98	94	86	147
318	The City of Carmel website should host a searchable Carmel Business Directory (emphasizing locally owned businesses).	85	97	88	85	163
119	There’s a niche for affordable handyman services for older or single gals that need a lightbulb changed, batteries in smoke detector changed, a squeaky fan type things. subscription trucks around are great but they can’t do the small stuff	83	83	88	100	63
161	Create a local-first storefront program that gives Carmel businesses first dibs on city event booths, trail kiosks, and merchant listings.	83	97	83	83	78
171	Incorporate more green roofs, roof top restaurants and amenity areas into the apartments and office buildings. So many positive outcomes when nature is part of the design/budget for a growing city like Carmel. Add more green pocket parks!	83	100	100	83	81
292	Unless the questions posed are sufficiently fleshed out — which they are not — the responses will be easily manipulable to support or oppose any policy position. The business community should, by and large, not rely on tax abatements.	83	83	83	93	127
73	I hate when I’m walking on the monon and someone zooms by me going 40mph on an electric bike. Is there a way to stop this?	82	83	82	86	51
96	A reminder that ideas should be about how the **Carmel city government** can help local businesses—not ideas for new businesses (you should start those!) or other things that fall under the auspices of the private sector.	82	82	83	86	57
290	Enforcement of the Monon Trail needs to be greatly enforced, especially with e-bikes. It is a beautiful trail and the crown jewel of Carmel. People don’t want to be afraid of getting hit while walking.	81	94	81	100	129
202	Keep Carmel safe, lower taxes, spend smart, encourage business - all the things that made Carmel amazing !!!	80	83	80	100	96
216	Ban data centers [Must be 20 characters]	79	90	88	79	105
344	Find a way to tap into the active retirement community. Post job opportunities for shorter shifts, that retirees could fulfill.	79	92	79	80	217
113	Leverage the incredible young talent of local high schools to take entry level and service jobs in an effort to support plans for higher education, trade jobs or make sure the jobs are paired with a real career path.	78	100	78	90	61
242	Leave more green space when we build. Stop putting massive parking spaces & concrete all over. When you make buildings, use a bigger setback from the road, too. It leaves space for grasses & trees and makes sidewalks less cramped.	78	100	86	78	106
323	Ban the development of data centers	78	90	80	78	179
130	Local restaurants should not be allowed to use public parking spaces on Main Street. For example, outside of Anthony’s Chophouse gets so backed up due to Valet. They don’t even own or pay for those spots- it is public street parking!	77	91	77	80	65
180	Plan to highlight small-business during the holidays in a shop small guide. Also Small Business Saturday should be extended to all carmel small businesses and not just those that have an "in" with community leaders.	77	97	89	77	88
239	Reduce vacant storefronts in City Center by increasing transparency around available commercial spaces	77	100	77	87	110
288	Remove the red tape and allow local businesses and communities events flourish like Carmel Food Truck Nights!	77	93	93	77	129
364	Carmel has exceptional schools. Create a Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative.	77	98	87	77	264
245	Collaborate with businesses in Indy who would consider opening offices in Carmel. Focus should be on companies who employ people from Carmel to cut down on the traffic from the commute.	76	91	94	76	113
285	Improve pedestrian and cyclist visibility and safety at roundabouts	76	91	83	76	128
328	A “Local business spotlight of the week” would be nice to see what is out there. The spotlight could include a 30-60 sec speed tour of the business, that could grab the attention of those living busy lives.	76	100	76	81	186
84	The Monon Trail is a treasure and adds tremendous appeal to our community. I wouldn't have moved from Indy to Carmel were it not for the trail.	75	100	75	83	56
123	Like to see an adult-focused yet family friendly entertainment center somewhere in central Carmel or on the Monon. More than just another restaurant or bar.	75	95	90	75	64
159	Create a year-round public event calendar that rotates among downtown streets, featuring local shops, food trucks, and arts performances.	75	100	94	75	78
197	I love Carmel! I try to support local business as much as I can. Maybe more affordable boutiques for shopping. I wish the framer market wa down a little later past noon. Also maybe once a month shops extend hours to evening n past 5:00.	75	100	92	75	94
246	Streamline and accelerate the business licensing process in Carmel	75	100	75	79	112
237	Make a downtown park green spaces not more buildings. We need a Central Park	74	97	74	76	109
351	Smaller spaces (under 1500 sq ft) with 3-5 year lease options or option to split current large spaces that are open. Other cities have spaces for small businesses that foster community and collaboration - eg amp, Bottleworks, etc.	74	96	94	74	222
352	So many small businesses have been forced out because the new development is causing rents to be too high to be sustainable for them. Example: Reggae Jamaican Grill. And what will happen to Greek Tony's when that area is redeveloped?	74	98	80	74	229
362	Allow for mixed-use buildings that allow (local) small businesses to operate on the first floor and owners to live above their shop.	74	96	91	74	252
315	Collaborate with Started Up Foundation https://www.startedupfoundation.org/ to bring entrepreneurship curriculum directly to Carmel High School to empower our kids to start businesses in our community	73	93	74	73	157
359	Restaurants and shops can't find reliable staff — servers, cooks, retail help. The city should partner with local high schools to build a real hospitality pipeline so kids who grew up here can find good first jobs close to home.	72	93	73	72	247
361	Open a space where small businesses could sign short-term leases or have pop-ups to test proof of concept. Most commercial real estate leases are 5+ years.	72	96	89	72	248
79	The complete ban on a data centers and flock surveillance cameras within city limits.	71	81	80	71	53
153	Can we put a Christmas tree back on the corner of Main Street? It was a delightful tourist attraction and so beautiful at Christmas. It was one main reason why I moved here years ago. It gives a sense of season change and beauty & welcome	71	83	71	79	75
157	Turn the empty lot by the water tower into a small market square with stalls for local vendors and food trucks.	71	81	86	71	78
234	If you're a company worried about hiring lower-paying workers, while compelling Carmel to provide affordable housing and public transportation, you might consider paying your employees more.	71	89	76	71	110
340	Stop subsidizing commercial scale projects and retail spaces that citizens can’t afford to invest in alongside the city. Invest in micro retail and community scaled projects to better support local ownership.	71	97	84	71	203
360	Empty storefronts in City Center make the whole area feel dead. Publish which spaces are vacant and what the rent is — bring in some transparency so a would-be business owner can actually find a spot without going through a broker.	71	97	80	71	248
369	Getting a business license in Carmel should take days, not months. Simplify the forms, pre-approve common business types.	71	95	81	71	265
111	Stop buying expensive art that no one cares about. Have competitions for local high school or college students and give scholarships &/or at least commission work from local artists. Also would be nice if residents got to vote on the art.	70	76	70	73	60
152	With losing 502 Event Centre in the near future,there is going to be a significant gap in places for non profits, companies, and community organizations to have large scale gatherings. NOT a hotel and reasonable pricing critical	70	95	70	71	74
158	Give local storefronts the first choice on vacant street-level spaces before big chains move in.	70	100	78	70	78
184	Increase community ownership opportunities through micro-retail and small-scale investment models	70	96	75	70	92
274	Prioritize awarding city contracts to local Carmel businesses	70	96	70	78	123
314	Instead of duplicating programs, partner with organizations already driving business growth. For example, connect more women to The Startup Ladies, where they can access education, mentorship, networks, and capital to startup and scale.	70	96	86	70	154
333	Start a Buy Carmel program where you can make introductions between corporations and local vendors.	70	98	76	70	191
336	Streamline permitting and licensing. Create a single point of contact permitting process, ie. a “business concierge model,” where a new business owner works with one city staffer who coordinates across zoning, health, fire, and licensing.	70	100	95	70	193
349	Education that encourages homeowners to hire reputable local providers. A Hire Local Carmel Home-services directory. Help with workforce recruitment and seasonal hiring. Connect businesses to high school, veterans, retires, employment fairs	70	97	70	74	225
122	The city needs a pins mechanical type of entertainment business. We have all the restaurants and bars. But nothing that is “fun” for adults.	69	88	86	69	64
248	Indoor pickleball or tennis or basketball is fine but should not be paid for by the city of Carmel	68	77	68	71	112
282	Ensure affordable commercial space for small and locally owned businesses	68	98	85	68	126
67	Turn winter downtown into a monthly night market with local vendors and live music.	67	94	86	67	50
101	Other than Hotel Carmichael, Carmel desperately needs better hotels. They are rundown/outdated and the city is losing money to Fishers and surrounding areas with newer hotels. The Mayor needs to work with these hotels to get them renovated.	67	77	71	67	58
135	Preserving all land...some land I accept for single family housing, but not all land. We need more green space in other areas as Carmel expands.	67	100	67	83	68
225	Address labor shortages and retain talent by increasing local job opportunities across service, trade, and entry-level positions	67	100	69	67	109
273	Reduce excessive vehicle noise in the arts district and public gathering areas	67	95	67	68	123
326	Carmel could spotlight trades and service work as respectable, skilled, community-serving careers. Actively promote local service providers. A campaign featuring vetted Carmel-area businesses. Make it easier to compete for municipal work.	67	99	80	67	189
331	Carmel Exit Planning to connect retiring business owners with passionate, homegrown buyers. Securing their future while keeping impact right here in Carmel. Carmel could even facilitate a policy to incentivize this on both sides	67	98	74	67	189
324	Does Carmel plan to execute a moratorium or ban on data center development? A ban will only help our small businesses thrive, continue to stand apart and have a future. Data centers would endanger our beautiful Carmel community.	66	92	86	66	183
363	The Monon trail has thousands of people on it every weekend — but they're not stopping at local shops. We need benches, signage, and bike parking that actually points people toward Main Street businesses.	66	94	90	66	253
162	Businesses that close at 5 for the day should not be on Main Street. Mostly the food places I notice. It's a Main Street so you should be held to a higher standard of being accessible.?	65	93	80	65	78
235	Continuing education opportunities	65	98	65	67	139
253	A culinary school would strengthen Carmel’s arts and culture, attract top culinary talent, inspire local entrepreneurs, and elevate the city’s dining scene into a nationally recognized destination for world-class food and hospitality.	65	93	65	67	103
268	Indiana should TAX heavy vehicles extra so that they pay for the disproportionate damage that they do to our streets. Cement trucks. Dump trucks. Trailer trucks.	65	85	71	65	121
319	I believe what would really be nice is “A get to know your Carmel small businesses tour” kind of like the parade of Homes except Folks would have the opportunity to visit/tour small businesses and grab samples/ literature.	65	95	88	65	165
354	Start up the Christmas Trolley at other times of the year. For example Saturdays in the Summer. Would encourage retail and shopping in a way that is scenic, community connecting, and efficient to get around!	65	99	81	65	231
208	Carmel Food Truck Nights are so fun!	64	97	79	64	94
275	Prevent overdevelopment of commercial buildings beyond market demand	64	90	64	79	124
343	Carmel should do more to help residents find and choose trusted local service businesses, not just restaurants and retail. For companies like GreenLawn by Design, support means visibility, fair access to city opportunities, workforce help.	64	90	65	64	214
261	Levy a vacancy tax on empty commercial spaces that do not meet benchmarked efforts to fill a space (similar to benchmarks that those receiving government benefits must provide)	63	85	83	63	118
325	Create public events for businesses who are looking to connect with trusted local vendors to partner with & collaborate. This builds relationships without needing to look for businesses open to that.	63	97	79	63	185
77	Safer walking/bike path access to get from Carmel to downtown, midtown, Carmel High School and the Monon center.	62	95	83	62	52
120	Create incentives for locally owned businesses through tax breaks rather than incentivizing big business. Keep government in it's lane which is helping to create a business incubator that benefits the individuals of the community.	62	95	71	62	62
160	Turn the empty square (south of the carmel water tower between monon blvd and 3rd avenue) into a "central park" at the heart of the city connecting the north and south districts similar to NYC	62	92	95	62	78
295	Carmel thrives in the spring summer and fall. Creative events that bring the community alive in the winter!	62	94	84	62	130
300	Transform area b/w Third Street SW & Monon Blvd into a central green space for ppl to gather, read, meet friends w/ open lawn, shade trees, public art (Midtown/Central Green, The Lawn at Midtown) more lingering = more activity for local biz	62	97	87	62	132
308	Carmel should set a calendar date (per year) for any/all businesses to publish it's purpose/location/hours/value proposition to the public via a public website maintained by Carmel. This allows local businesses to flourish with a local dir.	62	89	64	62	140
310	We need smaller, affordable, spaces for small business such as record/guitar/book stores or takeout eateries. Having these spaces will allow an influx of new and interesting concepts and create much needed diversity!	62	98	100	62	146
348	Use City social media to spotlight new local businesses - "Business of the Day." Let 1 resident try the business for free in exchange for feedback. This helps new businesses like TaskCo task service, grow and it encourages local shopping.	62	96	62	62	219
350	Include retail shops and restaurants representing all corners of Carmel in marketing initiatives.	62	99	82	62	226
250	Regular workshops/info sessions offered at both library locations, staffed by city employees, on how to start different kinds of businesses in Carmel.	61	100	78	61	113
89	The future talk of data centers is to be in outter space. Orbit AI. Table the data centers on our land and let this develop as it will not drain earth resources or force public to pay for it when data shows neither party side wants it here.	60	75	60	62	55
148	We should have a young professionals co-hort or something. Where those of us who are younger, but have taken on big leadership roles/became business owners can connect and bounce ideas without intimidation of well established leaders.	60	85	82	60	72
175	Reduce use of Chromebooks as much as possible for K-8 and make an easy opt-out feature for parents. Recent data and parent anecdotes on Ed Tech are very negative. We need to protect the educational quality of our public schools.	60	67	60	78	84
241	A Maker's gallery would be nice. Kind of an antique mall feel to it. If nothing else, maybe around the holidays.	60	90	82	60	112
249	Many of these proposals are kinda silly. The free market does a better job on most things. The Christmas Market should not receive public funding Put public money into things the free market doesnt provide, such as neighborhood parks	60	66	60	80	113
190	The brick walkways are too close to the roundabout and no one stops. Love them back off the roundabout and do flashing lights.	59	76	59	67	94
280	Like it or not, City Center needs more reasonable offerings, that might do well to attract visitors to the Palladium, Farmer's Market, Chriskindlmardt, etc, not unlike the Spaghetti Factory. Though I don't know how well their business is.	59	83	81	59	125
289	Engage with corporations in Carmel to open procurement opportunities for Carmel-based small businesses. Provide technical assistance to small businesses and connect them with capital so they can bid for and fulfill those contracts.	59	86	85	59	129
306	If banks won’t fund small business startups, there’s usually a good reason. That business is likely undercapitalized and a risk to the banks’ shareholders. How does it benefit the community’s taxpayers to assume that risk?	59	59	65	91	136
335	Walkability is so key. More shops just along the Monon trail and adjacent trailways where feasible...	59	97	88	59	194
200	Move the Christkindlmarkt! It has outgrown it's current location and is actually affecting local businesses in a negative way due to parking, traffic and infrastructure deficiencies.	58	58	62	60	97
238	Carmel should put extreme emphasis on Public Safety and fast (and fair) clamping on any business (or patrons, employees or guests) that violate this principle. Carmel should reduce the tax abatement and any government "propping up" of busin	58	58	60	82	107
254	Ban/ticket loud cars!!! Perfect city besides this, totally ruins the art district experience and is honestly embarrassing when showing out of town guests.	58	77	76	58	112
305	Build a botanical garden, an indoor natural space for year round beauty and a walking space for hot days and cold winters.	58	92	81	58	137
97	Many of the retail shops in the new giant apartment complexes are inaccessible. They are not located where there is a lot of foot traffic, and parking behind the building is too easily missed.	57	88	57	91	58
100	Determine what businesses types and non-residential spaces are missing. I looked for a small space that could be used for clean lab work and development for a startup; none available in Carmel. Other business types may also be missing.	57	100	78	57	58
112	Create public indoor play area for little kids and make public restrooms more toddler friendly (e.g. step stool for sink and toilets). More family-friendly amenities will bring more families out who will then patronize local businesses.	57	86	73	57	61
164	Plenty of jobs available in Carmel. Restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, lawn maintenance, construction trades, etc are hurting for labor.	57	67	57	60	78
222	I'd like to hear more about what the city does for smaller, locally owned businesses. I hate reading the locally owned business close up due to rising rents.	57	94	93	57	107
339	We need more support with hiring retail workers. Small businesses cannot afford to pay high wages and it is difficult to find reliable people willing to work for $15-17 per hour. Some kind of program for high school students maybe?	57	84	57	86	200
118	Land use needs to be tightly regulated with new rules so organizations that use buildings to claim religious freedom to advance political or ideological objectives cannot build here. Land and culture should not be manipulated in this way	56	56	91	90	63
126	PROTECT GREEK TONY’S!!!! Keep one area the same and the Carmel history alive. Been a resident for 33 years!	56	100	60	56	64
156	Turn the Monon into a winter pop-up trail with lights, food carts, and small vendor stalls.	56	86	83	56	77
233	Reduce traffic congestion on Main Street	56	83	56	60	110
244	Preserve available land for community amenities and single-family housing development	56	89	56	85	112
287	Provide safe, continuous bike infrastructure connecting west Carmel to key destinations	56	93	79	56	129
368	The city should offer small grants for local storefronts in their first five years — not big corporations, just the little places trying to get started. They create the neighborhood feel that makes Carmel worth living in.	56	94	76	56	248
137	Sweep up our leaves to reduce the plastic bagging of leaves and the toxic off gas of bagged leaves. Sweeping them with a street sweep, like Noblesville and then shredding/recycling them into a safe space.	55	91	69	55	67
163	Stop spending money on people statues downtown. The cost is exorbitant, and cute maybe, but certainly not worth the cost.	55	55	71	72	79
218	Direct foot traffic from the Monon Trail to local Main Street businesses	55	88	81	55	106
327	Marketing is critical to success. Help small business owners understand the tools that can be used to help them generate customer trial, traffic and customer retention.	55	94	55	62	187
357	Help developers to bring world class restaurateurs with unique concepts and reasonable prices to anchor their live/eat/shop builds. Don’t approve projects that select steakhouse, Italian, or local chains duplicating in every burb.	55	86	69	55	234
138	One charming thing about Carmel is finding yourself driving through areas of trees. Stop ripping down every inch of green area. We have enough apartments. Let us live and enjoy what has been constructed already.	54	100	54	83	68
205	A (small) outdoor music venue. There are thousands of talented Jazz/Folk/County musicians that are under the radar that would be great! Imagine saying you saw T swift in Carmel for $15 before she got famous.	54	91	74	54	97
155	Provide free heavy trash pickup biweekly or monthly.	53	96	53	61	76
172	Either add speed bumps or start charging for the midtown parking garage. The noise and speeding from cars is absurd when your are trying to relax and enjoy midtown. It’s also a safety hazard.	53	62	59	53	85
286	Create a live / work / shop area (like others that currently exist) but think Stutz Building in Indy. It can match the current building styles, but have smaller, more affordable spaces for smaller shops that are getting displaced.	53	100	92	53	125
329	Build on Carmel's existing bike rides with a monthly themed Local Business Ride Series. Each ride would stop at 2-3 small businesses, like taco, coffee, or ice cream shops, with discounts or stamp cards to drive discovery and foot traffic.	53	88	94	53	189
353	Offer small-business grants. Treat home-service businesses as part of Carmel's quality of life. Give small businesses a clear voice at City Hall.	53	95	66	53	228
270	The beauty of Carmel can be greatly enhanced by adding trees/landscape to the median of Keystone Ave. This can be subsidized through private donations from businesses and individuals. A tree lined Keystone would be yet another WOW factor.	52	80	86	52	122
294	Stop the outrageous property tax increases. It is impacting the amount of disposable income available for many families to spend in our community.	51	88	51	90	132
91	We own a small business and also own our building. Our property taxes have nearly doubled in the past several years. Our sales have not doubled. Keep real estate taxes in check	50	78	50	89	55
104	Another burger or medium range price option? Pint Room is missed.	50	94	50	56	60
145	Create a “first-time local business” welcome packet with one city contact, a downtown calendar of available event spaces, and a directory of Carmel-owned vendors.	50	100	57	50	72
154	Create a retail and small business incubator similar to what Fishers, Anderson and the Stutz are doing downtown. Partner with local commercial real estate firms to provide low cost or free rent to new small businesses in the program.	50	96	89	50	75
189	I’m all for an amphitheater, however Carmel with its construction of apartment complexes, there is no more land available for either an amphitheater or single family homes. Sad.	50	100	50	88	94
215	Facilitate annual or biannual workshop for business owners to understand the invisible energy behind their success. This will help the city's movers and shakers learn and grow as they attract the right resources and clients.	50	91	50	53	103
221	Start planning fruit and net trees in public areas so that citizens can have healthy food for free.	50	65	50	50	105
224	Christkindlemart should feature local artists and businesses. The committee should run no more than one refreshment booth and one vendor booth.	50	68	65	50	104
252	Create pedestrian-only zones in midtown Carmel	50	89	85	50	115
255	Carmel’s Arts & Design District should include an art museum. More museums would enrich our cultural identity, create walkable destinations, attract businesses and talent, and encourage residents and visitors to stay longer.	50	93	69	50	108
265	Stop building apartments in crammed in spaces!	50	84	50	85	120
283	I would like to see a Bottleworks type venue in Midtown. It's not much different than the food trucks, which has been fun!	50	82	83	50	126
337	Provide incentives for businesses to create more local entry level jobs for recent college graduates. Many talented young people in Carmel are leaving Carmel and settling elsewhere because they can not find a job in their hometown.	50	93	76	50	199
347	The city's revitalized Carmel Small Business Network is already moving in the right direction. Consider networking breakouts for specific cohorts, like retail, women-owned, etc.	50	98	70	50	221
321	Quit building buildings that won't get full. We have enough of them at this time	48	80	48	77	172
243	Factually the Christkindlmarkt is a large tourism pull and brings a culture many don’t get to experience to Carmel during the holiday season. Keeping it genuine is what makes it good, and in order to do that it needs funding.	47	79	92	47	111
257	Need a continuous bike path from west Carmel to Carmel High School	47	88	89	47	114
322	Another issue is the fact that it is hard to find a good, reliable, trustworthy handy man for a senior living in my own home. The last quote I got for 2 small tasks was $149 service fee to just come give a quote. A vetted clearing house	47	82	47	64	176
223	The city should talk to one of the grocery store chains about making one or more of their Carmel stores open 24-hours like the CVS and Walgreens are on Rangeline Rd. That Walgreens is the only 24-hour Walgreens in the Indianapolis area.	46	85	52	46	107
124	Leverage high school talent. Get the students to take these jobs to support higher education goals, trades training or make sure entry level jobs include a true career path.	45	95	45	91	63
139	Bring back social dances. Get off our devices and have an affordable annual young adult gala for charity. Another one for mid-lifers, maybe another for seniors. The dance companies can be promoted to teach lessons weeks before.	45	89	45	67	70
88	I think Carmel should have an incubator office sharing facility similar to Launch Fishers. I know at sonebody who lives in Carmel but has successfully grown his IT business at Launch Fishers. There are probably others that do the same thing	44	92	83	44	57
92	I would support trolley or similar bus when special events are happening, October fest, christmarket, art on main, etc.	44	95	93	44	57
109	For Americana on Main (2nd year), don’t limit participation to only businesses paying sponsoring fees. Involve all local merchants and let the event grow organically benefitting all local businesses. Missed opportunity to date.	44	94	86	44	61
110	Carmel is missing a local shopping destination. Main Street is filled with restaurants and coworking spaces. We need to be appealing to a younger demographic. Fountain Square and the stutz are doing this well.	44	91	67	44	62
210	Find a suitable venue for the Christkindlmarkt that minimizes disruption to businesses and traffic	44	65	44	70	101
213	Carmel would greatly benefit from a better selection of restaurants downtown, especially lunch restaurants. The type of restaurants that would bring people are Flower Child, Patachou, Napolese, etc.	44	83	73	44	99
228	Improve street lighting on Hazel Dell between 96th and 146th Streets for safe walking and cycling	44	94	80	44	109
264	Create an affordable working arts district with studio space and community access for emerging artists	44	95	76	44	120
332	Small business operations educational workshops for business owners and prospective owners. Topics to include: legal rules on paying employees, required withholding, managing employee tips, and following State labor laws.	44	88	44	54	190
115	Add gardens to the green space so that we can gather more food for community gatherings	43	88	53	43	61
150	Carmel would benefit from a low-cost office space for companies are beyond the incubation phase (shared space) but need a basic private small office space with ability to send and receive packages, access to a small conference room, etc.	43	88	73	43	74
195	Carmel city does not control Carmel schools and vice versa. If Carmel schools want to do this, then let them do it and not Carmel city.	43	72	43	86	95
86	Stop with new construction, many of the new apartment buildings sit mostly empty…all the construction is tearing down the environment that residents enjoy. Carmel now has a cluttered feel, the roundabout construction needs to be coordinated	42	85	42	91	52
229	Carmel is already overloaded with apartment buildings with retail shops. Sadly there’s no more space for single family houses to be built	42	88	42	88	107
313	Leases, especially in prime locations, are too dang high for small-town-feel shops to afford. Locally owned florists have to operate out of their homes. Create a fund for lease payment assistance or require developers to offer affordability	42	82	68	42	151
168	Stop building so many apartments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	41	85	41	85	82
251	Cut property taxes and spending!	41	86	41	89	112
256	I am a small business owner who’s business is being negatively affected by the lack of parking at/near my office. Specifically, adding more parking near 3rd Ave SW or open street parking on Autumn Dr would help my business to grow.	41	88	41	41	115
267	Carmel is missing out on attracting national touring entertainment by not having an outdoor amphitheater. This could benefit local businesses and bring the community together.	41	71	54	41	120
269	Limit further construction of high-density apartment complexes	41	92	41	92	122
141	Take a look at access to carmel on College and Westfield Blvd. Long term closures of roads have destroyed many businesses. And those roads are death traps by design. Stinking thinking by city officials who need to be replaced.	40	69	40	44	68
181	Lights at roundabouts are dimmed. Need to increase brightness and add flashing lights to alert drivers to pedestrian	40	83	75	40	90
188	Have space available but not city or CRC owned.	40	72	40	58	91
199	I think more kid friendly places over all the dog parks. Fenced in playgrounds with ice cream trucks or coffee stands nearby. Everything is for dogs in Carmel it seems like.	40	47	61	40	91
330	Educational workshops for small business owners for managing business accounting, best inventory practices, developing management structures, when to add staff, and how to develop a marketing plan.	40	92	57	40	189
93	Have a girlfriend’s weekend in Carmel during February or March whichever time is slower for retail. Offer a punchcard worth rewards. Businesses can have enticements such as discounts, cocktails, giveaways.	38	86	38	50	56
94	Really need to control the bees in trash cans in summer esp during festivals. Not ok to favor them overshadowing people sitting outside. Eating is impossible. If we are not going to spray them empty the cans at the halfway point constantly.	38	86	38	62	56
103	Carmel should follow Westfield's lead in becoming a dementia friendly city	38	88	100	38	60
108	The market is a wonderful event in Carmel and shows our city at its best, but it has outgrown its current location and it interferes with attendance at the Palladium, another one of our city's crown jewels.	38	84	38	71	60
121	Arts & Design district need to refine the ADLS standards. These huge contemporary McMansions being built next door to the quaint existing homes does not give a cohesive neighborhood feel! Bigger is ok, but lets have some design consistency	38	69	38	46	61
140	Design an outdoor large patio/musical space like the old union brewing location where people can commune, relax and meet dogs and get to know different people in the community. Such a great way to connect with other Carmelites.	38	89	75	38	65
186	Limit the closing of main streetfor events. Put them in front of the palladium. Or in a new park planed for festivals and music	38	71	38	54	89
278	Again, people want to come to Carmel, the local gov does not need to support or subsidize--let the free market work. This is not a starter community and shouldn't be--stop building apartments, stop subsidizing everything	38	55	38	92	125
367	Hi I own a pre and postnatal fitness boutique that is not a brick & mortar. We teach mommy and me stroller fitness classes at parks with a park permit. I would love to be able to bring classes to Carmel to support more families in Carmel.	38	88	61	38	209
277	Keep property taxes affordable so senior residents can remain in their homes	37	91	37	83	124
303	Christkindl has outgrown its space. It needs to expand west. Close 3rd Ave Street and make it part of the market, along with the grassy area in front of the apartment complex and maybe even move the ice rink to the fountain.	37	79	81	37	131
307	Carmel needs a real arts district--affordable studios for emerging artists, shared equipment, open public space, & community studio days. Not a polished gallery row. A living, working, creative hub built for artists and the community alike.	37	87	88	37	141
114	Add a flashing yellow caution light at the Monon and Main Street. They exist elsewhere, but not there and it’s quite surprising that someone hasn’t been pummeled by a fast moving vehicle.	36	100	90	36	61
191	Carmel needs a new upscale movie theater	36	56	40	36	92
220	Stop building costly brick bumps at roundabouts and use that money to invest in public transportation	36	69	52	36	106
207	Stop tearing down all the trees to build bike paths on every street when the streets north and/or south of them already have bike paths. We’re losing the aesthetic beauty & natural importance of trees. And most bikers still use the road.	35	88	35	72	97
258	Ensure workers in lower-paying service jobs can affordably live in and commute within the community	35	92	72	35	119
345	Seasonally close parts of Main Street to vehicle traffic on weekends in the summer. This would encourage Monon users to check it out and bring in more people to shops. Vancouver has had success with seasonally pedestrianized areas.	35	72	75	35	218
355	Certain areas in midtown should’ve been designated as pedestrian only, to give the same town square/promenade feel that other walkable cities have. We designed the need for auto passage into areas that could’ve been better served leaving..	35	86	80	35	227
72	Drone Technology for Building Cleaning and Inspections Scaffolding means lane closures, fall risks, weeks of disruption. Drones performs the same work with zero height exposure, 70% less water, and minimal impact. Carmel needs to innovate	33	100	50	33	50
76	moved to Carmel to get away fm busses and city. Define are we to be a mini crowded city? Or Indiana. Rather vote w my feet than fight a bustling city trend. Not every city needs to be built to the hilt..leave some diversity for peace.	33	82	33	89	52
82	stop building apartments. The traffic is out of control.	33	94	33	89	51
125	Expand community gardens and partner with local businesses to host harvest swaps. Residents swap excess produce and leftovers are donate to food banks - reducing waste. Noble Hot Yoga will be hosting harvest swaps on Saturdays.	33	85	67	33	64
134	Balancing diversity is wonderful, but we need to feature Hoosier much more prominently and be proud to showcase who we are here with our food, traditions, wares and holidays at the forefront.	33	77	33	92	66
147	Make it harder for these elected judicial officers who are appointed, so-called judges who wanna give favors to their friends who are lawyers are biased towards prose litigants in the community.	33	100	33	80	70
151	This has already happened. We are a large city now. So much of the suburban feel that was Carmel and drew people here is fast losing its charm. Bigger is not always better. Carmel in 2056??? Let’s see that rendering !!!😩	33	74	33	77	75
193	We need street lights on Hazel Dell from 96 St to 146 St to allow families to either walk and/or cycle safely.	33	86	80	33	93
211	Monon is a space for nature, one of the only left Nature and safety are my concerns of shops along monon	33	71	33	73	101
178	Access to affordable home-rentals or even town home rentals. Apartments everywhere at the price of a mortgage payment for 700sq ft is insane!	32	90	81	32	89
259	Free public trolly local transit	32	81	72	32	119
297	Create an affordable shared workspace with day passes. Remote knowledge workers need to get out of the house and into the community, but we pay for it out of pocket. We need something between $25/day Office Labs and the library.	32	78	71	32	127
317	Evaluation of a customers experience is key to success. Create a mystery shop program so new businesses get real feedback on what customers are experiencing so they can adjust accordingly.	32	82	32	43	160
179	Carmel Clay Schools should invest in solar panels on their campuses and roofs to help cut rising energy costs and increase our image as a green city	31	91	95	31	88
192	Conduct a private audit of the CRC, then get rid of it.	30	67	30	80	87
338	Many seniors moved to Carmel 20+ years ago. The rising property tax is making it hard for seniors to stay in their homes. While we realize that our homes have appreciated, that only matters if we sell. Reduce property taxes!	30	66	30	81	200
107	Our CCS school district is arguably the jewel of our community and should be supported. Before the next referendum vote, compile stats and profile notable CHS graduates to show voters what their former referendum investments helped do.	29	94	91	29	59
131	Start building with families in mind. Every apartment structure is studio -2br. Make 3 and 4br more readily available, at some point the single ppl will mate and have nowhere in Carmel to live	29	88	83	29	65
173	Let the businesses pay for signs and benches. That will only raise their costs and subsequent food prices driving customers away.	29	40	29	29	86
309	Support creative and lifestyle businesses. Invest more in fashion designers, artists, photographers, makers etc. Offer temporary rent subsidies for first-year small businesses. Offer short term retail kiosks or pop-up storefronts.	29	84	61	29	142
341	Start a program to allow main street businesses to apply to use the street parking in front of their businesses in the summer for tables/chairs or selling. Would allow it to be a choice and would increase the pedestrianized feel.	29	80	62	29	209
116	Shops selling sacreligious items are a turnoff. Mocking faiths by using our holy candles and twisting our images on them &tshirts do not need to be in the shop. Rethink approving biz like this and that carrybook titles hating men & family.	27	31	27	50	63
196	Plenty of brownfield properties in Marion County that have streets, electric, water, etc that could be developed rather than virgin farm ground or Carmel city lots.	27	81	27	57	96
247	I would like to see more exotic and Mediterranean restaurants in the Carmel area. I think it’d be great idea to have a water dog park. Especially on hot summer days. Also provide extra adult education at the library for free.	27	63	38	27	106
262	To make Carmel more friendly to shopping families and older folks, reduce all speed limits in town by at least 5 mph. Enforce rules against reckless and discourteous driving, especially tailgating.	26	62	53	26	119
271	Why does Carmel need to be involved in networking for businesses? Isn't this something success small business owners do and coordinate on their own? Resourceful business owners are who we want, ones that can do this on their own	26	26	30	89	121
302	Downtown Carmel would benefit from a few well known stores, such as Anthropologie, Tommy Bahama, Pottery Barn, etc. These stores would draw people to Carmel. Locals would also head to Carmel rather than the Indy malls.	26	40	26	41	133
85	Work with high school students and get them to take these jobs in support of their higher education and/or trade skill jobs or build a career path off these lower paying jobs.	25	95	25	78	55
87	Gather more data about transportation behavior, transportation deficiencies, and transportation preferences. Specific suggestions (here) tend to be autobiographical. Better data can enable systemic, holistic solutions.	25	100	82	25	54
166	Agree, maybe build that in one of the larger city parks	25	64	25	33	76
144	Eliminate property tax. It is tyranny. You should not keep renting for a house you own and have payments held over your head by the government to take your home.	24	67	24	64	72
174	Autonomous delivery robots are live in big cities. They are impressive. Maybe we could entice one to service the Carmel midtown corridor. The hotel guest would likely use as well. Add some tech background to our city.	24	42	24	27	83
263	Make plans to build renewable energy to affordably build on Carmel's record of sustainability	24	95	84	24	117
358	Carmel should redirect some of its redevelopment tax money toward a small-business loan pool. Right now that money sits and waits — local entrepreneurs with great ideas can't get a shot because banks won't touch them at startup.	24	88	62	24	217
106	YES! Get cars off the road, reduce emissions, and add ease and charm to spending time in Carmel. How about trolleys? Portugal does a wonderful job with these - they are picturesque and functional.	23	73	90	23	60
142	Self- driving cars are here and are the future. Uber will phase out. It is a waste to add public transportation and railways. The red line is subsidized and not truly needed. It is not reliable time-wise to get home after work.	23	38	23	79	71
232	Think Nashville, Indiana. Also consider promoting “Repair Cafes” and maker spaces.	23	81	73	23	106
129	Create 3 dog parks: small, medium, large dog parks	22	31	38	22	65
209	Retirees have less money for local economy due to city and school taxes. Every tax increase hurts us. As a retired Jr/Sr HS Principal my income does not increase. How long I can afford to stay in my home becomes harder each year.	22	82	22	94	101
214	Main street otr cincinnati charges small businesses a percentage of profits for rent instead of a flat rate. This allows for small entrepreneurs to be a part of downtown. I think this is great for creating equal space.	22	93	85	22	101
128	Abandon property taxes altogether and raise the tax on services provided. How many times must you pay for a home you own?!	21	63	21	69	63
219	A summer festive with off city parking with buses going to and fro.	21	62	59	21	101
260	Pass an ordinance that ANY public transport will have to pay road use tax and/or fuel excise taxes to maintain any roads used by their equipment for the business.	21	64	21	71	118
132	Designate one block of Main Street as a historic district for local shops and events.	20	82	20	83	67
136	Prioritize local talent — people who grew up in Hamilton County, chose to come back, and are invested in this community’s future. Hire based on merit and genuine fit, not checkbox diversity initiatives.	20	82	20	80	68
177	In bigger spaces have multiple vendors with just one are to check out.	20	73	20	25	84
227	Close Main Street to cars to allow free flowing foot traffic	20	34	41	20	109
204	We need more bars for people in their 20s. Every bar is over-crowded and closes way too early.	19	42	36	19	95
231	Public transport will ruin the city! That is a really bad idea. People can bike ride in. Make an electric lane.	19	43	19	94	108
105	More assistance for small businesses- rent for these new high rise apartments is out of reach for several, locally owned or women owned places!	18	100	67	18	57
276	Pass an ordinance that ANY public transport will have to fund IN ADVANCE any dedicated traffic lanes, locations and traffic changes and NOT change the existing roads that have been paid for by existing residences fuel taxes.	18	74	18	81	123
320	Create a 'nightlife' area in the city, where bars, clubs, and restaurants can stay open and play music until 4am.	18	43	22	18	172
127	Great idea. Themed trolleys. Glamour girls night out. Kids ice cream tour Dessert journey Etc	17	82	67	17	63
176	More alternative modes of transportation. While the Monon is large and well used, walking from clay terrace to the arts district is a very long walk let alone other areas. Maybe some type of public transportation to link the two as a test.	17	84	74	17	86
206	SCORE offers this and a small business mentorship	17	80	100	17	97
183	Provide a rental assistance for established and struggling and or new business owners this could be limited to shape further goals by offering to b2b or b2c or both. Thanks for asking my opinion.	15	85	36	15	90
281	Again, local gov does not need to "partner with" anyone; let the free market determine what works and what doesn't	15	52	15	85	125
299	People want to do business in Carmel. No incentives at any size of business is necessary. Local gov needs to stay out of the free market (building, businesses, etc)	15	49	15	92	135
167	Carmel needs more sidewalks and beside sidewalks that needs have more small shops which will attract more people walking and shipping. The shops should not in a plaza, it should be in home place area along with College Avenue.	14	85	92	14	77
203	Absolutely no tax preferences or property tax cuts for elderly residents. Everyone uses the public services, everyone pays. Everyone benefits from well funded schools, roads, and services. Young families starting out matter too.	13	41	85	13	97
284	I run The Family Place Early Enrichment Academy and I want to be the hub for all small businesses in Carmel that have employees that need childcare, if we can find a way for the city of Carmel to help support and/or subsidize the tuition.	13	58	50	13	117
75	A centralized CVS type of General Store for all the apartment dwellers. Something inside like a section of the parking garage under the Palladium as an example… walkable not meant to park in front of but walk or bike.	12	100	50	12	52
143	Work with Indianapolis to create a public transit option for Carmel residents to get to the city. I hate spending 50 min in rush hour traffic on 465 to get to and from my lab at IU Indy.	12	81	62	12	70
165	No public transportation, please!	12	29	12	100	81
187	This is not Carmel city responsibility.	12	12	13	56	92
279	Partner with profit mastery, Brian Schmitt, projection hub and/or other business services. There are plenty out there that could provide a curriculum and courses quickly, host at library	12	62	12	38	118
293	Agreed, that’s one of the biggest barriers for retail or store front businesses. Make it a % of revenue, and provide structure with coaching and/or training requirements for different workshops that could be put on. Ie prior input given	12	75	12	12	125
312	Should add a Monorail	12	37	45	12	149
83	A mini tram that shoots from Palldium to a parking garage near the woods building. Use instead of or addition to a trolley. The trolley in winter takes hours to catch during Christkindle when it is freezing outside.	11	93	57	11	55
99	Put a solid cap on apartment rental prices. There is no reason rent should be increasing annually when I'm sure there haven't been any improvements.	11	96	36	11	58
346	If we have a problem finding employees for lower-paying retail, restaurant, and customer service-type jobs, we should think about affordable housing and public transportation.	11	84	88	11	219
95	Get more manufacturing or call centers, etc and use all the empty buildings. No more mixes use building.	10	38	10	17	55
102	Remove Maga elected leaders - Yes! But that feels like a pipe dream. I don't see how that could be enacted, but we certainly could make a stronger, more vocal opposition to what these officials do to push their agenda.	10	85	62	10	60
90	We need a sports team. Fishers has ignite, fuel, freight. Technically the Valor play at grand park, but the viewing is not good and other teams are playing while they are. Bring Indy Eleven here. (Makes sense w/ Sophia Square and Olivia)	9	29	9	40	57
149	1: hammock city, where ppl can hang out and meet each other on hammocks. 2: cap specific prices. I saw shrimp and grits selling for $23 and that is NOT PERMISSIBLE. 3: Focus on maintaining the high school. Keep reputation high with funds.	9	32	9	10	72
182	Support public transit but NOT no cost. Coming from DC area to Carmel, learned many lessons about public transit. Great for young people and workforce, but benefits go away when free/abused	9	80	72	9	88
272	Establish public transportation in and around Carmel to connect with Indianapolis and surrounding communities	9	74	60	9	123
185	Have small businesses or all businesses in Carmel utilize Goldbacks for buying and selling. Check out Angel.com/Gold	8	22	8	10	85
296	Elect Democrats to local and state government. Remove local elected leaders who support MAGA and restore some trust in local leadership	8	69	57	8	132
117	Traffic in downtown on all side streets has become a nightmare. Adapt one-way streets as Zionsville did. People will adapt, just as they have had to do with the medians on rangeline, and no turn lanes.	7	64	7	30	58
201	Expand small business financing * Create microloan or grant programs for startups and existing businesses. * Support minority-, veteran-, and women-owned businesses with targeted resources.	7	96	79	7	95
226	Carmel has become a destination through bold vision. Like Seattle’s Space Needle or St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, a signature landmark could boost tourism, support local businesses, bring the community together, and become a symbol for Indiana.	7	46	41	7	100
334	Explore adding public transportation routes within Carmel and Hamilton County	7	78	82	7	193
217	We could use a pickle ball facility indoors. Also a workshop, I have an idea but need help making it a reality.	6	41	15	6	102
230	Carmel should build a national monument, e.g. St. Louis Arch. The iconography would put Carmel on the map as a mover / contender. Economically, return on investment is off the charts. Arch = ~$500 million / year economic impact. No brainer.	5	27	21	5	109
316	Non-citizens of US are not eligible to apply for SBA loans so growth or even starting a new business here is very limiting as we source capital from only our own pocket. City can help set up a funding community for non-citizens.	4	62	38	4	158
365	Partner with Indianapolis and surrounding suburbs to bring public transit to Carmel. Many workers at local businesses will never earn enough to live in Carmel in the current housing market; let’s make it easier for them to commute.	4	78	82	4	266
356	Black and Latino entrepreneurs in Carmel face extra hurdles getting startup capital — that's not just unfair, it's a waste of talent. The city should actively connect minority-owned businesses to state and federal grant programs they might not know exist.	3	90	67	3	231
342	Public transportation to Indianapolis and to northern suburbs. Traffic is already heavy and will only increase. Adding traffic lanes won’t help due to induced demand. Public transportation is the only way to get cars off the road, its math.	2	80	77	2	207
71	Why not trial rental e-bikes for the commute between the Arts district and Carmel Clay	0	36	57	0	50
74	Provide public transportation for limited hours into the city to help small businesses hire and retain employees that need and want work. Many potential employees for restaurants, daycares, can’t get here because they don’t own cars.	0	100	45	0	51
80	Red line expansion!!!	0	44	54	0	52
81	Why not trial e-bikes for nominal rent (or free) parked at intervals in the arts district and clay terrace areas.	0	50	33	0	54
98	CARMEL NEEDS A CHILDREN’S THEATRE It will bring joy to children and families Children would love to see stories come alive! Good children’s books teach humanity Tamara Des Jardines 317-856-5645 Tamara Des Jardines 317 846 5645	0	45	0	10	57
133	Support small businesses that strengthen community wellness with local grants and discounted rent.	0	96	0	22	64
169	If not done already investigate a Via style public transport system connecting IND airport, hospitals, medical centers, groceries, senior centers, and the Indy Redline. Micro transit with all riders identified should address transit safely.	0	90	88	0	82
170	Need more third spaces!!!	0	75	71	0	83
194	Also, would be helpful during events like Carmelfest etc, when parking is a challenge!	0	77	40	0	95
198	We need public transportation. We have hundreds of businesses that can't get staffed because the workers can't get here. Make it smart, make it safe, make it monitored, but make it!	0	80	80	0	97
212	Incentivize the development of a prominent theater, where plays, music, and other cultural events can be hosted in Carmel. This city could easily become a cultural hub — local business would benefit greatly as a result.	0	75	52	0	100
240	Pubic bus lines to surrounding areas	0	88	71	0	109
266	Carmel needs to invest in it’s local public transit. Low or no cost public transit would help provide businesses with a more reliable workforce while also expanding the consumer audience. Alexandria VA is a model example of this.	0	74	73	0	119