From the Mayor's Desk:Empowered by Process: How Municipal Government Can Enable Success

Overcoming Private Sector Misconceptions

When I entered public service five weeks ago, many warned me about the frustrations of transitioning from the private sector to municipal government. "Government moves too slowly," they said. "There's too much red tape" and “It's impossible to get things done." But my experience so far has opened my eyes. Municipal government doesn’t hinder success—it provides a structure that enables it. The processes, collaboration, and public accountability create opportunities to address challenges with sustainable solutions.

The Vision of Our Founders

In 1916, Carmel’s visionary founders saw something extraordinary in their fledgling artist community. Seeking autonomy from Monterey County, they incorporated Carmel-by-the-Sea on October 31 as a California general law city. Their goal was to protect a unique way of life through local governance and all that comes with that.

A Corporate Structure with a Public Mission

On the surface, Carmel’s government resembles a corporation. The City Council acts as a board of directors, the City Administrator as CEO, and the Assistant City Administrator as COO, with department heads overseeing daily operations. However, the similarities end there.Carmel’s government isn’t focused on profits but on the public good. Our “Board of Directors” is elected by residents, and their mission centers on balancing priorities and providing equitable services as measured by the health, happiness, and quality of life of the community.

Volunteer Commissions: A Critical Asset

What strengthens Carmel’s government is its system of volunteer commissions. The Planning Commission, Forest & Beach Commission, the Historic Resources Board, and other committees are made up of talented community members who provide professional and local knowledge at no cost to taxpayers. These volunteers invest countless hours reviewing staff proposals and making recommendations based on city governing documents.

Volunteerism and Philanthropy: Unbudgeted BenefitsCarmel is blessed to have an abundance of world-class nonprofits.Their volunteers bring passion and expertise, and their philanthropic contributions fund initiatives that might otherwise be unattainable. These contributions empower the city to achieve ambitious goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility unlike anything in private enterprise.

Balancing a Complex Stakeholder Landscape

City government serves a far more diverse stakeholder environment than the private sector. We must balance the interests of state and federal goverment, residents, businesses, employees, bondholders, and community organizations. Every decision is subject to public debate and open records laws, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Collaborative Decision-MakingWhile corporations may make faster decisions, our deliberative process ensures careful consideration of each choice. Public meetings provide genuine opportunities for dialogue, shaping policies and building consensus. Properly managed, this approach doesn’t sacrifice efficiency; it strengthens decision-making, ensuring solutions stand the test of time.

Leadership is Important for Action

While city government doesn’t always move as quickly as it could, I believe this mayor, this Council, and this city leadership team are committed to moving common sense initiatives forward while maintaining the thoroughness our constituents deserve. My meetings with city leadership have been inspiring, honest, and positive, and the expression of support from the community has been outstanding. Please be patiently persistent with us as our team gets to work.

The Best of Both Worlds

I may be overly optimistic but I now see municipal government’s processes as useful tools, not barriers. They connect us to the community, ensure fairness, and create a framework for sustainable progress. By dovetailing in tools from our private sector experience, we can address challenges and achieve meaningful results. Carmel’s incorporation in 1916 wasn’t just about self-governance; it was about protecting a way of life. That legacy continues today. By all of us working together to build a stronger, more responsive government, we’re not just maintaining our community—we’re ensuring Carmel continues to thrive as one of America’s most distinctive, beloved, and respected small cities.

Dale Byrne, Carmel Mayor

dbyrne@cbts.us