Progress and Gratitude

Momentum, Not Slowdown

Usually, things quiet down as the holidays approach. But, not in Carmel this year. The December Council meetings will tackle issues that matter to residents and are essential to keeping Carmel safe, beautiful, and productive. The same is happening with our Commissions. I’ve also represented Carmel at the Mayors Association, the Monterey County Hospitality Association’s recognition awards, the Carmel Innkeepers gathering, and the Panetta Institute’s Lincoln-Jefferson awards. These are all reminders of how we’re working together to keep Carmel and all of Monterey County thriving.

As we head into Thanksgiving week, it feels good to pause from the constant pressure of city government, take a breath, and remember why we do this work. It’s about caring for our beautiful village that so many of us love and feel grateful to call home.

A Season for Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a natural time to say thank you, but gratitude should not be limited to one week in November. Every day, people across Carmel are doing the quiet, steady work that keeps this place special. This season simply gives us a chance to notice it a little more.

Seeing Excellence Up CloseLast week, nearly 800 people gathered for the Monterey County Hospitality Association’s annual meeting where two of our hospitality professionals received major awards. WIth about 27,000 hospitality workers in the county, having two honorees from our one-square-mile village says a lot about the standard of care here. Carmel is full of people who take pride in doing things well, reflected locally and regionally in recognitions like the Golden Pine Cone Awards and the Carmel Chamber’s Awards of Excellence.

The People Behind the Village

These awards highlight what we value: service, hospitality, creativity, kindness, and a genuinely welcoming spirit toward residents and visitors. When a local innkeeper, restaurant, bank, spa, or gallery is recognized, it shows that the Carmel experience is shaped daily by people who care about their craft.

Even without formal awards, the same is true for city staff. The forestry team caring for our trees, police officers building trust, crews supporting holiday events, planners and inspectors protecting village character long before a project is visible, and librarians who greet everyone with warmth. Their work rarely makes headlines, but it’s essential to our civic fabric.

A Community Voice in Recognition

This leads to a thought we might explore. As part of the city’s customer service focus, perhaps we could create a community-driven way for residents to nominate outstanding city staff. A “People’s Choice” Staff Award could shine a light on those who consistently go above and beyond. The goal would be appreciation, not competition—another way to say, “Your work matters.” Cities like Healdsburg and Ukiah already have this type of program.

Gratitude Every Day

We don’t need to wait for an award ceremony to thank a neighbor who volunteers, a shopkeeper who greets people with a smile, or a staff member who quietly handles the details that keep Carmel running. A simple thank you, a note of appreciation, or a kind word can make a real difference and brighten their day.

I hope we celebrate Thanksgiving not only with family and friends, but also with gratitude for the people around us. When we notice and honor outstanding service, we strengthen the fabric that holds this village together. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading these columns and for your kind and supportive words. To hear a podcast generated from this column, go to cli.re/gratitude.

Dale Byrne, Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea

dbyrne@cbts.us