Six Months In: Momentum, Mindset, and Meaningful Progress

It’s been six months since this new City Council was seated, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is already showing visible and meaningful momentum—not just in projects, but in how we govern and engage.

We inherited delayed infrastructure improvements, complex mandates, stale ad hoc committees, and Carmel’s natural resistance to change. But we’ve brought new energy, transparency, and a commitment to getting things done. As we start the new fiscal year, even more visible results are on the way.

A Council That Comes Prepared and Focused

This Council of five dedicated individuals comes ready. They do their homework, ask tough questions, and engage in respectful debate. It’s not about politics—it’s about solving problems. We’ve retired inactive ad hoc committees and replaced them with action-focused workgroups. These teams have clear goals, defined timelines, and are already producing results—bringing staff and residents into the process.

A Community That’s Showing Up

Even more inspiring is how the public has responded. Residents—many for the first time—are attending Council meetings and offering thoughtful input. The message is clear: people feel heard. Inclusivity is becoming how we operate, not just something we talk about.

Even more inspiring is how the public has responded. Residents—many for the first time—are attending Council meetings and offering thoughtful input. The message is clear: people feel heard. Inclusivity is becoming how we operate, not just something we talk about. You can feel the shift across town. Residents, business owners, and volunteers are stepping up. Our fully staffed City leadership team is moving forward with renewed purpose armed with a large capital spending budget. There’s a long to-do list—but we’re moving with intent.

Progress on Big Issues

As I shared in the last column, we’ve overhauled the budgeting process to prioritize infrastructure investment. In just six months, we’ve also broken the logjam on several long-stalled efforts. Sidewalk repairs are underway, the address dilemma is finally being properly vetted, and my top priority after being elected—the Harrison Library restoration—is advancing after Council approved the architect contract this week. We also received five thumbs up on the Police Station Workgroup’s rethinking of the project to better fit our needs and budget.

Housing is another area of major progress. With strong community input and close coordination with HCD, we’re nearing an update to our Housing Element that could actually produce new units—thoughtfully dispersed and designed through a resident-driven process.

Our commissions, reinvigorated by fresh appointments, are tackling longstanding issues—from design standards to roofing, landscape materials, and shoreline infrastructure. Council is ready to codify updates that have been deferred too long.

Fixing What Needs Fixing

We’re actively addressing public safety and traffic. While a Council majority wasn’t ready to continue work on ideas like a dynamic valet service or space adjustments related to AB 413, the Parking Workgroup will keep exploring workforce parking options, shuttle service, and long-term solutions using city-owned lots. Significant drainage and street repairs are also in progress.

Our Wildfire Workgroup is getting ahead of new state fire zone regulations with urgency and local expertise. Our fire department, CERT Team, and regional partners are stepping up with inspections, joint training, and coordinated planning. We’ve also made progress toward better coordination between Monterey Fire and our ambulance provider to strengthen emergency response.

Eyes on the Future

My biggest takeaway so far? When committed leadership, engaged residents, and dedicated staff work together, progress isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. We may be a small town, but we’re tackling big challenges with focus, creativity, and unity. We’re no longer stuck admiring problems—we’re solving them. And while much remains to be done, the foundation is now solid.

Now that the library project is underway, I’ll focus with our leadership team on making Carmel a model of excellent customer service.

The next six months will be exciting. Let’s keep the momentum going. The work matters. And the best part? We’re doing it together. For a podcast version of this column, go to cli.re/momentum.

Dale Byrne Mayor, Carmel-by-the-Sea

dbyrne@cbts.us