The Carmel Way – Progress Through Partnerships

If you’ve ever wondered how a small town like Carmel-by-the-Sea manages to make real progress while preserving its one-of-a-kind charm, the answer is simple: we work together. Our city government doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Around here, meaningful change happens when the city council, city staff, residents, nonprofits, and other agencies roll up their sleeves and get to work, side by side.

Protecting Carmel’s Character – Our Wireless Ordinance

A current example of this is our newly approved wireless ordinance. Last Friday, the California Coastal Commission—one of the toughest regulatory bodies in the state—gave it a unanimous thumbs-up. This was the result of a multi-year community-wide effort involving city leadership, city staff, legal and technical experts, the planning commission, city council, wireless service providers, and engaged residents. Everyone listened, adapted, and contributed to the end result.

When concerns were raised about a draft ordinance’s impact on Carmel’s beauty and environment, residents got organized. They researched alternatives, rallied support, and brought in a national expert—generously funded by local donors. To use a popular ad, “can you hear me now?”, the answer was “Yes” and the council did a restart. The result? With the coordination of all stakeholders, we developed a smarter, stronger ordinance that protects what makes Carmel special while staying compliant with federal law. A best-practice process that led to a best-practice policy that allows for intelligent and necessary improvements to our cell services.

More Than Just a Fence

Another recent win: the new redwood fence around Devendorf Park. What began as a modest upgrade became a masterclass in teamwork. Carmel Cares, city staff, a public works team led by our new Director Ken Wysocki, a local contractor, and a local wood supplier all joined forces. Ken and I even showed up at 8 a.m. on demo day with work gloves to help—or at least with a promise not to get in the way. In just five days, we all built something functional and beautiful that will last a lifetime. A true all-in effort. More projects like this are on the way soon.

Partnerships All Around Us

There are many more success stories. Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve have helped protect and enhance one of Carmel’s largest open spaces for over 30 years and are currently coordinating making it safe from wildfires. While city crews handle major tree work, the Friends of Carmel Forest enhance the city’s efforts through planting, watering, and long-term care—one “right tree in the right place” at a time.

The Carmel Garden Club beautifies beloved spots like Piccadilly Park, City Hall, Harrison Library, and the North Dunes. The Carmel Public Library Foundation, backed by generous donors, is preparing to launch a major interior remodel of Harrison Memorial Library—planned to wrap up just in time for its 100th birthday in 2027. The list goes on and on.

The Carmel Way

These partnerships don’t just make things happen—they make them better. They reflect Carmel’s greatest strength: our people. Residents who care. Nonprofits that deliver. Staff who go the extra mile. And a city government that is listening and adapting.

Sure, not everything works perfectly every time. But we are all working hard and are seeing that when we mix community spirit, professional know-how, and the attention to detail outside groups and individuals provide, Carmel gets stronger.

This spirit of collaboration goes all the way back to Frank Devendorf’s dream of a village filled with artists, idealists, and doers. That legacy is alive in every partnership, every project, and every neighbor who steps up. So if you’re wondering how to make a positive difference—just look around. The invitation is always open. Because in Carmel, we’re getting things done—together. To hear a podcast generated from this column go to cli.re/partnerships.

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

dbyrne@cbts.us