As part of an effort to cut costs from the City of Carmel’s 2026 budget, Mayor Sue Finkam is reviving a proposal to create a nonprofit to manage city events.

Finkam and Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson presented an overview Sept. 8 to the city council of the city’s plans to move management of city events – and employees to support them – from the Marketing and Communications Department to a proposed Experience Carmel nonprofit.

The move is expected to save the city $1.7 million, Jackson said. The city is seeking ways to tighten its budget after the passage earlier this year of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which aims to reduce Hoosier property tax bills. As a result, Carmel is set to receive $3.8 million less in property tax revenue in 2026 than originally projected.

Jackson said a

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