Share to: share facebook share twitter share wa share telegram print page

James Brainard

James Brainard
Mayor of Carmel, Indiana
In office
January 1, 1996 – January 4, 2024
Preceded byTed Johnson
Succeeded bySue Finkam
Personal details
Born1954 (age 69–70)
Bristol, Indiana
Political partyRepublican
ResidenceCarmel, Indiana
Alma materButler University (BA)
Ohio Northern University (JD)
OccupationLecturer
Politician
WebsiteOfficial website
NicknameJim

James Brainard (born 1954) is a retired American politician of the Republican Party who served as the fifth mayor of Carmel, Indiana, a principal city in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, from 1996 to 2024. At the time he left office on January 4, 2024, he was one of Indiana's longest serving mayors. During his tenure as mayor, Carmel's population grew from 25,000 in 1996 to 102,000 in 2021 and saw the creation of a new downtown called City Center, where a new 1,600-seat concert hall, The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, opened in 2011. Two smaller theaters opened as well, in addition to the redevelopment of the oldest part of town into a new Arts & Design District.[1] Brainard announced in September 2022 that he would not run for re-election in 2023, and his term expired on January 4, 2024, after which point he was succeeded by fellow Republican Sue Finkam.[2]

Early life and education

James Brainard was raised in Bristol, Indiana, the son of Jack and Dortha Brainard. Brainard attended Butler University, studying history, political science, and speech. After graduating from Butler with a Bachelor of Arts in 1976, he entered the Claude W. Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University and earned a Juris Doctor in Law in 1982.

Political views

Transportation policy

Brainard is frequently asked to speak about city planning, redevelopment and roadway networks. Under his administration, the City of Carmel has eliminated dozens of traffic signals and dangerous intersections, replacing them with roundabouts. Carmel, with 142 roundabouts as of January 2022, has more roundabouts than any other city in the United States.[3] The policy has been credited with a reduction of carbon emissions, fatalities and intersection collisions.[4][5][6][7]

He arranged to construct the first roundabout in the city at the corner of River Road and Main Street in 1996 followed in 1997 by building two roundabouts on the newly built Hazel Dell Parkway at 126th and Main Streets.

Climate and energy

Brainard is described as a moderate Republican who has earned a reputation for defending efforts to fight against the effects of global warming.[8] Brainard is serving as a Trustee and co-chair of the Energy Independence and Climate Protection Task Force for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. In November 2013 he was appointed to the Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience by the President of the United States. He traveled in 2015 to four cities in India to represent the United States as part of the US State Department's speaker's bureau. Also, in 2015 he was asked to speak on energy and climate policy at the German-American Centers in five German cities.[9] He has been a guest lecturer for Georgetown University, Butler University, Indiana University and Purdue University among others. Because of his views, Brainard was selected to be on President Obama's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.[10] In 2013, it was announced he would be "one of 26 local government representatives who make up a new task force to help communities deal with the effects of climate change."[11]

Fiscal and health policy

Brainard is also a fiscal conservative who has invested millions of dollars in local redevelopment projects while keeping the city tax rate among the lowest among cities in the state of Indiana.[12] Because of Brainard's activity to create a health-conscious community, Carmel has received various awards for its healthy living.[13]

Concerns have been raised in recent years about Brainard's handling of Carmel city finances. In 2015 the city overestimated tax revenues by over $5 million and was forced to reallocate funds between accounts to meet then current obligations.[14] In 2017 S&P downgraded Carmel's long-term bond rating from AA-plus to AA, noting a $300 million increase in debt over the prior 3 years. In its analysis, S&P noted "In our view, this demonstrates the risk of high leverage and a heavy dependence on sometimes more volatile tax-increment revenues. We feel the city's crowded budget and high fixed costs leave it vulnerable to unanticipated economic or operational swings."[15]

In response to a question about the Green New Deal, Brainard has said, "I think we have [to] find that middle ground where we can do things that encourage green jobs—do things that help the economy and reduce carbon at the same time."[16]

Civil rights and diversity

In 2015, he proposed and the City Council passed a new ordinance designed to protect human rights regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The issue was first raised in Carmel during the election campaign and came to its closure during a time of heightened awareness.[17] Brainard is a supporter of diversity in Carmel. He hosts an annual Iftar dinner for the local Muslim community and established a new Carmel Interfaith Alliance in the fall of 2015 designed to bring together pastors and religious leaders from a variety of faiths.[18] Brainard has said, "Carmel's diversity brings a richness to the fabric of our community, and our freedom of religion should be celebrated."[19]

Awards

  • 2023 Sagamore of the Wabash[20]
  • 2013 International Making Cities Livable Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award "for his inspirational leadership in creating a vibrant, multi-functional heart for Carmel, IN."[21]
  • 2012 American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana (ACEC Indiana) Public Service Award [22]
  • 2011 Local Arts Leadership award for the "Support the Arts fund, which mandates that one percent of the city's general fund support local arts organizations."[23]

References

  1. ^ Schneider, Keith (July 1, 2014). "Redevelopment of Carmel, Ind., Has a European Flair". The New York Times. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  2. ^ "Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will not seek re-election". Fox 59. September 13, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "Carmel releases timeline for $229M of roadwork". indystar.com. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  4. ^ Buckley, Cara; Mast, A. J. (November 20, 2021). "These Americans Are Just Going Around in Circles. It Helps the Climate". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "Carmel Indiana Roundabouts: Case Studies: ERIT: Environmental Resilience Institute Part of the Prepared for Environmental Change Grand Challenge: Indiana University". Indiana University. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  6. ^ Gross, Frank; Lyon, Craig; Persaud, Bhagwant; Srinivasan, Raghavan (January 2013). "Safety effectiveness of converting signalized intersections to roundabouts". Accident Analysis & Prevention. 50: 234–241. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.04.012. PMID 23200454.
  7. ^ "Safety effects of roundabout conversions in Carmel, Indiana, the Roundabout City". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  8. ^ Commons, the urbanophile / Creative. "Q&A: In Indiana, fighting climate change by rethinking the suburb". Midwest Energy News. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  9. ^ "Brainard discusses climate change in India, Germany". indystar.com. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  10. ^ Yerman, Marcia G. (July 7, 2014). "Republican Mayor Jim Brainard Believes in the Science of Climate Change". huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  11. ^ "Carmel Mayor James Brainard to help White House on climate change issues". indystar.com. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  12. ^ "Property Tax Rates by County: STATS Indiana". www.stats.indiana.edu. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  13. ^ "City of Carmel, IN : City Wide Awards". www.carmel.in.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  14. ^ "Is Carmel about to go broke?". Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  15. ^ "Carmel's 'rapidly increasing debt' leads to drop in credit rating". Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  16. ^ Vyse, Graham (April 5, 2019). "The GOP Mayor Pushing Climate Change Policies in Congress". Governing, the Future of States and Localities. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  17. ^ Fischer, Jordan (October 6, 2015). "Carmel City Council passes anti-discrimination ordinance in 4-3 vote". theindychannel.com. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  18. ^ "Carmel Interfaith Alliance organizes cleanup of Monon Trail". currentincarmel.com. September 15, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  19. ^ "Mayor hosts members of Muslim community". currentincarmel.com. July 23, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  20. ^ "Carmel mayor receives state's top honor, unveils Songbook museum agreement at final State of the City event". Current Publishing. December 4, 2023.
  21. ^ "Mayor James Brainard, Carmel, IN awarded 2013 IMCL Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award - International Making Cities Livable". www.livablecities.org. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "Mayor James Brainard received 2012 Public Service Award". acecindiana.org. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  23. ^ "Mayor James Brainard (R - Carmel, IN)". americansforthearts.org. December 31, 1969. Retrieved May 3, 2017.

Read other articles:

Masjid Agung Ciamis

Masjid Agung Ciamisمسجد الجامع چيءميسMasjid Agung Ciamis dilihat dari arah Tenggara, 2012AgamaAfiliasi agamaIslamProvinsi Jawa BaratLokasiLokasiJalan Jenderal Sudirman №3, Ciamis, IndonesiaKoordinat7°19′35.972″S 108°21′3.740″E / 7.32665889°S 108.35103889°E / -7.32665889; 108.35103889Koordinat: 7°19′35.972″S 108°21′3.740″E / 7.32665889°S 108.35103889°E / -7.32665889; 108.35103889{{#coordinates:}}: ti...

 

Higashiōsaka

Cet article est une ébauche concernant une localité japonaise. Vous pouvez partager vos connaissances en l’améliorant (comment ?) selon les recommandations des projets correspondants. Higashiōsaka-shi 東大阪市 Le temple Rokuman à Higashiōsaka. Drapeau Administration Pays Japon Région Kansai Préfecture Osaka Maire Junzō Nagao Code postal 〒577-8521 Démographie Population 504 799 hab. (février 2010) Densité 8 167 hab./km2 Géographie Coordonnées 34°...

 

John Howard

The HonourableJohn Winston HowardPerdana Menteri Australia ke-25Pemilu: 1987, 1996, 2007Masa jabatanMaret 1996 – 3 Desember 2007WakilTim Fischer (1996-99)John Anderson (1999-2005)Mark Vaile (2005-2007)PendahuluPaul KeatingPenggantiKevin Rudd Informasi pribadiLahir26 Juli 1939 (umur 84) Sydney, AustraliaPartai politikLiberalSuami/istriJanette HowardSunting kotak info • L • B John Winston Howard (lahir 26 Juli 1939) adalah Perdana Menteri Australia sejak 11 Maret 1...

Kilo 11 (Jeddah)

Kilo 11 كيلو 11LingkunganNegaraArab SaudiProvinsiProvinsi MakkahPemerintahan • Wali kotaHani Abu Ras[1] • Gubernur kotaMish'al Al-SaudKetinggian12 m (39 ft)Zona waktuUTC+3 (AST) • Musim panas (DST)ASTKode pos(5 kode digit dimulai dari 23; e.g. 23434)Kode area telepon+966-12Situs webwww.jeddah.gov.sa/english/index.php Kilo 11 (Arab: كيلو 11) adalah sebuah permukiman padat penduduk di kota Jeddah di Provinsi Makkah, tepatnya di s...

 

قائمة رؤساء جامعة الأزهر

رؤساء جامعة الأزهر منذ صدور القانون رقم 103 لسنة 1961 تولى رئاسة جامعة الأزهر منذ بداية الدراسة بها كجامعة مستقلة في عام 1381 هجري الموافق 1961 ميلادي العديد من الشخصيات البارزة وهي: رؤساء جامعة الأزهر أسامة العبد رئيس جامعة الأزهر الأسبق (ديسمبر 2017) الترتيب الشخص الفترة 1 محمد البه

 

Richard Rogers

British architect (1933–2021) Not to be confused with Richard Rodgers. For other people named Richard Rogers, see Richard Rogers (disambiguation). The Right HonourableThe Lord Rogers of RiversideCH FRIBA FCSD HonFREng RARogers in 2013BornRichard George Rogers(1933-07-23)23 July 1933Florence, Tuscany, ItalyDied18 December 2021(2021-12-18) (aged 88)London, EnglandNationalityBritish and ItalianAlma mater Architectural Association Yale School of Architecture Occupation...

Lijst van landen in 1922

Hieronder volgt een lijst van landen van de wereld in 1922. Uitleg Op 1 januari 1922 waren er 61 onafhankelijke staten die door een ruime meerderheid van de overige staten erkend werden (inclusief Andorra[1], exclusief dominions van het Britse Rijk en exclusief vazalstaten). In 1922 verdwenen Rusland en Centraal-Amerika als onafhankelijke staten en ontstonden de Sovjet-Unie, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras en Egypte. De in grote mate onafhankelijke Britse dominions zijn weergegeven o...

 

WHOI (TV)

TBD TV station in Peoria, Illinois For the marine science research facility in Massachusetts, see Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This article uses bare URLs, which are uninformative and vulnerable to link rot. Please consider converting them to full citations to ensure the article remains verifiable and maintains a consistent citation style. Several templates and tools are available to assist in formatting, such as reFill (documentation) and Citation bot (documentation). (August 2022) ...

 

Gerald Veasley

American jazz bass guitarist Gerald VeasleyVeasley in 2007Background informationBorn (1955-07-28) July 28, 1955 (age 68)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.GenresJazz, jazz fusion, R&BOccupation(s)Musician, DJInstrument(s)Bass guitarYears active1980–presentWebsitegeraldveasley.comMusical artist Gerald Veasley (born July 28, 1955) is an American jazz bass guitarist. Veasley was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he played in R&B groups as a teenager. He worked with...

Roller Hockey Bundesliga

Roller Hockey BundesligaCurrent season, competition or edition: 2021–22 Roller Hockey BundesligaSportRoller HockeyFounded1967No. of teams10Country GermanyMost recentchampion(s)SK Germania Herringen (4th title)Most titlesRESG Walsum (16 titles)Official websiteDeutscher Rollsport Rollhockey Bundesliga is the biggest Roller Hockey Clubs Championship in Germany. List of winners A German championship was organised from 1920 onwards. From 1967 onwards the Roller Hockey Bundesliga was establi...

 

Halime Oguz

You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Danish. (September 2021) Click [show] for important translation instructions. Machine translation, like DeepL or Google Translate, is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or l...

 

31st Flying Training Wing (World War II)

Unit of the United States Army Air Forces 31st Flying Training WingAAF Shoulder Sleeve InsigniaActive1943–1945DisbandedDecember 30, 1945Country United StatesBranchArmy Air ForcesTypeCommand and ControlRoleTrainingSizeWingPart ofCentral Flying Training CommandGarrison/HQEnid FieldColors   Ultramarine blue and golden orangeEngagementsWorld War II – American CampaignInsigniaCentral Flying Training Command Distinctive InsigniaMilitary unit The 31st Flying Trai...

Taha Behbahani

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.Find sources: Taha Behbahani – ...

 

Islam in Ghana

Religion in Ghana Ghanaian MuslimsTotal population20% of Ghana's population in 2021[1]Regions with significant populationsTamale, Kumasi, Accra (0.35 million and above; 2002)LanguagesEnglish, French, Dagbanli, Hausa, others Islam by countryWorld percentage of Muslims by country Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritre...

 

Jikji Simche Yojeol

Jikji Simche YojeolHangul백운화상초록불조직지심체요절 Hanja白雲和尙抄錄佛祖直指心體要節 Alih AksaraBaegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeolMcCune–ReischauerPaegun hwasang ch'orok pulcho chikchi simch'e yojŏl Baegun Hwasang Chorok Buljo Jikji Simche Yojeol disingkat Jikji Simche Yojeol atau Jikji adalah dokumen bersejarah yang dicetak pada zaman Dinasti Goryeo pada tahun 1377. Baegun Hwasang Chorok Buljo Jikji Simche Yojeol yang bermakna Bungarampai Biksu ...

Operation Buster–Jangle

Series of 1950s US nuclear tests Operation Buster–JangleBuster–Jangle Baker, 3.5 kilotonsInformationCountryUnited StatesTest siteNTS, Areas 1–4, 6–10, Yucca FlatPeriod1951Number of tests7Test typecratering, dry surface, free air drop, towerMax. yield31 kilotonnes of TNT (130 TJ)Test series chronology← Operation GreenhouseOperation Tumbler–Snapper → Map all coordinates in Operation Buster–Jangle using: OpenStreetMap Download coordinates as: KML G...

 

Emily Dickinson Museum

Historic house in Massachusetts, United States United States historic placeEmily Dickinson HomeU.S. National Register of Historic PlacesU.S. National Historic LandmarkU.S. Historic districtContributing property Dickinson Homestead, home of poet Emily DickinsonShow map of MassachusettsShow map of the United StatesInteractive map showing the location of Emily Dickinson Home MuseumLocation280 Main St., Amherst, MassachusettsCoordinates42°22′34″N 72°30′52″W / 42.37611°N...

 

Kereta api Joglosemarkerto

Kereta api Joglosemarkerto Kereta api Joglosemarkerto saat memasuki Stasiun Kroya (Kiri) dan saat meninggalkan Stasiun Purwokerto (Kanan)Informasi umumJenis layananKereta api aglomerasi[1]StatusBeroperasiPendahulu Joglo EkspresLintas Solo-Yogyakarta (2014–2015) JoglokertoLintas Solo-Purwokerto (2015–2018) Kalijaga Lintas Solo-Semarang via Gundih (2014-2019) Mulai beroperasi1 Desember 2018; 5 tahun lalu (2018-12-01)Operator saat iniKereta Api IndonesiaLintas pelayananJarak tem...

Cycnia inopinatus

Species of moth Cycnia inopinatus Adult Caterpillars feeding on Asclepias viridiflora Scientific classification Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Superfamily: Noctuoidea Family: Erebidae Subfamily: Arctiinae Genus: Cycnia Species: C. inopinatus Binomial name Cycnia inopinatus(H. Edwards, 1882) Synonyms Euchaetes inopinatus H. Edwards, 1882 Euchaetes nivalis Stretch, 1906 Ammalo tenerosa Dyar, 1913 Cycnia inopinatus, the unexpected cy...

 

Hard Boiled Mahoney

1947 film by William Beaudine Hard Boiled MahoneyTheatrical release posterDirected byWilliam BeaudineWritten byCy EndfieldProduced byJan GrippoStarringLeo GorceyHuntz HallBobby JordanWilliam BenedictGabriel DellCinematographyJames S. Brown Jr.Edited byWilliam AustinMusic byEdward J. KayDistributed byMonogram PicturesRelease date April 26, 1947 (1947-04-26) Running time63 minutesCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish Hard Boiled Mahoney is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Wi...

 
Kembali kehalaman sebelumnya