February 2021 Update -
              Due to COVID19 restrictions - we have postponed our celebration
to Sunday, October 10th, 2021.

Beginning in 1980's, and now on every second year, CRA honors a prominent Carmel person by naming him or her Citizen of the Year. Candidates have, through their service, enhanced the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Candidates have, through their service, enhanced the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. All nominees, either resident or business community members, must live in Carmel-by-the-Sea or its Sphere of Influence.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is February 15th, 2021.  See the criteria for and process for nominations below. 

Our 26th Citizen of the Year awards ceremony, in normal times, is held in the Spring at the Carmel Woman’s Club and this gathering is open to the public. Traditionally this mid-afternoon ceremony includes local & regional leaders – providing additional recognition and appreciation for our awardee, along with munchies and beverage – provided by local businesses. Watch for future issues of The Voice or News You Can Use for the time and place of this celebratory gathering.

Plus - If you can contribute to this program, beyond nominations please email [email protected].  Members of the committee will reach out to you shortly.

The Candidate

  • Nominations are sought for people, who during the past year or years, had done an outstanding job of promoting the objectives of Ordinance 96 that states, in part, that "Carmel-by-the-Sea is primarily, essentially and predominantly a residential city."
  • Must live in Carmel-by-the-Sea or in our Sphere of Influence.
  • Has enhanced the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For example: prior honorees were recognized for their activities and contributions to our parks and volunteer work in organizations serving our community.
  • Can be a resident or business community member
  • May or may not be CRA member
  • Must not be on the CRA Board
  • Must not be our city or county employee
  • Must not be an elected official of Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey County

The Nomations

  • Can be made by any Carmel person or organization
  • To include all relevant details on the contributions to Carmel-by-the-Sea community
  • To include email and phone # contact information of the nominator(s)
  • Must be sent to: CRA Citizen of the Year, PO Box 13, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca 93921 – or email to [email protected]
  • Must be received on or before February 15th 2021

History of Citizen of the Year Award

In the fall of 1988, at a meeting of Village leaders, it was decided that Carmel should recognize citizens who give outstanding service to their community.  With widespread support, Carmel Residents Association was chosen to develop and sponsor this recognition event. 

Roster of Prior Honorees: (up through 2019)

This coming year’s Honoree will join a long list of distinguished citizens recognized for their efforts on behalf of our city.
They include Linda Anderson, Clayton Anderson, Noel Van Bibber, Melanie Billig, Jack Billwiller, Steve Brooks, Mike Brown, Greg D’Ambrosio, Olof Dahlstrand, Nancy & Bill Doolittle, Richard Flower, John Hicks, J.S. "Jim" Holliday, Wayne Kelley, Bob Kohn, Frankie Laney, Barbara Livingston, Skip Lloyd, Noel Mapstead, Roberta & Monte Miller, Enid Sales, Joyce Stevens, Merv Sutton, Roy Thomas, Charlotte Townsend, Fran & Alex Vardamis, Jean White, Ken White, and Jim Wright.
                                   When spouses are listed separately – recipients were awarded in a separate year.

A sampling of prior honorees here

Purple text above reflects the 2021 specific content....and will be updated annually.

Previous issues of  The Voice included coverage of Citizen of the Year....if you'd like to go to the Archives and read more on this program history and it's winners. Check out issues : March 2010, April 2010, January 2011, March 2011, January 2013, November 2014, January 2015, February 2017, January 2019 and January 2021.