Reaching higher for Marion and Eastern Iowa

2024 was marked by significant progress in delivering on our promise to serve Marion’s residents and give them the best opportunities. Highlights include $10 million in road improvement projects, completion of another large segment of Tower Terrace Road and the long-awaited opening of the 144,000 square foot Marion Public Works facility. We transitioned to automated curbside trash collection, inaugurated a new park and made significant progress on updating our Comprehensive Plan. Our new bookmobile is taking library services to neighborhoods, parks and senior facilities, providing access to all people.

Both school districts reached higher with significant facilities upgrades in 2024. Marion Independent School District celebrated the opening of Parkview Elementary and will soon complete a new high school auditorium. Linn-Mar Community School District celebrated upgrades to its recreation facilities, the completion of a new administrative building and progress on a 1200-seat performance venue!

AS one of Iowa’s fastest growing cities, Marion has caught the attention of regional business owners, investors and service providers. Across the city we experienced new investment in the commercial services and dining and shopping opportunities our residents and visitors desire. We were thrilled with the opening of two stand-alone full-service emergency departments in our city, giving residents convenient access to emergency medical care.

Uptown Marion has become a thriving regional destination with new businesses joining our momentum and several multifamily residential projects either under construction or being planned. Within weeks we will celebrate the substantial completion of our Central Plaza in City Square. With a refrigerated ice loop, engaging water features, an interactive play sculpture and public art, this regional amenity will come alive and energize the heart of our community.

In 2025 our attention will turn to the referendum on a potential water park-style outdoor aquatic center. We also will focus on completing a state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Tower to enhance training opportunities for law enforcement and fire departments in Marion and the region.

As Marion grows, we are mindful of the need to do so in a manner that adds value and increases opportunities for all people. In the process we are building a standout community where people and businesses want to be. The result is high satisfaction ratings from the people whose opinion matters most — Marion’s residents. Earlier this fall, we were honored with FIVE Voice of the People Awards based on feedback from Marion’s residents. Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recognized Marion for excellence in community design, transformation in parks and recreation, transformation in mobility, transformation in the natural environment and transformation in community design.

These awards are an endorsement of the “Marion way” — responsible, transparent and responsive government that is focused on prioritizing quality of life, serving all people, helping them solve issues, engaging them in decision-making and investing in their priorities. I can’t wait to see where it will take us next! The sky is NOT the limit.

Nick AbouAssaly is the mayor of Marion.

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