IN FOCUS: 3.13.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Mayor AbouAssaly Delivers Marion's 32nd Annual State of the City Address
On Monday, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly delivered the 32nd annual State of the City address for Marion before a crowd of 711 attendees. This was Mayor Nick's 11th State of the City address and his remarks showcased Marion as a City of Opportunity in the areas of housing, collaboration, economic development and quality of life. The City of Marion enlisted the help of a Kid Mayor to kick off the event and introduce Mayor AbouAssaly. From there, the mayor highlighted Marion's economic vitality and the ways Team Marion is generating momentum for positive ways people can experience life in our community. In addition to the video links included with this message, the 2025 Annual Report was shared during the event. For those unable to attend the presentation, a full recording will be available in a couple of weeks and posted on the City's website and social media channels. Thank you, Mayor, for your leadership and commitment to our community!

Paul Rehn Recognized with Community Impact Award
Together with Marion Chamber, the City is pleased to announce that Paul Rehn has been named the 2026 Morris S. Neighbor Community Impact Award recipient. Paul served 12 years on the Marion City Council and was Marion's Mayor from 2008 to 2011. He dedicated 48 years to the Marion Fire Department, serving as a volunteer firefighter, participating in the honor guard, assisting with community education events and supporting firefighter well-being as a member of the peer support team. His service to Marion continues today through his involvement as the chair of Marion's Civil Service Commission and service on the board of directors for Area Ambulance Service. Thank you for nearly six decades of dedicated service to the place you call home, Paul - congratulations!!

Winter Isn't Over Yet
City crews are keeping an eye on the skies and monitoring this weekend's weather forecast. Please remember, anytime an accumulating snowfall of more than 3 inches is in the forecast, an on-street parking ban is likely. If you have travel plans, think about what this might mean while you are away. Look for more information to be shared as National Weather Service forecasts are released. In the meantime, sign up to receive text alerts or emails from the City of Marion on things like garbage delays, winter storm parking alerts, upcoming events and more. Indicate your preferences at www.cityofmarion.org/text.

10th Street Bridge Scheduled to Close March 17
Work is still expected to begin next week on the 10th Street bridge between Indian Creek Road and Boyson Road. This road closure has been delayed by a day to Tuesday, March 17, due to the anticipated winter storm. Detours will be posted at 10th Street and Boyson Road, Central Avenue and Boyson Road and the 10th Street and Central Avenue/10th Avenue roundabout. This closure is expected to last approximately 4-6 weeks, weather permitting, and is part of Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 &5.

Public Hearing on Proposed Property Tax Rate Set for March 24
State law requires cities to hold two public hearings before adopting the budget. The Marion City Council will hold its first public hearing regarding the maximum property tax rate during a special meeting on March 24, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Marion City Hall (1225 6th Avenue, Marion). Through careful planning and ongoing cost-containment efforts, the City's proposed property tax rate for FY 27 would decrease from $14.89684 to $14.54508 per $1,000 of taxable value - representing a reduction of approximately $0.35. As required by recent legislation, Linn County will be mailing each property owner an individual statement regarding the proposed levies (including City, School, County, etc.) and the combined property tax rate being proposed.

Marion Public Library Launches Youth Book Clubs
Calling all young readers - the Marion Public Library is piloting two book clubs for its youngest patrons. Book Buddies (grades 1-3) and Page Turners (grades 4-6) will meet monthly for discussion and fun activities. Each participant will receive a free copy of each month's book to keep, courtesy of Theisen's and Daybreak Rotary. Registration for these book clubs is required, as space is limited. Visit marionpubliclibrary.org/youthbookclubs to learn more and sign up.

Marion Civil Rights Commission Accepting Housing Assistance Grant Applications
The Marion Civil Rights Commission is currently accepting applications for the Marion Low & Moderate Income Housing Assistance Grant to be awarded in 2026. The Marion City Council has approved up to $20,000 to be used for this grant program. The grant will help non-profits, charitable organizations or other entities interested in assisting low- and moderate-income individuals with programs that address housing instability in the community. The application period will remain open through April 1, 2026. The materials and application form are available at www.cityofmarion.org/LMIgrant.

Adopt-A-Spot Program Accepting Volunteers
Think Spring! The Parks and Recreation Department is expanding its list of adoptable spaces throughout the City as part of its Adopt-A-Spot program. Individuals and groups will be able to adopt select areas in the Marion park system and maintain them from April to November. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting litter in the designated area once per month during this period. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide the necessary personal protective equipment, training and colored garbage bags. The department will also collect the bagged garbage. Each area will have signage installed to recognize the volunteers for their efforts. Learn more online or call 319-447-3580 to inquire.

Adopt-A-Flowerbed Program Also Accepting Volunteers
Marion Parks and Recreation invites you to Adopt-A-Flowerbed and take pride in making our community a more beautiful place to be. This program allows volunteers of all skill levels, ages and group sizes to adopt a flowerbed - with more beds available this season! Volunteers will plant annuals or perennials (provided by the City) and help maintain the flowerbed throughout the growing season. Flowerbeds vary in size, so choose one that fits your group size and a time commitment you're comfortable with. Volunteers will be recognized with a personalized sign in their adopted bed and the option of participating in a friendly end-of-season award contest. Learn more online or call 319-447-3580 to inquire.

Linn-Mar's Mane Event: Apres-Ski Happening March 27
Join Linn-Mar Community School District for their Mane Event fundraiser on Friday, March 27, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids. The apres-ski-inspired theme promises an evening of socialization, fun and meaningful contribution. Event highlights include a silent auction, friendly competition in interactive games, hors d'oeuvres and more. Proceeds directly benefit students, teachers and programs throughout the district. Learn more and purchase tickets at linnmarfoundation.org.

Uptown Marion to Host Enchanted Blooms Fundraiser
Step into an elevated evening of flowers and community at Enchanted Blooms on Friday, March 27, from 6-9 p.m. This unique shopping experience guides guests through Uptown Marion, collecting pieces of a beautiful bouquet at each stop before assembling it at the end of the evening. Each ticket holder will receive a market tote, a raffle ticket, an event booklet with promotions from participating businesses and the materials to create their own floral masterpiece. Explore local shops, discover one-of-a-kind items and enjoy a night of creativity and connection - all while supporting Uptown Marion. Purchase tickets at givebutter.com/enchantedblooms.

Fireworks & Fireflies Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Generous support from businesses makes many of Marion's events possible. The annual Fireworks & Fireflies event would not be possible without our valued sponsors. As logistical needs grow, so do expenses. We would love to be able to have an even bigger fireworks display in 2026, but we can only do so with additional sponsorship support. Are you part of a business or organization that is in a position to contribute to this signature Marion celebration? Learn more about the opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/sponsorships. The deadline to participate and receive all sponsor benefits is March 31.

New Faces in New Places
Earlier this week, Bailey Stevens joined Team Marion! She is the new project assistant for the Public Works Department, and comes to us from Travel Leaders Destinations Unlimited. Welcome to the team, Bailey!

Word on the Street

• I saw a headline that said the City sold the former library site for $1, how does that work?
  This type of arrangement is a common economic development tool used to turn underutilized property into long-term community investment. The City is selling the lot for $1 as part of a development agreement that establishes specific requirements and helps make the project financially feasible while ensuring the site is developed in a way that benefits the community. For this project, in exchange for $1, the agreement requires a project that is a minimum taxable value of $18 million.
  
  
• If a rebate is given as part of the development agreement, how does that benefit the community?
  The property is currently tax-exempt and does not generate any revenue. Rather than selling the land outright, the City contributes the land as an incentive to achieve a more impactful development and requires the project to have a minimum taxable value of $18 million, as well as construction completion within a specific timeframe. This ensures the mixed-use development will maximize the value for the community, provide needed housing for Uptown, generate ongoing property tax revenue and include retail space that produces sales tax, helping grow the community's tax base.
  
  
• Is additional parking included as part of the project?
  Parking is top of mind. The plan also includes ample on-site parking for residents and retail customers, with 62 public parking spaces incorporated in addition to tenant parking. In addition, the developer has committed to working with the City on the Partners in Parking program, an initiative being formalized through the work of the Uptown Parking Implementation Task Force that designates certain parking spaces for general public use.
  
  
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between March 11-15, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 50th Street. Between March 17-21, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

• Friday, March 13 - Bingo Night - 6-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park
• Saturday, March 14 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - Marion Public Library
• Saturday, March 14 - Wee Parade - 2 p.m. parade - Uptown Artway
• Saturday, March 21 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - Marion Public Library

Future Council Items

Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

On the Docket

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Scheduled time out of the office (no IN FOCUS next week)

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