IN FOCUS: 1.30.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Kudos to Zach Brunscheen
Kudos to Zach Brunscheen, a fire captain with the Marion Fire Department. Zach is a member of the Peer Support Foundation, a group focused on helping first responders in times of professional and personal crisis. On Jan. 23, 2026, Zach was presented with the Meritorious Recognition Award for his unwavering commitment to first responder mental health and elevating opportunities for responders to connect with peers for mental health support. The award was presented by Foundation President and Marion Police Chief Jeremy Sprague. Congratulations Captain Brunscheen, and thank you for your dedication to serving others!

FY 27 Budget Presentation
My thanks to our elected officials, staff and community members for being so engaged in the conversation surrounding the budget today. We were able to accomplish what we needed to today and will not be meeting tomorrow. I've included a link to the budget packet and minutes for your reference and encourage you to be engaged with the budget process. Access the full budget calendar on our website. I cannot thank the Finance team and all City departments enough for their time and attention in developing this budget from a zero base. We look forward to continued dialog on this topic between now and April 30, the required date to have it filed with the State.

Landfill Expansion Contemplated to Support Long-Term Needs
Regional collaboration is set to take a significant step forward as Marion, Cedar Rapids, Linn County and the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency work to formalize an agreement regarding the future of the landfill located at 1954 County Home Road. The City of Marion is considering a proposed limited expansion of the landfill that both protects the interests of the City of Marion and supports the long-term sustainability of essential waste management services. The proposed expansion would reduce the current 1,800-foot setback by 450 feet, which in turn would extend the landfill's projected capacity date to 2044. The proposed agreement states the City of Marion will only consider expansion of the landfill if a new governance structure is implemented that achieves county-wide representation and a reasonable host fee is established to compensate the City of the environmental impacts and growth-related challenges associate with hosting the landfill. Each governing body will begin formal consideration of the proposed agreement in the coming weeks. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org.

Quality of Life in Marion Receives High Marks in the Community Survey
Last fall, the City of Marion contracted with Polco and the National Research Center, Inc. to conduct The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™). A representative sample of approximately 3,000 households was invited to participate in the survey. Quality of life, safety and neighborhood conditions remain standout strengths in Marion, with about 9 in 10 residents giving positive marks across all measures. Traffic flow, parking and sidewalk maintenance stood out as notable concerns. Thank you to all who took the time to respond. The information gathered will help inform an upcoming refresh of our Strategic Plan. You can find the full report online.

Marion's State of the City Event is Happening March 9
Marion's State of the City event will be held on Monday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Mayor AbouAssaly's high-energy presentation, titled "City of Opportunity," will highlight the progress and forward-looking initiatives that make Marion a community where people and businesses thrive. Tickets are now available at www.cityofmarion.org/SOC. Reservations are due by Friday, Feb. 27. The City is pleased to have the sponsorship support of several local businesses to help make this event possible. Sponsors include Alliant Energy, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Mercy Medical Park of Marion, MidAmerican Energy, Ohnward Bank & Trust, Simmons Perrine PLC and TrueNorth Companies.

Redesigned City Website Launches
Earlier this week, City staff and website provider Granicus celebrated the completion of a year-long redesign process of the City website. Check it out at www.cityofmarion.org. The refresh provides a new look/feel, updated community imagery, improved ADA accessibility, a new Service Directory widget and enhanced mobile functionality. Additionally, new text and email notification capabilities are now available through GovDelivery. Residents and others are invited to stay up to date on City services and upcoming events by signing up to receive text alerts or emails from the City of Marion. Sign up at www.cityofmarion.org/text.

7th Avenue Reconstruction (12th-22nd Streets) Project Update
The City of Marion is planning for the next phase of 7th Avenue reconstruction for 10 City blocks on the eastern edge of Uptown Marion. The project includes full reconstruction of the roadway and the replacement of underground sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water infrastructure. The roadway will be converted from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane. Additionally, streetscape improvements will occur between 12th and 15th Streets to enhance the walkability of the district. An open house was held on Jan. 26, 2026 where staff shared detailed information on what to expect for the project. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and span two construction seasons.

Marion Farmers Market Accepting Applications
The weekly Marion Farmers Market will return to Willowood Park (1855 35th Street) again this year. The market will run each Saturday from May 2-Sept. 26, 2026, from 8-11 a.m. Vendor applications are currently being accepted, with the first review beginning in mid-February. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/farmersmarket.

8th Avenue & 10th Street Lane Restrictions Anticipated Next Week
MidAmerican Energy will be installing natural gas service to the Hoth Flats building (801 10th Street) next week. This will require some lane restrictions on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and Wednesday, Feb. 4. Please be aware, parking will also be restricted on 10th Street just north of 8th Avenue.

Geode Street at Central Avenue will Close Next Week to Complete a Sewer Crossing
Work is progressing on Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5 in the vicinity of Lininger Park (390 Central Avenue). On Thursday, Feb. 5, Boomerang Corp will close Geode Street at Central Avenue to complete a sewer crossing. This closure is expected to last 1.5 weeks, weather dependent.

Marion Business Expo Happening February 20-21
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first Marion Business Expo on Feb. 20-21, 2026, at Vernon Middle School, bringing together local businesses and the community for a two-day event. The Marion Business Expo is presented by Farmers State Bank. The expo will begin Friday evening, Feb. 20, with vendor setup followed by a Business-to-Business Reception from 5-7 p.m., offering participating businesses an opportunity to network and build relationships. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the event will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., inviting community members to explore local businesses, products, services and organizations - all under one roof. For more information about the Marion Business Expo, vendor registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit marioncc.org/business-expo-vendor or contact the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Park Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

We're Hiring for Seasonal Positions
It's never too early to think about fun in the sun! Seasonal positions have been posted for the pool and Parks and Recreation Department. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Feb. 2, Dane Wells will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services support team member. Dane recently completed a work study program through Kirkwood Community College focused on library programming. Welcome aboard, Dane.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Jan. 28-Feb. 1, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2900 block of 29th Avenue. Between Feb. 3-7, 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:

• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, Marion Public Library - CANCELLED
• Builder/Contractor Open House, 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, Lowe Park
• Coffeehouse Nights featuring Cedar County Cobras, 7-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, Lowe Park
• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 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:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Zack Kucharski
• Meeting with Brandy Meisheid
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Brooke Fitzgerald
• Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
• City Council Meeting

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