MARION, IN A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE WWW.CITYOFMARION.IN.GOV
A COMMUNITY MARION, IN AT A GLANCE THE CITY OF MARION WHAT: A city blending historic charm with strategic growth in economic development, infrastructure, housing, and workforce opportunities WHERE: Marion, Indiana WEBSITE: www.cityofmarion.in.gov 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
ON THE RISE THIS CITY IS EXPERTLY REDEFINING ITSELF AS A HUB FOR GROWTH, INNOVATION, AND OPPORTUNITY. Nestled between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Marion, Indiana, a progressive and forwardthinking community is transforming from its roots as a manufacturing hub into a thriving, modern community. With a vision for progress, Marion is blending its historic charm and strategic investments to revitalize its downtown, enhance infrastructure, and position itself as a beacon of opportunity in the 21st century. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
A HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WITH A MODERN VISION Marion’s downtown is blending its rich history with bold revitalization efforts to create a vibrant future. At the heart of this transformation is Historic Marion, the city’s first-ever Main Street organization, which opens doors to valuable grant opportunities. These grants will fund community development, façade improvements, and infrastructure projects, laying the groundwork for sustained growth. The city’s efforts go beyond securing grants— they aim to create a livelier and more connected downtown. Key projects include two market-rate apartment developments—the first of their kind in over 35 years—bringing modern housing and commercial space to downtown. “We’re actively in the process of going around town, taking down blighted properties… to clean up the image of the city,” says Joe Murphy, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Marion. “We’re really focused right now on bringing new density and bringing people back downtown, both as commercial shoppers and we want to bring purveyors downtown.. new restaurants…new businesses.. and we want to bring people to help support those businesses by also bringing new housing,” Murphy adds. “We’ve filled… a total of 40 60-yard-wide dumpsters of trash that were hauled off,” Murphy explains. This effort is part of the Clean City 2.0 campaign, which has allocated $1 million to removing unsafe structures, demonstrating the city’s dedication to a cleaner, more appealing environment. Additionally, the city is revitalizing its downtown experience with the creation of the Riverfront District and a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), designed to attract restaurants, nightlife, and small businesses.“It allows the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to issue additional liquor licenses… to create that nightlife scene right there along the riverfront,” Murphy shares. By prioritizing historic preservation while introducing modern amenities, Marion’s downtown is evolving into a hub of activity and opportunity.“We care about our image, and we want to really start to show that Marion is on the rebound,” Murphy emphasizes. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR GROWTH Infrastructure investment is a key focus for Marion’s revitalization, with significant progress made in 2023. The city’s approach is both ambitious and forwardthinking, combining resources and innovation to enhance community life. The city has committed 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 MARION, IN
over $3 million to paving projects, combining $1.5 million in city funds with a $1.5 million state grant. “We paved a total of 62 streets this year in the community, which is unprecedented,” Murphy explains. This level of investment is setting new benchmarks for infrastructure improvements. Public safety has also been a major priority. The city allocated $1.7 million for new equipment and vehicles for police and fire departments. The longawaited rebuild of Fire Station No. 1, closed since 2015, will begin construction in 2025, an estimated $5-6 million project. These investments reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing safety and meeting the needs of its growing community. STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY THROUGH INNOVATION Marion’s economic landscape is evolving, with anchor businesses and innovative initiatives paving the way for growth. One of the city’s largest employers, GM, has invested $500 million to retool its local plant for electric vehicle (EV) production. “That was a huge boom for our industrial space,” Murphy shares, highlighting how GM’s commitment signals confidence in Marion’s workforce and future. Other major players, like Café Valley Bakery, continue to expand. “They added about 100 new employees in 2024 and are looking to add another 100 to 150 employees,” Murphy notes, adding that the bakery is investing over $23 million to grow its operations. These expansions not only create jobs but also reinforce Marion’s industrial strength. The city is actively pursuing clean, modern industries to complement its traditional industrial base. Proximity to EV battery and data center developments in nearby cities positions Marion to attract suppliers and partners in these booming sectors. “These are billion dollar projects, how do we attract some of their suppliers to locate and build facilities in Marion to help support that regional business, so that’s something that we’re certainly focusing on. But we want to make sure that it’s clean and it’s modern and that it’s not a big smokestack that’s going to give people environmental concerns, we want nice clean beautiful industrial space in our community,” Murphy emphasizes, reflecting Marion’s vision for sustainable growth. Small businesses are also benefiting from Marion’s first-ever revolving loan fund, which provides up to $50,000 for eligible projects at an interest rate of 1%. “We’re now able to provide small businesses with some very, very low-interest money,” Murphy shares, describing the fund as a catalyst for local entrepreneurs. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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capacity to build somewhere around 340 to 450 new rental and for-sale housing units annually,” Murphy shares, noting plans to accommodate diverse needs, from rental apartments to single-family homes. Beyond housing, Marion is investing in recreational spaces to improve residents’ quality of life. Recent upgrades to the Cardinal Greenway and Mississinewa Riverfront Trail were made possible through state and local funding, including a $640,000 Next Level Trails grant.“We were able to dedicate funds to get that entire trail paved to connect people from our downtown area to a system of parks that runs along that river,” Murphy adds. Marion’s focus on housing and recreation reflects its commitment to creating a community that attracts and retains residents seeking a balanced lifestyle. BUILDING MARION’S WORKFORCE FOR TOMORROW Preparing Marion’s workforce for the future is a top priority, with programs in place to upskill residents Through tax incentives and partnerships, Marion is fostering a pro-business environment that balances industrial growth with opportunities for smaller enterprises.This balanced approach ensures growth is both inclusive and sustainable. CREATING HOMES AND COMMUNITY IN MARION Addressing Marion’s housing needs is central to the city’s revitalization efforts. With major projects underway, Marion is building not just housing, but community. Recent developments like River Rock Lofts mark significant progress in creating modern living spaces. “River Rock Lofts… is going to be 44 apartments, all market rate… and 3,300 square feet of commercial space right on the river,” Murphy explains. This $10.8 million project, along with the successful Ridley Towers redevelopment, represents a turning point for housing in downtown Marion. The broader need for housing is underscored by a countywide study showing demand for 2,000 new units over the next five years. “We’re looking at 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
and attract new talent. One standout initiative is a partnership between the city and Ivy Tech Community College to provide tuition-free education in construction trades. “The city of Marion is partnering with Ivy Tech to split the tuition 50-50, so that any graduate from Marion High School who is in good standing and applies for a degree path in the construction trades will be able to attend Ivy Tech Community College Marion campus for free,” Murphy proudly shares. This initiative is expected to bolster the local labor force and support Marion’s growing industries. The city is also collaborating with local universities, schools, and career centers to meet labor demands. Institutions like Indiana Wesleyan University and the Grant Regional Career Center offer specialized training in fields such as welding, aviation trades, and financial literacy.“We’re focused on partnering… to get people the skills they need to step right into the workforce,” Murphy adds. Retaining youth and attracting external talent are critical components of Marion’s workforce strategy. By focusing on both education and community, Marion is creating a stronger pipeline for local talent.As the mayor has highlighted, success hinges on adapting to the needs of workers and businesses alike. “You have to be so much more focused on the image of your community, the quality of life… because people are choosing to live where they want to live,” Murphy explains. By prioritizing workforce development, Marion is building a skilled, adaptable labor pool to drive its economic growth. MARION’S BOLD VISION AHEAD Marion’s path forward is guided by a clear commitment to growth, collaboration, and community revitalization. Building on recent successes, the city plans to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades and quality-of-life amenities. “We cannot continue to be successful if we don’t continue to invest in our infrastructure,” Murphy emphasizes, 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 MARION, IN
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noting how these efforts lay the foundation for sustainable development. Expanding partnerships to attract clean, hightech industries remains another key focus. With its strategic location and proximity to EV battery and data center projects in nearby cities, Marion is poised to leverage these opportunities. Maintaining momentum will require collaboration among public and private stakeholders. Murphy highlights the importance of working with “givers” — partners who prioritize mutual success and community benefit. “I cannot say with strong enough convention that everybody that I’ve had the opportunity to work with, from the police and fire chiefs, to the mayor, to the planning directors, to the city parks people, to the streets people, everybody top to bottom, we’ve got 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 MARION, IN
a group of givers in our community... who are just focused on giving as much as they can back to the city of Marion,” Murphy reflects. As Marion redefines itself for the 21st century, it invites businesses and residents to join in building its bright future.“We hope to restore the community back to its former glory and actually exceed that glory and continue to become a city that people look to as a model across the state of Indiana for how to PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n BCA Environmental Consultants www.bcaconsultants.com BCA Environmental Consultants provides comprehensive environmental investigation/ remediation; brownfield redevelopment; health, safety, and energy; and compliance services. Our strength is drawn from the passion and commitment we put into our work, the accomplishments we achieve, and the success our clients experience. At BCA, WE MAKE IT EASY TO DO IT RIGHT! n Insurance Management Group www.insurancemanagementgroup.com We are a full-service property and casualty insurance brokerage serving families and businesses in Marion, Grant County and surrounding communities. When you choose IMG, you can expect first-class service every time. We are a family business, and our people are why clients love us! excellently develop and create a new community,” Murphy says, capturing the city’s ambitious yet grounded vision for the future. With its strong foundation and bold ambitions, the city is proving to be a place where opportunity and tradition intersect, making it an ideal location to live, work, and invest. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
WWW.CITYOFMARION.IN.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Marion IN
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