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, 55 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 MARION, IN
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx