For the Good of the Order

Marion Representatives Travel to Washington, D.C., to Garner Support for Tower Terrace Road
This week, a delegation from Marion, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Hiawatha and Robins made their way to Washington, D.C., to lobby for federal grant funding. Mayor Nick AbouAssaly was joined by Marion’s Deputy City Manager Kim Downs and Public Works Director Mike Barkalow, along with representatives of Snyder and Associates and other local government agencies throughout the region. The delegation was seeking funding for the remaining segments of Tower Terrace Road and rallying support for the region’s 2026 RAISE grant request, which will be submitted later this month. This collaborative project is identified as the number one priority for the Cedar Rapids metro and Linn County. The total remaining project cost is $56 million. When finished, the road will span 8.3 miles through the Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Robins, unincorporated Linn County and Marion corridor, providing a safe, reliable and contiguous route from Interstate 380 to Highway 13. Thanks to each of you for representing Marion so well!

Budget Planning for FY27 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2027 continues. The next budget discussion with Marion City Council is happening on Tuesday, Feb. 17, where we’ll be reviewing the 5-year financial models and proposed utility rates. Discussions will continue over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget adoption in April. Stay informed by visiting the City’s budget page.

City Offices are Open for Presidents Day
Monday is Presidents Day. This is not considered a City holiday, so offices will be open as usual. There is no change to the garbage/recycling collection schedule for next week.  

Warmer Temperatures May Shorten the Ice Loop Season
Forecasted temperatures in the 60s this weekend may impact operations at the Ice Loop located in the Central Plaza at City Square Park and could shorten the season by two weeks. While the Ice Loop is a refrigerated facility and not entirely dependent on outdoor temperatures, sustained warm weather can affect ice quality and safety. Staff will monitor temperatures and ice conditions through the weekend and make operational decisions accordingly. To find the most recent updates regarding the Ice Loop, call the weather hotline at (319) 200-1274 or visit the Marion Parks and Recreation Facebook Page. We appreciate your understanding.

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 here.

Garage & Recycling Curbside Collection Reminders
To make your garbage collection day as smooth as possible, it’s important to follow the rules. Be sure to set your carts out by 7 a.m. on collection day, leave at least three feet between carts and other objects, place carts on a flat surface and make sure the front faces the street. Please ensure the lids are closed as overfilled carts will not be collected. One extra bag is allowed if it is placed on top of the garbage cart and includes an extra bag sticker visible from the street. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/automatedcollection. Thank you for doing your part!

Geode Street at Central Avenue Work Delayed to February 13
Work was expected to occur on Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5 in the vicinity of Lininger Park (390 Central Avenue) last week. Due to unexpected delays, Boomerang Corp will now close Geode Street at Central Avenue to complete a sewer crossing today (Friday, Feb. 13). This closure is expected to last 1.5 weeks, weather dependent. 

Disposal of Public Works Hoop Building to begin February 16
On Monday, Feb. 16, crews from Greenfield Contractors will begin the disposal of the structurally deficient hoop structure at the former Public Services site, located at 195 35th Street. Work is expected to last approximately two weeks, weather permitting. There shouldn't be any impacts to traffic. 

Marion Participates in Emergency Preparedness Exercise
Members of the Marion Fire Department participated in a tabletop exercise with Linn County Emergency Management and Linn Area Partners Aiding In Disaster (LAP-AID) earlier this month to review disaster preparedness and agency interface with multiple agencies in Linn County. The exercise simulated a major flood event in the metro area and included planning, action and discussion of barriers to meeting community needs. Fire Chief Tom Fagan shared, “It’s exercises like this that help identify how we can become even more prepared in the future.” The collaboration among local government agencies and numerous organizations across Linn County is a powerful thing. Kudos to all!

Military Tribute Banner Sponsorships to Open This Month
For the ninth year, the City of Marion, Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street District are proud to invite residents to honor those who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces. Later this month, those who had requested to be notified will receive the sponsorship details and we will begin accepting applications. Requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until availability runs out. Sign up to be notified when the program goes live.

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.

Marion’s State of the City Event is Happening Next Month
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, Rinderknecht Associates, Simmons Perrine PLC and TrueNorth Companies.

Marion Business Expo Happening February 20-21
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first Marion Business Expo presented by Farmers State Bank on Feb. 20–21, 2026, at Vernon Middle School, bringing together local businesses and the community for a two-day event. 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 and Park Board. To be considered, please submit an online application.

We’re Hiring
If you’re looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community, look no further. Current full-time openings include a 911 communications operator, Library patron services support staff and Public Works project assistant. We're also looking to fill several seasonal openings in our Parks and Recreation Department. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• If a city street doesn't have a speed limit sign, what is the speed limit?
  Most speed limit restrictions are set by state code, with municipalities allowed to set special speed restrictions by way of a City ordinance. Per state code, business districts have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour (MPH), most residential streets are 25 MPH, alleyways are 10 MPH and parks, cemeteries and parking lots are 15 MPH. Marion has an ordinance setting a special speed zone of 15 MPH in mobile home parks, as well as speed limits for various parts of town including 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, 10th Street, 29th Avenue, Alburnett Road, Boyson Road and more. A full list of special speed zones is available via 

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Feb. 15-19, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Feb. 13 - Bingo Night - 6-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park

• Saturday, Feb. 14 – City Council Office Hours – 9-11 a.m. – Marion Public Library

• Saturday, Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day at the Ice Loop – noon-10 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park

• Thursday, Feb. 19 - Red Cedar Chamber Music – 7-8 p.m. – Lowe Park

• Saturday, Feb. 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:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Quinn Pettifer
• MEDCO Board meeting
• Meeting with Ryan Luehrsmann
• City Council Work Session
• Solid Waste working group meetings
• Area Ambulance Service Board meeting
• City Council Meeting

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