I am writing to share some significant developments and achievements within our administration this month, highlighting a few key initiatives that I believe will contribute significantly to the progress and prosperity of the City of Marion.

1. **Mayor's Youth Assistance Program:**

  The Mayor's Youth Assistance Program is a project that resonates deeply with me, emphasizing our commitment to ensuring the success of the next generation. Departing from a reactive stance, we are now taking a proactive approach. I have personally engaged with students at each school, stressing the importance of quality education. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with numerous individuals expressing interest in participating. To efficiently manage this surge in volunteers, we are establishing a committee. I encourage you to invest in our youth and become involved by clicking HERE.

2. **Business Tours:**

  Recognizing the vital role that small businesses play in our community, I have embarked on a series of business tours to understand their contributions better. Our efforts are simple but impactful – thanking each business for choosing Marion as their home.

3. **City of Marion App:**

  Effective communication is paramount to our administration. Identifying a breakdown in communication and follow-through with our citizens, I envisioned a comprehensive solution – the City of Marion App. This month, we finalized a contract to develop an app that will serve as a centralized platform for all things Marion. The app will host our social media feeds, community calendar, a reporting system for non-emergency issues, contacts for all city employees, and, if opted in, the ability to send notifications directly to our users. This technological advancement is set to revolutionize communication within the City of Marion.

4. **Partnership With City Council:**

  I am proud to highlight our collaborative efforts with the City Council, a dedicated team constantly striving for solutions to enhance Marion. An exciting development is our partnership to assist citizens with sidewalk repairs. Each Council District (1-6) has been allocated $2500, and at large $5000, to support citizens in our 50/50 match program for sidewalk repairs. This collaboration empowers our Council to make an immediate, substantial impact, reinforcing our collective commitment to Marion's improvement.

I invite you to stay engaged and support these initiatives, as we work together to build a brighter future for the City of Marion. Your participation is invaluable in our journey towards progress and positive change.

Best Regards,

Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr.