The City of Marion’s Strategic Plan Builds Community Around Amenities

The City of Marion, Arkansas, recently released a strategic plan that outlines its goals for the coming years. The message is clear: residents want more amenities (such as stores and restaurants), diverse housing options, and walkable, multi-use neighborhoods. The city has heard your calls to build not just a city, but a community, and is responding to that demand.

“Marion is not standing still,” says Tracy Brick, Mayor of Marion. “We are putting systems in place that guide growth with fairness, consistency, and vision for years ahead.”

The strategic plan is designed to guide city officials and show developers the potential Marion has to offer. Here are a few highlights from the plan that show where Marion is heading.

Development is Focused on Four Key Districts

While the city wants to grow Marion as a whole, it has identified four districts that will lead the way in community development. These districts can create a blueprint for other neighborhoods throughout the city. The four communities the city plans to focus on include:

1. Courthouse Square/Old Marion District (34 acres): It’s time to rethink downtown Marion. The plan is to invest in the adaptive reuse of older buildings while turning historic structures into landmarks. 
2. West District (155 acres): This district will support single-family housing near desirable commercial development. It is located near I-55, with 42,000 vehicles passing daily. 
3. Mound City Road Neighborhood Commercial District (240 acres): This district will lead the way in mixed-use development. Single-family homes will be built near mixed-use businesses and multi-family apartments. 
4. Block Street Market District (7.5 Acres): This district will bring retail and industrial activity to Marion by redeveloping an existing strip mall. The goal is to take underutilized space and give it new life.

These districts reflect the varying needs and desires of Marion residents. Investment will create single-family and multi-family housing options while increasing opportunities for small-business development and large-chain attraction. The plan will also preserve the charm and historic nature of Marion’s downtown. 

The City is Building a Walkable Marion

One of the key themes surrounding the strategic plan is the need for a walkable Marion. The mixed-use developments and the pairing of business and residential zoning in various districts highlight the goal of making Marion a place where families can walk and bike to school, church, or the store.

The plan quotes Jeff Speck, city planner and author of Walkable City. He says that when a walk is “useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting,” it is a viable alternative to driving. The City of Marion is working to build neighborhoods that meet these criteria.

For example, a street without sidewalks and crosswalks isn’t safe. Businesses built too far from residential homes create long walks that aren’t comfortable or useful. Mixed-use developments and beautiful neighborhoods contribute to walkability and foster a sense of community. 

Growth Comes From Local Developers and Residents 

Economic development often focuses on attracting external businesses and investors, but the City of Marion intends to build and reuse space in partnership with the local community. City leaders plan to invest in local assets and work with business leaders who have exciting visions for where they want to live. While the City is certainly looking at other communities for inspiration, there are plenty of skilled and passionate individuals ready to work locally.

The strategic plan also speaks to the importance of listening to residents. “Policy makers must hear the voices of the local community members who are taking on the risk of building in their hometown,” it says. The role of this city is to remove barriers and create opportunities for local developers to create a better Marion. 

Quality of Life Improvements Should Be Accessible to All 

One of the most important aspects of the strategic plan is ensuring that everyone in Marion benefits from these improvements. The neighborhoods surrounding the key districts will follow suit with their own growth and reuse plans in the future. The walking and biking infrastructure needs to support the whole community as residents travel from one part of town to the next.

“It’s vitally important that the quality of life investments that Marion has made in the last few years in schools, parks, and neighborhoods now be safely connected and accessible to all citizens,” the plan states.

Everyone should see the growth happening in Marion and feel they benefit from it.

Let’s Build a Better Marion Together 

This is an exciting time for Marion, Arkansas, as city planners have a clear vision for the future and are ready to bring in local companies, residents, and organizations to build a community we’re proud of. If you’re ready to get involved in local growth, reach out to the City of Marion Economic Development. Our city is happy to share what we do and how we help businesses thrive.

Contact us today, and let’s grow Marion together. You can be at the forefront of our next big opportunities.