IN FOCUS: 10.2.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Police Department Partners with Linn-Mar High School Students
The Marion Police Department (MPD) had its very own picture day this week. Through a partnership with Linn-Mar High School, photography students provided updated portrait photos for our officers, administrative staff and our K9s. This partnership allowed for updated photographs of the MPD, while students practiced their skills and honed their craft. A special thank you to the students who shared their talents!

Schedule Special Collection of Items Damaged in Flash Flood by Monday
The Marion Public Works Department has extended the collection of bulky items from residents impacted by the flash flooding event on Sept. 20, 2026, offered free of charge. Those impacted now have until Monday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. to schedule a pick-up. Residents must complete the online request form or call the Public Works Department at 319-377-6367. Anything scheduled after that time will be subject to normal fees.

Marion to Host Budget 101/ Town Hall Meeting in November
To help residents understand the complexities of city budgeting, City leaders are planning to host a Budget 101/Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. We want to hear from you! Help shape the presentation by sharing your questions via this form.

Chocolate Walk & Shop Happening Tonight
Fall's favorite night returns to Uptown Marion this evening. This after-hours, adult-focused shopping event will take place from 6-9 p.m. Visit your favorite stores, listen to live music and savor a sweet treat from participating businesses. The Chocolate Walk & Shop event is hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion District and supported by the Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners.

Falliday Market Returns to Lowe Park on Saturday
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its fifth annual Falliday Market at Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St., on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This festive event features seasonal and holiday-inspired items from handcrafted décor and delicious treats to fresh greenery, produce and unique gift ideas. It's the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year! The event is free and open to the public. Please be aware that limited parking is available at the 10th Street lot and overflow parking is available in the lots off of Irish Drive.

Healthiest State Walk Happening October 7
Join friends and community members for Marion's Healthiest State Walk beginning at Marion City Hall at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. After a brief welcome, attendees will take a 30-minute walk on the sidepaths along 6th Avenue. Lace up your sneakers, invite a friend and take part in this statewide initiative.

Coffeehouse Nights Return October 9
Kick back and enjoy live music in an intimate setting with Coffeehouse Nights at Lowe Park. These musical performances feature talented local acoustic artists in a relaxed coffeehouse-type atmosphere. Admission is free and light refreshments and pastries are available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, enjoy The High Crest from 7-8:30 p.m.

Linn County Arts & Culture Week Happening October 19-25
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is expanding its celebration of local arts and culture this fall with Free for All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week. The celebration will take place Oct. 19-25. The weeklong event will give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the diverse arts, history, music, theater and cultural offerings found throughout Linn County. Activities range from dance lessons, pottery, history, songwriting and more! This event is free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events visit the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation webpage.

Marion Monster Mash Happening October 24
Something spooky is brewing in Uptown Marion! Join us for Marion Monster MashOn on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.- 1p.m. on 7th Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets and in the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The free event will feature trunk-or-treating, games and more. The event is co-hosted by Farmers State Bank, the City of Marion and Uptown Marion District.

Marion Fire Department Participates in Emergency Exercise
Earlier this week, more than 150 first responders from Linn and Johnson counties participated in an emergency exercise at the Eastern Iowa Airport. The exercise tested the coordinated response to a simulated plane crash involving multiple injuries. Members of the Marion Fire Department (MFD) supported the exercise as evaluators, assessing emergency response procedures, interagency coordination, communication and overall incident management. Thank you for your collaboration, MFD!

Road Construction Updates
Stay up-to-date on road construction projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Corridor MPO Survey: Share Your Input on Local Trails & Bikeways
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) is launching its "Connecting Great Places" plan to enhance trails and bikeways throughout Marion and the surrounding communities of Ely, Fairfax, Hiawatha, Palo and Robins. Residents are encouraged to share how they currently use local trails and bikeways and what improvements they'd like to see by completing the survey at connectinggreatplaces.com by Monday, Oct. 19. The survey results will help guide the next steps of the plan, including identifying future projects and shaping each community's trail and bikeway goals.

Upcoming General Election
The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Linn County has released important dates and shared resources to help residents prepare. Residents have until Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. Early and satellite voting also opens on Oct. 14. For details on registration, absentee voting, early voting locations and more, visit Linn County Elections website. Residents can also look up their polling place, sample ballot and elected officials using the Election Lookup tool.

Kudos to Jason Hansen
Deputy Fire Chief Jason Hansen recently assisted the Cedar Rapids Fire Department (CRFD) in their assessment center. Hansen's participation was requested to support the evaluation process for candidates pursuing future promotional opportunities within CRFD. During the process, Hansen evaluated candidates on their leadership qualities, their ability to demonstrate sound judgment, apply tactical knowledge to various situations and effectively lead others in challenging and dynamic environments. His involvement helped prepare candidates to take on leadership roles within the fire service. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise, Jason!

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Oct. 5, Sammi Hintz will join Team Marion! She will be the new administrative assistant for the Parks and Recreation Department. She comes to us from Level 10 Apparel. Welcome to the team, Sammi!

Also on Monday, Joseph Morgan will be joining the Marion Fire Department as a firefighter. He comes to us from Linn Area Credit Union. We look forward to working with you, Joseph!

Word on the Street

• Indian Creek Road between Stone Creek Court and Wallace Road is in disrepair and without a sidewalk. Are there plans to fix the road and install a sidewalk?
  The City is reviewing sidewalk gaps throughout Marion and have identified nearly 20 miles of missing sidewalk. Staff are working to prioritize those areas, with additional consideration given to school routes and locations that may qualify for grant funding. Indian Creek Road is also included in our Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for future improvements, although funding has not yet been identified. As we move through the budget process, both sidewalk needs and road projects will be discussed at City Council meetings. These meetings are open to the public to attend and provide feedback.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Oct. 1-5, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road. Between Oct. 7-11, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 700 block of Barrington Parkway.

Upcoming Events

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 Angela Gallagher
• Meeting with Dan Culhane
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Brandy Meisheid
• Meeting with Nikki Wilcox
• Meeting with Cari McCoy
• Meeting with Zack Kucharski

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