Marion, IN Joins ECI Regional Planning District: A New Chapter in Economic and Community Development
This year marks a significant milestone for Marion, Indiana, as the city joins the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District (ECIRPD) after years of being largely absent from the organization. Under the leadership of newly elected Mayor Ronald Morrell, Jr., Marion is poised to benefit from the collaborative efforts of ECIRPD to foster regional economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for residents.
At the forefront of Marion’s initiatives is the ambitious redevelopment of a contaminated brownfield site in the city’s downtown area. This $10.8 million project will revitalize the riverfront district into a vibrant mixed-use development featuring 44 residential units and 3,000 square feet of commercial space. The project, led by Rebar Development—a real estate firm founded by Marion native Shelby Bowen—represents a public-private partnership between the city and the developer.
“This is going to be a cornerstone for our downtown area,” said Mayor Morrell, highlighting the significance of the development as Marion’s first major construction project in over a decade.
Mayor Morrell has prioritized collaboration with ECIRPD, meeting with Executive Director Bill Walters to strategize on securing grants for additional brownfield cleanups. As Marion transitions from its industrial past, the city faces the challenge of rehabilitating numerous old factory sites.
“I’m really hoping to lean on ECIRPD to get some grants to help clean these areas up. That is going to mean a lot for us,” Mayor Morrell stated. The city’s commitment to environmental remediation is central to its broader economic development strategy, laying the groundwork for future growth.
In addition to environmental cleanup, Mayor Morrell is focused on improving the quality of life for Marion residents. The city is home to over 13 parks, including the expansive Matter Park, which covers approximately 98 acres. Mayor Morrell plans to invest city funds in upgrading these existing assets, ensuring that they continue to serve as valuable community resources.
Economic development is another key priority for the mayor. Recently, Marion launched a revolving loan fund to support local businesses. Through this initiative, businesses can apply for loans of up to $50,000 to expand, remodel, or otherwise grow their operations. The program has already attracted several applicants, underscoring the city’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship.
“We are doing everything we can to try to encourage local businesses,” Mayor Morrell explained. “Not only are we trying to attract new businesses, but we are trying to create avenues for local businesses to succeed and expand too.”
As Marion embarks on this new chapter with ECIRPD, the city is focused on leveraging regional partnerships to drive economic growth and community revitalization. With ambitious projects like the riverfront development and a commitment to enhancing local amenities, Marion is setting the stage for a prosperous future. Mayor Morrell’s proactive approach, in collaboration with ECIRPD, signals a promising era of progress for the city and its residents.