Marion Competing in Strongest Town Competition

The Marion Community is going head-to-head with 15 other North American cities in the 10th Annual Strongest Town Contest.

Marion has advanced to the Sweet-Sixteen this week and needs everyone in Marion, in Ohio, and around the country to cast their vote for us! In this bracket-style voting tournament, Marion will compete for the “Strongest Town” title by shining a national spotlight on the work it’s doing to become a stronger, more resilient city.

Cast your vote for Marion this week and every week at strongesttown.com.

Voting is open Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. EST

Progress, Not Perfection

The Strongest Town Contest celebrates progress, not perfection. A “strong town” is any town, big or small, that is taking tangible steps to overcome its transportation, housing, or financial challenges. Strong Towns refers to this methodology as the “Strong Towns Approach,” and this contest spotlights the work of city residents and leaders who are using this approach to become more resilient over time.

Strongest Town Voting

Here’s how voting works. Competitors advance over five, weekly rounds. Anyone can vote once per week, and votes are tallied Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Winners are notified each Friday.

In the first, risk-free round, Marion competed with three other cities for an honorary title to recognize its efforts toward “Rightsizing Parking Policy.”

All cities advanced to Round 2, when bracket-style eliminations will begin and winners will advance based on the number of votes collected that week.

Brackets

* Round 1: Meet Your Contestants (March 3-6).
* Round 2: Sweet Sixteen (March 10-13)
* Round 3: Elite Eight (March 17-20).
* Round 4: Final Four (March 24-27).
* Round 5: Championship (March 31-April 3).

Show the world how strong we are.

We Are Strong. We Are MarionMade! #MarionStrong #StrongestTown #OhioVersusTheWorld

How did Marion get nominated?

James Walker from the Marion County Regional Planning Commission nominated Marion. Read more here: Strongest Town Contest

What is Strong Towns?

Strong Towns is a 501c(3) non-profit and media advocacy organization that shifts conversations around the North American development pattern. Through reports, articles, podcasts, videos, live events and professional coaching, it provides knowledge and tools to help cities transform their communities. Learn more at strongesttown.com.

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program (MAPP) Focuses on Supporting Families Early
For teens scared about a possible pregnancy, the Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program (MAPP) offers free pregnancy testing and support. For 45 years, the nonprofit has quietly helped local families get a healthy start. The organization’s mission is simple but far-reaching: an investment in futures. “If we can work with families early to reduce preterm births […]Read More »
Black Leadership in Marion Between the World Wars
At the close of World War I, as American troops returned home after defending democracy, Black Marionites still had to demand equal treatment as they lived and worked in an expanding, industrializing, modernizing Marion, according to a recent lecture by Dr. Margaret Sumner, associate history professor at The Ohio State University at Marion. Battle For […]Read More »
Marion Goodwill
TAILORED FOR YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS In 1977, Marion Goodwill Industries branched off from the Columbus Goodwill agency and made their mark here in our community. This year marks their 40-year anniversary serving Marion County. Goodwill serves people through the following programs: Housing, Emergency Clothing, Wheels-to-Work, Job Readiness with students, Summer Youth, Education and Training Center, […]Read More »
Naturalist Encourages Community to Enjoy Local Beauty
James Anderson is a naturalist with the Marion County Parks District, but he doesn’t solely promote the county parks. “We promote all of our green spaces. I want people to get out and enjoy the outdoors and the wildlife,” Anderson said. “We are really lucky to have dozens of parks and green spaces and so […]Read More »