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.

CRT believes in Marion
Jason Kirkman and Adam Wolfe graduated from Elgin in 2001. Both were part of the construction trades program at Tri-Rivers with Mike Hock and Dan Tripp. Right out of high school, Kirkman and Wolfe began conversations about starting their own company. “In 2003, we started the business, and my contribution was the name,” said Kirkman. […]Read More »
TJ Downey: Walking Stick Initiative with the Marion County Park District
The Marion County Park District is currently recruiting volunteers for their partner organization, Friends of Prairie Parks. Members of this organization help the park district by developing and maintaining the park by providing trail maintenance, mowing grass, organizing weekly walking and biking outings, and presenting programs to the public. Their efforts play an important role […]Read More »
Survivor Supports Others Escaping Abuse with Turning Point Fundraisers
When Melissa Jolliff wanted to escape an abusive relationship five years ago, she turned to Turning Point. “I never had to stay at the shelter, but the people there were very helpful. They guided me, provided resources and helped me get to the next chapter,” Melissa said. POUND: Steps to Healing A friend’s invitation to […]Read More »
Huber Family Shaped Marion
Marion was a small community of about 2,000 people when inventor Edward Huber and his wife, Elizabeth, came to Marion to build a revolutionary invention in 1865. The move accelerated Marion’s growth and development which their son, Frank, continued. “In my opinion, the Hubers were the most influential family in Marion and shaped Marion’s future […]Read More »