City of Marion, Iowa The Big Winner in the 2024 Voice of the People Awards

It's awards season.  How do we know it's awards season?  Because... they're... handing, out, awards?  It's awards season all year long really, right?  Is there a time of year there isn't some kind of award being handed out?  Lots of questions for you right off the bat.  Stop being so evasive and answer the questions already!!

What name Do You Know?

This awards season has a little something special for a name many know, Marion.  If you're not familiar with Marion, Iowa, please take a moment and learn of its history

What Awards Did marion Win?

I'm glad you asked about the awards, Marion is ready to let you in on all the details.  They're quite proud of the 5, yes, count em' 5 awards they received in the 2024 Voice of the People (VOP) Awards. These awards, which are presented annually, are based on resident feedback and how local governments incorporate community input and data into their decision-making processes.

What Catagoeires Did Marion Win in?

• Community Design – Think of this as Marion’s charm overhaul. It's all about making the city look good, feel good, and function like a dream. Whether it's the way the streets are laid out, the architecture, or the vibe of the neighborhoods, it’s about creating a place where you want to live, work, and hang out.
• Transformation in Parks and Recreation – Marion's parks are no longer just patches of grass. They’ve stepped up their game with super cool upgrades to parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. We’re talking about places where you can walk, bike, play, or just kick back and enjoy the fresh air. Who knew nature could be this trendy?
• Transformation in Mobility – Getting from point A to point B has never been easier in Marion. Whether you’re cruising down a newly paved road, hopping on a bus, or zipping around on a bike, getting around town is a breeze. It's like they’ve got the transportation equivalent of a GPS that always knows the fastest route.
• Transformation in the Natural Environment – Marion’s got a serious crush on nature. The city’s on a mission to make sure the environment gets the TLC it deserves. Whether it's planting more trees, cleaning up the rivers, or building sustainable spaces, they’re all about making sure the planet’s looking good for the next generation.
• Transformation in Community Design (again) – Okay, so this is kind of a repeat, but here’s the twist: it's not just about looking pretty—it’s about how people interact with the space. They’re thinking about how to make neighborhoods more connected, how to get folks chatting over coffee, and how to make sure every corner of Marion is meeting the community’s needs. Think of it like a citywide redesign, but with a lot of heart.

Why is this award important?

The VOP Awards are like the people’s choice awards for local governments—except instead of movie stars, the winners are cities that actually listen to what their residents are saying. It's the only awards show that gives you a direct say in how your government performs. If your city is making life better for you, they’ll get the trophy—based on what you think, not just what they say.

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These awards are all about teamwork and using hard facts to get things done right. It’s like when you try to solve a puzzle with your friends, but instead of random guesses, you use the best data available—like census numbers, surveys, and statistics—to figure out what’s actually working.

The VOP Awards celebrate cities that nail this combo, tackling tough issues like public trust, safety, and resource management with smart planning and a little help from their community. It’s like getting an A+ in Government 101, but with a high-five from the residents.

Who is Giving These Awards Out and Why?

So, here’s the deal—these shiny VOP Awards are brought to you by Polco, the tech geniuses who make sure cities actually hear what their residents are saying (and then do something about it). They team up with theICMA (that’s the International City/County Management Association.

The VOP Awards have been around for 16 years now, so they’ve had plenty of time to figure out which cities are really killing it in making life better for everyone—whether it’s through better governance, smoother services, or just making their communities a more awesome place to live.

What Did the Marion Mayor Have to Say About This?

In a press release Mayor Nick AbouAssaly emphasized how community engagement is key to Marion’s success. The city takes resident input seriously, and this recognition in several categories reflects the high quality of life Marion offers and its ongoing efforts to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.