In October of 2009 Marion was designated as one of Iowa’s Great Places. Great Places is a designation through the State of Iowa that is designed to “promote bold thought, innovation and entrepreneurship and the local and regional level in Iowa.

After completing the IMAGINE8 program, Marion received this designation through a proposal submission process. The proposals must address the 7 dimensions of a Great Place .

Benefits of being designated a Great Place include:

• Technical assistance from all relevant State agencies for project implementation
• Additional consideration for grant applications from all State agencies for projects specifically included in a Great Place proposal
• Dedicated State historic tax credits
• Increased publicity
• Iowa Great Places grant funds

Perhaps the greatest benefits of completing a Community Visioning Process (IMAGINE8) and becoming a Great Place designee is that the entire community of Marion came together and created a unified vision. New leaders have been discovered and increased excitement surrounding the community has added a vibrancy that can be felt the minute you enter Marion.

For more information about the Great Places program, click here.