Marion was proud to host the fourth session of the NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator on Tuesday, July 14, at the Hampton Inn.
Mayor Tracy Brick welcomed the group to Marion before leaders from across Northeast Arkansas began a full day of discussions on regional collaboration, economic development, transportation, and future growth opportunities.
The agenda included presentations by Tim Arnold, Dr. Jim Washam, Jeff Kollath, and Bevin Hunter, followed by a visit to Tacker’s Shake Shack to explore local entrepreneurship and community engagement. We enjoyed milkshakes while Jeff Tacker shared about the history and future of Tacker's Shake Shack.
Collaboration among communities strengthens the entire region, and Marion is proud to contribute to these efforts.
Article featured in the Delta High and Rising: Delta Center for Economic Development Newsletter Vol 57, July 2026
NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Gathers Leaders in Marion: Focus on Collaboration, Community Development, and Storytelling
Regional leaders gathered in Marion on July 14 for the fourth session of the NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator. Hosted at the Hampton Inn in Marion, the session featured discussions on regional collaboration, economic development, transportation, and community growth.
Participants heard from community and industry leaders, including Tracy Brick, Mayor of Marion; Tim Arnold of NextEra Energy Resources; and Dr. Jim Washam, Dean of Arkansas State University's Neil Griffin College of Business. Sessions focused on building a regional value proposition, strengthening Northeast Arkansas's competitive advantages, and exploring future opportunities for growth.
The program also featured a keynote presentation by Jeff Kollath, Director of the Sultana Museum, and a discussion led by Bevin Hunter, CEO of the Wynne Economic Development Corporation, on transportation and regional connectivity. Participants concluded the day with a field experience at Tacker's Shake Shack, learning about local entrepreneurship and community engagement initiatives.
The NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator continues to bring together emerging and established leaders from across Northeast Arkansas to strengthen regional partnerships and advance community development efforts.
Mayor Tracy Brick welcomed the group to Marion before leaders from across Northeast Arkansas began a full day of discussions on regional collaboration, economic development, transportation, and future growth opportunities.
The agenda included presentations by Tim Arnold, Dr. Jim Washam, Jeff Kollath, and Bevin Hunter, followed by a visit to Tacker’s Shake Shack to explore local entrepreneurship and community engagement. We enjoyed milkshakes while Jeff Tacker shared about the history and future of Tacker's Shake Shack.
Collaboration among communities strengthens the entire region, and Marion is proud to contribute to these efforts.
Article featured in the Delta High and Rising: Delta Center for Economic Development Newsletter Vol 57, July 2026
NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Gathers Leaders in Marion: Focus on Collaboration, Community Development, and Storytelling
Regional leaders gathered in Marion on July 14 for the fourth session of the NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator. Hosted at the Hampton Inn in Marion, the session featured discussions on regional collaboration, economic development, transportation, and community growth.
Participants heard from community and industry leaders, including Tracy Brick, Mayor of Marion; Tim Arnold of NextEra Energy Resources; and Dr. Jim Washam, Dean of Arkansas State University's Neil Griffin College of Business. Sessions focused on building a regional value proposition, strengthening Northeast Arkansas's competitive advantages, and exploring future opportunities for growth.
The program also featured a keynote presentation by Jeff Kollath, Director of the Sultana Museum, and a discussion led by Bevin Hunter, CEO of the Wynne Economic Development Corporation, on transportation and regional connectivity. Participants concluded the day with a field experience at Tacker's Shake Shack, learning about local entrepreneurship and community engagement initiatives.
The NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator continues to bring together emerging and established leaders from across Northeast Arkansas to strengthen regional partnerships and advance community development efforts.




Public Notice from the Marion Police Department
Beginning this week and next, officers will conduct citywide inspections for violations of city ordinances.
Common items that may be checked include:
• Inoperable vehicles
• Tall grass and overgrown lots
• Improperly parked or abandoned vehicles
• Dilapidated homes and buildings
The goal is to work with residents, not against them. If a violation is found, residents will receive a warning and a reasonable amount of time to correct the issue.
We take pride in our community and appreciate everyone’s help in keeping Marion clean, safe, and looking its best.
Questions, comments, or concerns may be directed to Sgt. DeShields at (870) 739-2101.
All city ordinances can be found at www.marionar.org.
Beginning this week and next, officers will conduct citywide inspections for violations of city ordinances.
Common items that may be checked include:
• Inoperable vehicles
• Tall grass and overgrown lots
• Improperly parked or abandoned vehicles
• Dilapidated homes and buildings
The goal is to work with residents, not against them. If a violation is found, residents will receive a warning and a reasonable amount of time to correct the issue.
We take pride in our community and appreciate everyone’s help in keeping Marion clean, safe, and looking its best.
Questions, comments, or concerns may be directed to Sgt. DeShields at (870) 739-2101.
All city ordinances can be found at www.marionar.org.


We’d love to see you at the next Marion City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:00 PM at District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Staying connected and involved is one of the best ways to support our community. Residents are always welcome to attend.
You can view the agenda and meeting minutes at www.marionar.org/page/city-council.
Staying connected and involved is one of the best ways to support our community. Residents are always welcome to attend.
You can view the agenda and meeting minutes at www.marionar.org/page/city-council.

Here’s what’s happening next week in Marion:
City offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
🚛Sanitation Update:
✔️Monday, May 25: No Service
✔️Tuesday, May 26: Monday & Tuesday's routes.
📌The regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, May 27.
City Council Meeting:
The Marion City Council will meet on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:00 PM at District Court, located at 14 E. Military Road. Residents are always welcome to attend.
Agendas and minutes are available at www.marionar.org/page/city-council.
City offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
🚛Sanitation Update:
✔️Monday, May 25: No Service
✔️Tuesday, May 26: Monday & Tuesday's routes.
📌The regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, May 27.
City Council Meeting:
The Marion City Council will meet on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:00 PM at District Court, located at 14 E. Military Road. Residents are always welcome to attend.
Agendas and minutes are available at www.marionar.org/page/city-council.


Economic Development Week is a great reminder that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built through partnerships, planning, business growth, workforce development, and people who believe in their hometown's future.
This week, we are proud to celebrate the work happening across Arkansas and right here in Marion to support businesses, attract investment, create opportunities, and strengthen the quality of life.
Thank you to our local, regional, and state partners who continue to help move our communities forward.
Happy Economic Development Week, Arkansas!
This week, we are proud to celebrate the work happening across Arkansas and right here in Marion to support businesses, attract investment, create opportunities, and strengthen the quality of life.
Thank you to our local, regional, and state partners who continue to help move our communities forward.
Happy Economic Development Week, Arkansas!


Placemaking is about more than buildings — it is about creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and proud of their community.
We love seeing thoughtful touches like this at Tark’s Storied Brew on the Courthouse Square. The flowers, seating, and inviting storefront help make Downtown Marion feel warm, vibrant, and full of life.
Small investments in beauty and hospitality make a big difference. They encourage people to slow down, gather, support local businesses, and enjoy the heart of our city.
This is Marion placemaking at work — one inviting space at a time.
Do you know of another spot in Marion that helps make our community more welcoming, beautiful, or unique? Please email a picture to beth.wilson@marionarkansas.org.

Proud to share that businesses from our community have been accepted into the 75Strong Business Building Program.
Congratulations to B&D Towing, Smith Artisan Creative, and Wonders of the Delta!
As part of our work with the 75Strong program, we will support these companies through the next 24 weeks as they strengthen leadership, strategy, operations, and more.
Excited to see what this means for their future, and for the continued strength of our local economy.
Congratulations to B&D Towing, Smith Artisan Creative, and Wonders of the Delta!
As part of our work with the 75Strong program, we will support these companies through the next 24 weeks as they strengthen leadership, strategy, operations, and more.
Excited to see what this means for their future, and for the continued strength of our local economy.




We’re excited to share the highlights from Marion’s State of the City.
These highlights reflect the progress being made across our community and the shared commitment behind Marion’s continued growth. We have also included a link to the video shown Monday night, featuring a message from Mayor Brick and messages from department managers across the city.
https://youtu.be/rOw4EZeUrdM?si=2K5MCR_sRPDyqYbR
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who helped make this progress possible.
These highlights reflect the progress being made across our community and the shared commitment behind Marion’s continued growth. We have also included a link to the video shown Monday night, featuring a message from Mayor Brick and messages from department managers across the city.
https://youtu.be/rOw4EZeUrdM?si=2K5MCR_sRPDyqYbR
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who helped make this progress possible.








A huge thank you to Jamie Carranza and Laura Entrekin for volunteering their time, materials, and talent to create this beautiful mural at Brunetti Park.
Their work adds color, energy, and heart to this special space, and we are so grateful for their generosity and creativity. This was their first mural, and we are excited to share that they are eager to do more.
Thank you both for using your gifts to make Marion even more beautiful. We love seeing community spirit come to life like this.
#MarionArkansas #BrunettiPark #CommunityPride #SupportLocalTalent
Their work adds color, energy, and heart to this special space, and we are so grateful for their generosity and creativity. This was their first mural, and we are excited to share that they are eager to do more.
Thank you both for using your gifts to make Marion even more beautiful. We love seeing community spirit come to life like this.
#MarionArkansas #BrunettiPark #CommunityPride #SupportLocalTalent

📌State of the City is just 10 days away.
Join Mayor Tracy Brick on Monday, April 20, at 6:00 PM at the Marion Performing Arts Center, 1 Patriot Dr., for updates on progress, projects, and what’s next for Marion.
Join Mayor Tracy Brick on Monday, April 20, at 6:00 PM at the Marion Performing Arts Center, 1 Patriot Dr., for updates on progress, projects, and what’s next for Marion.

Reminder: The Marion Planning Commission will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 PM, at District Court.
Public meetings are an important part of how our community plans for growth and development. We encourage residents to participate, as your involvement is greatly valued and contributes positively to our city.
🔗View agendas and minutes at www.marionar.org/page/planning-commission.

The Marion Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 PM at District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Residents are welcome to attend and stay informed on planning and development matters in our community.
View agendas and minutes at www.marionar.org/page/planning-commission.
Residents are welcome to attend and stay informed on planning and development matters in our community.
View agendas and minutes at www.marionar.org/page/planning-commission.

✝️ Good Friday Holiday – Friday, April 3
All City of Marion offices and non-emergency services will be closed in observance of Good Friday.
🚛 Sanitation Schedule Update:
Friday’s trash collection will be run on Monday, April 6.
Trash Pickup Reminder
🕕 Carts out by 6:00 AM
📏 Leave 3–5 feet of space around your cart
🍂 Bag all leaves (no loose yard waste)
Thank you for helping us keep Marion running smoothly, and have a safe and meaningful holiday.
All City of Marion offices and non-emergency services will be closed in observance of Good Friday.
🚛 Sanitation Schedule Update:
Friday’s trash collection will be run on Monday, April 6.
Trash Pickup Reminder
🕕 Carts out by 6:00 AM
📏 Leave 3–5 feet of space around your cart
🍂 Bag all leaves (no loose yard waste)
Thank you for helping us keep Marion running smoothly, and have a safe and meaningful holiday.



📣 City Council Meeting – You’re Invited
Stay informed and involved in what’s happening in Marion!
🗓 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Residents are always welcome to attend. Your voice matters, and this is a great way to stay connected to decisions shaping our community.
👉 View the agenda and minutes: www.marionar.org/page/city-council
Stay informed and involved in what’s happening in Marion!
🗓 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Residents are always welcome to attend. Your voice matters, and this is a great way to stay connected to decisions shaping our community.
👉 View the agenda and minutes: www.marionar.org/page/city-council


We’re Hiring: Assistant Public Works Director
The City of Marion is seeking a motivated leader to help support and strengthen our Public Works operations. This role plays a key part in maintaining infrastructure, improving services, and keeping our city moving forward.
If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your career in public service, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 View qualifications, responsibilities, and apply here:
https://www.marionar.org/page/job-opportunities
The City of Marion is seeking a motivated leader to help support and strengthen our Public Works operations. This role plays a key part in maintaining infrastructure, improving services, and keeping our city moving forward.
If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your career in public service, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 View qualifications, responsibilities, and apply here:
https://www.marionar.org/page/job-opportunities

📣 City Council Meeting – You’re Invited
Stay informed and involved in what’s happening in Marion!
🗓 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Residents are always welcome to attend. Your voice matters, and this is a great way to stay connected to decisions shaping our community.
👉 View the agenda and minutes: www.marionar.org/page/city-council
Stay informed and involved in what’s happening in Marion!
🗓 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 District Court, 14 E. Military Rd.
Residents are always welcome to attend. Your voice matters, and this is a great way to stay connected to decisions shaping our community.
👉 View the agenda and minutes: www.marionar.org/page/city-council

📅 Save the Date, Marion!
Join us for the State of the City with Mayor Tracy Brick on Monday, April 20, at 6:00 PM at the Marion Performing Arts Center.
This annual event is a chance to hear about the progress happening across our community and learn what’s ahead for Marion. From city improvements to plans, we’re excited to share how Marion continues to grow and move forward.
We hope you’ll join us for this community update!
Join us for the State of the City with Mayor Tracy Brick on Monday, April 20, at 6:00 PM at the Marion Performing Arts Center.
This annual event is a chance to hear about the progress happening across our community and learn what’s ahead for Marion. From city improvements to plans, we’re excited to share how Marion continues to grow and move forward.
We hope you’ll join us for this community update!

City of Marion Committee Meetings – Wednesday, March 11
Several city committees will meet at City Hall on Wednesday, March 11. These meetings help review projects, services, and policies before they move forward to City Council.
Meeting schedule:
• Public Works Committee – 4:00 PM
• Insurance Committee – 5:00 PM
• Code Enforcement Committee – 5:30 PM
Committee meetings are open to the public, and residents are always welcome to attend and stay informed about the work happening in our city.
Several city committees will meet at City Hall on Wednesday, March 11. These meetings help review projects, services, and policies before they move forward to City Council.
Meeting schedule:
• Public Works Committee – 4:00 PM
• Insurance Committee – 5:00 PM
• Code Enforcement Committee – 5:30 PM
Committee meetings are open to the public, and residents are always welcome to attend and stay informed about the work happening in our city.

🚧 Report a Pothole
The extreme winter weather in January and February left many Marion streets with potholes!
Over the past two months, our Street Department has been using a temporary patching material to make quick repairs. Asphalt is a seasonal product and should become available to the city in April, weather permitting.
In the meantime, each Marion City Council member is touring their ward and submitting repair locations to the Public Works Committee. Our Marion Police Department and Public Works employees are also identifying locations that need repair.
Please reply with the address or location of potholes that need repair, and we will add them to the list.
Repairs will be prioritized, and prep work will begin as soon as possible.
The extreme winter weather in January and February left many Marion streets with potholes!
Over the past two months, our Street Department has been using a temporary patching material to make quick repairs. Asphalt is a seasonal product and should become available to the city in April, weather permitting.
In the meantime, each Marion City Council member is touring their ward and submitting repair locations to the Public Works Committee. Our Marion Police Department and Public Works employees are also identifying locations that need repair.
Please reply with the address or location of potholes that need repair, and we will add them to the list.
Repairs will be prioritized, and prep work will begin as soon as possible.

⏰ Spring Forward This Weekend! 🌷
A friendly reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.
Before you head to bed on Sunday night, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.
While you’re adjusting the time, it’s also a great opportunity to:
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors
• Replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors
• Update clocks around the house
One small change… and suddenly the evenings feel a little brighter. Spring is on the way! 🌼
A friendly reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.
Before you head to bed on Sunday night, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.
While you’re adjusting the time, it’s also a great opportunity to:
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors
• Replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors
• Update clocks around the house
One small change… and suddenly the evenings feel a little brighter. Spring is on the way! 🌼

