In reviewing the demographic shifts within our city, it's evident that over the past three decades, Marion has experienced a notable decline in population. As of today, our population stands at 27,823, a decrease from 32,650 in 1993, reflecting an average of 160 individuals leaving annually over the last 30 years, in my lifetime.

While there are multifaceted reasons contributing to this decline, the current administration is steadfastly committed to addressing the issue through a strategic focus on talent retention. Recognizing that the future prosperity of Marion hinges on retaining its next generation of skilled individuals, we have initiated a comprehensive outreach program aimed at engaging with our local school system.

As part of this initiative, I personally visit each elementary school on a monthly basis to engage in reading sessions with the children. Additionally, various departments within our administration dedicate time to interact with students, fostering a sense of community engagement and opportunity. Notably, our recent endeavor involved hosting a group of 60 second graders at City Hall, offering them a firsthand glimpse into the workings of our city and the avenues through which they can actively participate.

During this visit, Chief Gilbert of the Police Department posed a question to the students, asking how many were interested in joining the Marion Police Department. To our delight, over half of the students raised their hands—an encouraging testament to the potential impact of our efforts.

I firmly believe that these initiatives represent a significant stride towards economic development for Marion. By prioritizing talent retention over the coming decades, we stand poised to reverse the population decline and harness the full potential of our community. The resources and opportunities necessary for growth are readily available within Marion; our challenge lies in fostering an environment that nurtures and retains our local talent.

Indeed, the students we engage with today represent the future doctors, lawyers, mechanics, teachers, politicians, factory workers, business owners, employees, bankers, and more—individuals whose contributions are indispensable to Marion's continued prosperity.

It is imperative that we unite in our efforts to encourage and support the next generation of talent, providing them with compelling reasons to remain in Marion and contribute to its vibrant future.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I welcome any insights or collaborative efforts towards achieving our shared goal of fostering talent retention in Marion.

Warm regards,

Mayor Morrell