Clean City 2.0 continues Marion beautification initiative

What began as a mission to rebuild the pride and quality of the community has grown into one of the city’s most impactful initiatives. Clean the City Marion 2.0 started during the first term of Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr.’s administration. The initiative continues to transform neighborhoods all over Marion through cleanup, blight removal, and home renovation assistance.

According to Layla Price-Bodkin, a member of the city-wide cleanup planning committee. The initiative was designed to do more than make the city more beautiful.

“The goal is to rebuild morale, improve quality of life, and restore a sense of pride among Marion residents,” Bodkin said.

Since 2024, the program has hosted 10 citywide events. Each serving all six districts of the city, volunteers and teams work together to complete the task. Whether it be trash pickup, clearing debris, or cleaning public places.

Price-Bodkin said, “We have given financial assistance to 17 Marion residents who are in need of home repair. These residents are either 65+ and/or US veterans, and/or disabled. Since the beginning of 2024, we have torn down 71 unsafe structures with 42 more pending.”

Just some of the people who have been impacted throughout this initiative. “It’s truly gratifying to see the impact this campaign has had after two years of leadership,” Bodkin said. “These numbers represent real change for real people.”