Evelyn Warr-Omness — director of the Marion City/County Regional Planning Commission — shares how Marion, Ohio, beat the odds to win the 2025 Strongest Town Contest. Marion has faced the same economic challenges and decline that so many communities have seen in recent decades, but by focusing on small, strategic actions and learning from each success, they’ve charted a path toward long-term resilience.
Evelyn will walk attendees through the mindset and practical steps that helped Marion “do a lot with a little,” offering valuable insights for anyone working to strengthen their place. Bonus: This is a great opportunity to get tips and inspiration for your own community’s application to the 2026 Strongest Town Contest! Strong Towns members can join Evelyn in the exclusive “Member Debrief” after the session to ask their own questions about Marion’s path toward strength.
This workshop is worth 1 AICP continuing education credit.