The City of Topeka has scheduled three public input sessions to gather community perspectives and priorities for the selection of Topeka’s next police chief. These in-person sessions will allow residents to share their ideas directly with the city manager. Interpretation services will be available. Details of the sessions are as follows:
Public Input Session #1
- Thursday, August 1, 2024
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, located at 1515 SW 10th Ave, Marvin Auditorium 101B
Public Input Session #2
- Friday, August 2, 2024
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Cyrus K. Holliday Building, located at 620 SE Madison St, First Floor Conference room
Public Input Session #3
- Saturday, August 3, 2024
- 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Hi-Crest CRC Care Center 455 SE Golf Park
The information gathered from the community survey and public input sessions will be used to update the job description for the police chief position. The selection process, led by an executive recruiter, will include several interview panels made up of councilmembers, law enforcement officials, and community members, media interviews and a public meet-and-greet before the final appointment of the new chief. Additional details on the meet-and-greet will be shared in the coming weeks.
“I am excited and hopeful as we embark on the selection process for Topeka’s next police chief,” said City Manager Robert Perez. “This must be a collaborative effort between the city and community, to ensure our next chief has department and community support and knows where to focus their energy. I have laid out an aggressive timeline for the selection, aiming to make the final appointment in late September or early October. I am confident this approach will help us select the best possible candidate for the job.”
The survey will close on August 2nd.
Residents can access the survey at:
English Survey – https://us.openforms.com/Form/f84b9c2b-0e91-42b9-95c8-d2541e7dc54c
Encuesta en Español– https://us.openforms.com/Form/74814400-794c-44cd-9825-d903dd7476b8
The City of Topeka is inviting community members to participate in the selection process for the next police chief by providing their input through a public survey and public input sessions.
The survey seeks to gather input on the qualities and priorities that citizens believe are most important for the next police chief. This feedback will play an important role in guiding the selection process and ensuring that the selected candidate aligns with the values and expectations of Topeka’s residents.
This is the first step in the selection process and will be followed by a series of public input sessions. Details on those sessions will be shared in the coming weeks.
“Selecting our next police chief is a critical decision that will impact the safety and well-being of our community,” said City Manager Robert Perez. “We want to ensure the selection process is transparent and inclusive, giving community members multiple opportunities to participate and share their perspectives.”
The survey will be open for two weeks and will close on August 2nd.
Residents can access the survey on our website at:
English Survey – https://us.openforms.com/Form/f84b9c2b-0e91-42b9-95c8-d2541e7dc54c
Encuesta en Español– https://us.openforms.com/Form/74814400-794c-44cd-9825-d903dd7476b8
The City of Topeka is pleased to announce updates to its retaliatory action ordinance, aimed at providing stronger protections for tenants and ensuring fair and safe housing practices within the city.
In July 2023, the Topeka City Council took a closer look at its retaliatory eviction ordinance, which allowed landlords to be held accountable for harassing and evicting tenants out of retaliation. Following collaboration between City Prosecution, Property Maintenance, Housing Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office and as part of the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance initiative, the Governing Body further amended and strengthened the policy in May 2024.
The city recognizes that many tenants hesitate to assert their rights to a clean, safe and sanitary dwelling due to fear of retaliation. The ordinance emphasizes that no tenant in good standing should face eviction as a result of retaliation or harassment.
“The thorough amendments to the City of Topeka’s Retaliatory Action ordinance have strengthened protections for tenants (renters),” said Tenant/Landlord Counseling and Education Program Manager Abi Panecatl with Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. “Now, the priority is to educate our community about these changes. Informing landlords is crucial to help them recognize and address retaliatory behaviors. Equally important is empowering tenants to utilize the available remedies and enforcement mechanisms at their disposal.”
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a retaliatory eviction or action, you may visit the city’s website or contact any of the following entities for more information:
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., (785) 234-0217
Property Maintenance Division, (785) 368-3171
In an effort to help the public gain a better understanding of the ordinance, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. is hosting several public engagement sessions. You must preregister for these workshops as space is limited:
Thursday, July 25-Landlord Training
3:00 pm-5 pm-KRLTA (including retaliation)
6:00 pm-8 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, August 1-Tenant/Tenant Advocate Training
3:00 pm-5 pm-Renter Preparation (including retaliation)
5:15 pm-7 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, September 19-Landlord Training
10:00 am-12:00 pm- KRLTA (including retaliation)
1:00 pm-3:00 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, September 26-Tenant/Tenant Advocate Training
10:00 am-12:00 pm- KRLTA (including retaliation)
1:00 pm-3:00 pm-Fair Housing
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the City of Topeka will receive a Raise Grant of $25 million to serve disadvantaged census tracts.
The project will cover 50 miles to construct new or improved sidewalks that will transform the River Road and other locations. The City of Topeka’s project is just one of 148 that were selected by the Biden-Harris Administration for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. This project will help ensure pedestrians will have safe and equitable access to daily destinations and local bus routes.
“This grant in the amount of $25 Million will allow us to do some transformative projects for the City of Topeka.” said Public Works Director Braxton Copley.
Key Transformative Projects:
- NE River Rd: NE Crane to NE Emmett Shared-Use Path, which will provide safe access between the Oakland neighborhood and Downtown Topeka.
- SE California Ave: 10th St to 10th Ave, which will provide a much safer pedestrian connection between NE Topeka to SE Topeka, as well as access to Topeka Cemetery and transit stops.
- Areas of North Topeka, such as NE Norris St (near Topeka Rescue Mission Distribution Center, ICI Manufacturing, and Topeka North Outreach Food Bank).
- The Central Highland Park neighborhood from SE Adams St to SE California Ave, and from SE 21st St to SE 29th
To learn more about the Department of Transportation’s announcement, please visit:
At its June 25, 2024 meeting, the City of Topeka Land Bank Board of Trustees voted to approve the Land Bank budget and several lots for transfer to the Land Bank.
In 2023, the city’s Governing Body voted to set aside $500,000 for a 3-year land bank pilot program, with the goal of transforming vacant and blighted properties into affordable housing. With the approval by the Board of Trustees to take in lots to the land bank, the process is moving forward. The five approved lots are already city-owned, but needed to be formally added to the land bank to allow the city to place them for sale.
“We understand that this initiative alone will not solve our housing shortage, but it is a vital pillar that supports the other initiatives and efforts led by the City of Topeka and our economic development organizations,” said Manny Herron, land bank board member and founder of IPG Building Co. “Together, these efforts will drive comprehensive and sustainable growth in our housing market.”
Developers that are interested in purchasing property from the land bank can view available parcels on the city’s public map portal. After finding a property, they will need to submit the proper application materials to the Board of Trustees. After submission, the Board of Trustees will review the application and select applicants based on the applicant selection rubric.
Properties can also be donated to the land bank. Those interested in donating a property to the land bank will need to submit the proper application materials, and then undergo an inspection process on the property. After submission, the Board of Trustees will review the application and select applicants based on the property selection rubric.
“We eagerly anticipate the innovative responses from developers and their contributions to increasing access to quality housing. This initiative is more than just a project; it is a testament to our dedication to seeing Topeka thrive,” said Herron. “I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this program will have on our city and its future.”
To learn more about the City of Topeka Land Bank, please visit: https://www.topeka.org/government/boards-commissions/topeka-land-bank/
Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population has increased by 125 people since
2023, according to numbers released Friday from the City of Topeka’s annual Point in Time Homeless
Count.
The count took place on January 25, 2024. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in
the community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). More than 40 people helped with this year’s count.
The Topeka and Shawnee County Continuum of Care (CoC) held off on releasing their annual Point in
Time data in order to collaborate with other CoC’s across the state. Statewide collaboration will not only
give them better data, but allows for more funding opportunities. However, given the recent inquires,
the Topeka/ Shawnee County CoC is releasing their local data ahead of the statewide release.
“After the Continuum of Care communities submits their Point-in-Time results, HUD reviews the data
and then gives the CoCs a thumbs up when they approve the reports,” said Christy McMurphy,
Executive Director for the Kansas State Homeless Coalition. “For the first time, the Kansas Continuum of
Care leads decided to compile a statewide Point-In-Time report, to be released after all Kansas’ CoC data
has been approved by HUD. The statewide report will list each Kansas CoC’s results as well as a
statewide compilation.”
According to the count, 537 people and 442 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and
Shawnee County. 62% of those who are homeless are male, while 37% are female. 203 people are
unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.
“In light of the national trend indicating a rise in homelessness, the increase comes as no surprise to us,”
said Carrie Higgins, Housing Services Division Director. “We are fortunate to have great partners that
collaborate with us and we used the PIT count as another touch point to connect individuals to
services.”
Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from the previous four counts. For a more detailed look
at the 2024 number, visit:
https://citymanager.s3.amazonaws.com/City+of+Topeka+Point+in+Time+Homeless+Count+2024.pdf
To receive funding for programs, HUD requires communities complete a count each year. The count
ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to
those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| People | 401 | 298 | 365 | 412 | 537 |
| Households | 306 | 254 | 297 | 322 | 442 |
| # of Veteran Households | 40 | 16 | 37 | 25 | 47 |
| # of Individuals in an Emergency Shelter | 254 | 155 | 163 | 194 | 276 |
| # of Individuals in Transitional Housing | 51 | 38 | 54 | 61 | 58 |
| # of Individuals Unsheltered | 68 | 105 | 148 | 157 | 203 |
The City of Topeka’s Municipal Court will be closed to the public on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 due to technical issues with the Court’s internet and phone systems.
During Wednesday’s closure, no in-person dockets will be held, and the Court will not be open for walk-in business.
The Court is working to notify those impacted by Wednesday’s closure.
All cases on Wednesday will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel.
The city expects to be able to provide an update on Wednesday afternoon on the status of the impacted systems.
The City of Topeka is pleased to announce that Deputy Police Chief Jamey Haltom has been appointed as Interim Police Chief, effective June 25, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Wheeles.
Interim Chief Haltom brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) since June 1999. He has served as Deputy Chief since November of 2021, showcasing his dedication to the department and the community.
Throughout his extensive career in law enforcement, Interim Chief Haltom has held various leadership positions including roles as a corporal and sergeant in the field operations bureau and the support operations bureau. As a commander, he was promoted to lieutenant where he led teams in the support operations bureau. He was then promoted to captain where he made strategic decisions in the field operations bureau (patrol) and in the criminal investigations bureau, prior to assuming the position of deputy chief.
Haltom holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University and is a Certified Public Manager. He has also completed executive leadership training programs through the Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School. He is rooted in the community, having previously served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. Haltom is from Pratt, Kansas, and he resides in Topeka with his wife and their three children.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Interim Police Chief for the Topeka Police Department,” said Haltom. “Over the past 25 years with this department, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of our officers in keeping our community safe, and I look forward to leading the department as we search for a new police chief.”
“I am confident that Interim Chief Haltom will provide strong and steady leadership for TPD during this transition period,” said Interim City Manager Richard Nienstedt. “His experience and deep commitment to serving others makes him well-suited to guide the department as the city searches for a permanent police chief.”
Haltom will serve as Interim Chief until the governing body selects a permanent police chief.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the City of Topeka will receive $4,312,000 to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.
This Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant is the largest competitive grant award the City has received. Topeka received the third largest SS4A amount awarded by the USDOT to 99 communities in the country during this first round of announcements. Additionally, the Build Kansas Fund will provide the city with the grant’s 20% match requirement, bringing the total funding to $5,390,000 at no fiscal impact to the city.
This funding will allow for the development of a holistic, community-wide strategic plan called the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP). In addition to the CSAP, the funding will also allow the City to carry out demonstration activities in concurrence with the Plan to inform future infrastructure investment.
“By emphasizing safety impact, equity considerations, and collaborating with stakeholders, we are committed to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of our community,” Director of Public Works Braxton Copley said.
Thirteen groups – including local, county and state organizations – provided letters of support for this application, demonstrating a strong endorsement from the community.
The SS4A discretionary program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with $5 billion in appropriated funds over five years, 2022-2026. This is the first BIL grant the City has been awarded. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
For a full list of Round 1 grant recipients, visit Safe Streets and Roads for All Fiscal Year 2024 Planning and Demonstration Grant Awards by State (transportation.gov).
The City of Topeka announced Friday that the Governing Body will vote during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 14 to formally name Dr. Robert Perez to serve as Topeka’s next city manager. Perez comes to the city after serving as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, Texas.
“The Governing Body invested considerable time and effort into their selection process, and we’re excited that Dr. Perez has been selected,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead the City of Topeka and guide us toward our strategic goals.”
With over 20 years of municipal government experience, Perez holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in organizational leadership, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in political science.
His background is in Public Works, and he has published numerous academic articles covering diverse topics such as the nexus between data and infrastructure, as well as innovation in local government. During a vast majority of his most recent role, Perez provided executive leadership to the City of Dallas’ Department of Public Works, Transportation, Bond and Construction Management, Equipment and Fleet Services and Building Services. Through a reorganization, Perez was recently assigned to oversee the Department of Sanitation, Code Compliance, Animal Care Services, Homeless Solution, and 311 Customer Service.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to begin leading the City of Topeka as its next city manager,” Perez said. “Public service is important to me, and I look forward to getting to know and serving the community in the near future.”
Topeka’s Governing Body is expected to formally approve Perez’s contract during the May 14th City Council Meeting. The one-year contract includes Perez’s base salary, which will be $255,000.
While Perez’s start date is still being finalized, it is anticipated to be sometime between late June and early July. Perez will be moving to Topeka from Dallas with his wife, Harim Perez, and their miniature schnauzer, Sebastian.
On April 8, five City Manager finalists participated in interview panels with the Governing Body and community stakeholders. Following those interviews, the Governing Body conducted follow-up interviews with Perez and another candidate. Initially, more than 40 applicants applied for the position.