The City of Topeka announced today the retirement notice of Topeka Fire Chief Randy Phillips. Chief Phillips will be closing out his 30 years of dedicated service with the Topeka Fire Department on Dec. 22, 2025. He has worked in many capacities with the Topeka Fire Department, rising through the ranks to Captain, Battalion Chief, and Interim Deputy Chief prior to being named Fire Chief.
“On behalf of the City of Topeka, I want to congratulate Chief Randy Phillips on his well-earned retirement,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “His years of dedicated service to our community have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his leadership and commitment. We wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter and hope his retirement is filled with happiness, health, and well-deserved family time.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to lead this organization,” said Chief Phillips. “The men and women of the Topeka Fire Department are second to none and I would not trade the last 30 years for anything. This is truly the best job in the world. I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished as a department during my tenure as Chief, but now it’s time for me to focus on my family and enjoy retirement.”
Chief Phillips will transition from Fire Chief on August 4th but will continue assisting the Topeka Fire Team as they transition to a new Chief, by providing guidance and leadership through the rest of the year while working with the Assistant City Manager on continuity of operation plans and other projects. The city wants to acknowledge Chief Phillips’ leadership, celebrate his career, and wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. In the coming weeks, the city will share details regarding the search process for the next Fire Chief.
The City of Topeka announces parking restrictions along the route for this year’s Fiesta Parade to help ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Parking will be prohibited on designated streets starting at 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 12.
This early restriction will allow city crews and public safety personnel additional time to prepare the parade route and ensure a safe environment before the event begins. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.
No Parking – Parade Route:
•SW Jackson – from 12th Street to 7th Street
•SW 7th Street – from Jackson to Harrison
•SW Harrison – from 7th Street to 12th Street
While parking on SW 8th and SW 10th streets between Jackson and Harrison will not be prohibited, it is strongly discouraged due to limited accessibility once the parade route is closed.
Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible to pedestrians during the parade. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use downtown parking garages or surface lots outside the parade route.
To avoid towing, vehicles should be moved from the parade route the night before. Any vehicles left on the route after 3 a.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense by the Topeka Police Department in coordination with Heartland Recovery. For towing inquiries, please contact Heartland Recovery at 785-232-1015.
For questions about street closures, please email citycommunications@topeka.org.
The Topeka Police Department (TPD) is now accepting applications for its 52nd Citizens Academy, a popular bi-annual program now in its 29th year.
The academy will be held Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., beginning August 20th, 2025, and concluding November 12th, 2025.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges of modern law enforcement and how the Topeka Police Department addresses them. The program covers a wide range of topics including field operations, criminal investigations, community outreach, crisis negotiations, law enforcement technology, and crime scene investigations, among others.
In addition to the regular classes, participants have the opportunity to attend two optional Saturday sessions including a tour of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, demonstrations by the K9 unit and other hands-on training scenarios and demonstrations.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. To apply, visit the Citizens Academy webpage at https://www.topeka.org/tpd/opportunities-for-citizens/citizens-academy/#gsc.tab=0
For questions, contact Sergeant Michael Burns at (785) 368-2401 or via email at mdburns@topeka.org. Seats are limited, so submit your application soon!
Due to an HVAC issue, the Holliday Building, located at 620 SE Madison, will close today, Friday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to residents and visitors. Staff is working with contractors to get this resolved as quickly as possible.
If you need to make a payment, the City of Topeka encourages the use of its convenient online portal, PayOnline, which allows users to pay a variety of bills under a single account. Pay Online | City of Topeka
Through PayOnline, you can manage your City of Topeka utilities account and pay your monthly bill using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Please note:
• If your account is past due or your water service has been disconnected, please contact Customer Service directly at 785-368-3111 for assistance.
• Customer Service Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
We appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve this issue.
The City of Topeka is announcing upcoming changes to Downtown parking rates and regulations following approval by the Governing Body during its June 10th meeting. These changes are part of a broader effort to create consistency across the parking system, invest in infrastructure, and improve accessibility for those who live, work, and visit Downtown.
In the coming weeks, Parking Administration staff will begin outreach to current garage and street permit holders to explain pricing updates. Signage, online resources, and other communications will also be used to help downtown visitors navigate the changes.
“We’re committed to maintaining an affordable and accessible parking system for everyone who visits, works, or lives in Downtown Topeka,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “These updates are designed to simplify our parking structure while supporting reinvestment in our facilities.”
Key Parking Changes
Effective September 1, 2025:
• Monthly parking rates will increase from $67.75 to $74.00 at the following garages:
o Centre City Garage
o Crosby Place Garage
o Townsite Garage
• 10-hour meter rates will increase from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour, creating a uniform hourly rate for on-street meters.
• 10-hour permits will increase from $44.00 to $74.00 per month
Effective January 1, 2026:
• Monthly parking rates will increase from $67.75 to $74.00 at:
o 512 Jackson Garage
o Park N Shop Garage
• The 9th Street Garage monthly rate will increase from $47.43 to $51.00
• Yellow hoods will be removed from the 100 blocks east and west of Kansas Ave. Between 6th & 10th Streets. These spaces will become 2-hour metered parking at a rate of $1.00 per hour. Some areas will retain meters, while others will feature signage with payment options via mobile app.
• The Coronado and Uptowner garages will increase to $74.00 per month following the completion of necessary structural repairs. A 60-day notice will be provided once a completion date is determined.
Please Note:
• Hourly garage rates will remain at $1.00 per hour, with free parking during evenings and weekends
• Parking on Kansas Ave. will remain free with a two-hour daily time limit
• More 4-hour free parking spaces will be added on the outskirts of Downtown to support longer visits and employee parking.
The Topeka Police Department will be hosting car stop training to local high school students and their parents this summer. Students will learn what to do if pulled over by a Topeka Police Officer. Interactions with the police can be a stressful and intimidating experience for community members. The training sessions will allow students to interact with instructors and experience what a car stop might look like, both from the driver’s perspective as well as the Officer’s in both a classroom setting as well as a mock car stop in the parking lot.
There will be two sessions available for students and their parents to sign up.
- Saturday June 21st at Crestview Community Center, 4801 SW Shunga Drive, from 10AM to 1PM
- Saturday July 19th at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 S. Kansas Ave, from 4PM to 7PM
To sign up, students and their parents may contact Sergeant Mike Burns at 785-368-2401 or mdburns@topeka.org.
The City of Topeka is excited to announce it is now accepting applications for the Lead Grant Program, aimed at making homes safer for families by identifying and addressing lead-based paint hazards. Thanks to a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the city plans to make qualifying homes lead-safe over the next four years.
This new initiative is designed to improve health outcomes for children and families by targeting older homes with known lead-based paint risks. Household must have one or more children under the age of 6 living in the residence to qualify. The program provides substantial financial support—up to $25,000 per single-family dwelling unit from the lead grant to remove or control lead hazards for qualifying individuals.
“Through the Lead Grant Program, we’re taking meaningful steps to eliminate lead hazards in Topeka’s homes and protect our youngest residents from the long-term effects of lead exposure,” said Carrie Higgins, Director of Housing Services. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to invest in healthier futures for families across our community.”
To see eligibility requirements and to apply, click the link in the City of Topeka’s Housing Services Department. Lead Grant Program | Housing Services
The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities invites residents to attend the upcoming Community Resource Expo, a free, one-stop-shop event featuring more than 20 organizations ready to connect individuals and families with vital services and support.
The Resource Expo will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, James C. Marvin Auditorium. This event is designed to help residents access a wide variety of essential resources in one location.
Attendees can expect to find information and assistance in areas including:
• Financial and credit counseling
• Employment and career development
• Veteran Services
• Health care and wellness
• Food security and nutrition
• Legal services
• And more!
“This expo is about making it easier for Topekans to connect with the help they need,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “Whether you’re looking for career guidance, legal support, or wellness resources, this event will bring service providers directly to you.”
Save the date and join us on June 24 to explore the many resources available in our community.
Questions? Contact Monique Glaudé at 785-368-4470 or mglaude@topeka.org.
The City of Topeka is excited to announce the launch of the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Yard of the Month Program, beginning in June 2025. This initiative recognizes residents who take exceptional care of their yards, enhancing curb appeal and fostering a sense of
community pride.
The Office of Inclusive Communities (OIC) works to strengthen community connections by supporting programs and initiatives that encourage understanding, belonging, and inclusive practices across the community.
“This program is about more than just recognizing beautiful yards, it’s about fostering a sense of pride and belonging in every neighborhood, said Director of Inclusive Communities Monique Glaudeˊ. “A well-maintained yard can uplift an entire community, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents. By celebrating these efforts, we’re reinforcing the idea that every home, no matter the size or
location, has the potential to contribute positively to Topeka’s vibrancy and charm.”
Each month, one outstanding yard will be selected and recognized for its landscaping, maintenance,
creativity, and sustainability. The winning yard will proudly display the Yard of the Month sign and
receive special recognition from the City of Topeka. The Yard of the Month program aims to inspire residents to take pride in their properties, contributing to a cleaner, more beautiful Topeka. The City encourages all residents to participate by nominating
deserving yards and maintaining their own properties with care and creativity.
To nominate a yard, visit: https://forms.gle/ZZzp9rfHrtnZhTrk8
Para el formulario en español:
https://forms.gle/GsBvF7xoeMYWzC7L6
The City of Topeka invites residents to attend a quick, 1- hour informational session to learn how to host a National Night Out (NNO) event in their neighborhood. These sessions will provide step-by-step guidance on how to receive up to $200 in stipend support and to host a successful,
community-centered event.
Attendees will learn about:
• How to apply for the NNO stipend
• What expenses are covered
• Requirements to host an event
• Ideas for fun, safe, and engaging neighborhood gatherings
Attendees can reserve to attend one of the informational sessions.
May 22 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
May 23 – 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: City of Topeka, 620 SE Madison Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room
“National Night Out is one of the best ways neighbors can come together, connect, and strengthen their community,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities “These informational sessions are designed to make the process simple and to ensure everyone feels empowered to host an event.”
To RSVP or to ask questions, contact Monique Glaudé at mglaude@topeka.org or 785-368-4470
