The City of Topeka announced Friday two new leadership position changes.
Alicia Guerrero-Chavez will serve as the city’s new director of human resources. Guerrero-Chavez has previously served as the city’s internal investigator, with a background in risk management, since 2023. She has served as the interim-HR Director since April 2025. Guerrero-Chavez has a Juris Doctor from Washburn University’s School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. Guerrero-Chavez is a past Topeka “Top 20 Under 40” Honoree and is active with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and the Shawnee Heights District. Guerrero-Chavez’s appointment will take effect on August 29, 2025.
Nick Jefferson was also announced to serve as the interim city attorney for the City of Topeka. Jefferson currently serves as chief of litigation for the City of Topeka, where he leads the defense of municipal lawsuits with a primary focus on tort, employment, and constitutional litigation. With a legal career spanning over a decade, Nick has significant experience in both public and private sectors, including three years in private practice, nearly ten years at the City of Topeka, and an earlier career as a civil engineer. A licensed attorney and professional engineer, Nick has served the City as a lawyer, engineer, and as a former member of the City’s Planning Commission. He has also taught for a number of years as an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law. Jefferson’s appointment will take effect on September 6, 2025.
The City of Topeka continues to improve Topeka Blvd. with the next phase of work scheduled to begin on the section from 15th St. to 21st St. on Tuesday, September 2.
Major improvements scheduled to take place include storm sewer, water main replacement, new sidewalks and ADA ramps, replacement of the 17th St. intersection, and reconstruction of Topeka Blvd. from 15th-21st. This work is planned to take place from September 2025 through December 2026, barring any unforeseen conflicts such as weather, site conditions, material availability, etc.
“This project will bring major improvements to one of Topeka’s most heavily traveled corridors that has long been known for persistent potholes and rough pavement,” said Public Works Director Steve Groen. “Once complete, drivers will experience fewer potholes, better drainage, and more reliable infrastructure. This work will also help prevent future street damage and reduce the need for disruptive emergency repairs.”
This project is part of the City’s ongoing investment and multi-year plan to rebuild Topeka Blvd. from 15th St. to 49th St., addressing infrastructure needs and improving travel conditions for thousands of daily drivers.
To accommodate heavy traffic flow, the contractor will maintain thru traffic north and south on Topeka Blvd. for the duration of the project, but commuters should prepare for slower travel times during peak hours and use caution traveling through the construction area. Additionally, access will remain open for all businesses along this stretch of the Boulevard.
The City of Topeka is reminding drivers to utilize the designated detour route while the current phase of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct Project has Topeka Blvd. closed to thru traffic.
The marked detour route for crossing the Kansas River between north and south Topeka is: NW Morse St., NE Quincy St./Kansas Ave., and SW 6th Ave.
Drivers are strongly encouraged to follow this route to ensure traffic moves safely and efficiently throughout the community.
The Topeka Police Department will be conducting traffic enforcement in the area to ensure compliance with detour routes and to help prevent congestion and unsafe driving on local streets.
Additionally, the City reminds commercial vehicle operators that, per city ordinance, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 26,000 pounds are not permitted on collector or residential streets. Truck drivers are urged to plan ahead and use the designated detour and truck routes to avoid violations.
The City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance Unit (PMU) is excited to announce the launch of a new community engagement initiative, Coffee Code Compliance. The first event will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Oakland Community Center, 801 NE Poplar St.
Residents are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee while meeting members of the Property Maintenance Unit, Permitting, Zoning, and the Fire Marshal’s Office. The informal event is designed to help residents better understand city code regulations, ask questions, share ideas, and express concerns about property-related issues in their neighborhoods.
“Code enforcement is about so much more than writing citations, it’s about working together with our residents to create safe, clean, and welcoming neighborhoods,” said John Schardine, Director of Property Maintenance. “Through Coffee with a Code Compliance, we hope to build stronger relationships with our community, answer questions in a relaxed setting, and show that our team is here to help.”
In addition to offering information about city codes and processes, staff will also be available to discuss career opportunities within the City of Topeka. Attendees interested in a career in public service can learn about the rewarding benefits of joining the City’s professional code compliance teams.
The City of Topeka plans to host Coffee Code Compliance three times per year at different locations throughout the city.
Upcoming Dates, all events held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.:
•Saturday, September 20 – Oakland Community Center, 801 NE Poplar St.
•Saturday, October 25 – Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 SE 21st St.
•Saturday, November 15– Crestview Community Center, 4801 SW Shunga Dr.
The City of Topeka will begin road construction on NW 17th St. in front of Sunflower Sports Association (SSA) on Monday, August 18, with work expected to be complete within three weeks, weather-permitting.
The project includes asphalt overlay with some full depth patching and edge milling on NW 17th St. on the west side of the US-75 on/off ramp (see image below). This will address failing concrete and asphalt panels located in front of SSA.
This project is planned to close NW 17th St. to thru traffic during construction; however, access to and from the soccer complex will be maintained at all times. A detour will be clearly marked, carrying traffic on Vail Ave., NW 25th St., and Menoken Rd.
The City encourages drivers to use caution in construction zones and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of construction crews.
The City of Topeka will begin a major road construction project on SW Fairlawn Rd. from SW 28th St. to SW 22nd Pl. area on Monday, August 18, with work expected to continue through October, 2026.
The project will involve much-needed street, stormwater, waterline, and sanitary sewer improvements, as well as repairs to the bridge over Shunganunga Creek. Crews will also perform street widening to include left turn lanes at 25th St. and at 22nd Pl. into the Dillons parking lot. This work is part of the City’s ongoing investment in improving infrastructure and ensuring long-term roadway safety and reliability.
To accommodate construction, Fairlawn Rd. will be closed with a detour marked to Gage Blvd. Access will be provided to all driveways on Fairlawn, and school pedestrian crossings will be provided. A full closure is necessary from 25th Terr. thru 22nd Pl.
Residents, schools and businesses in the area will be notified in advance of any access restrictions or service disruptions. The City encourages drivers to use caution in construction zones and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of construction crews.
For more information and project updates, visit topeka.org or follow the City of Topeka on social media.
The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities is proud to announce a partnership with the East Topeka Senior Center to provide free transportation for seniors attending this year’s National Night Out event on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Agriculture Hall, 1 Expocentre Drive.
Thanks to this partnership, any senior living in the City of Topeka who needs a ride to the event can reserve a spot for free transportation. Pickups will begin at 10:00 a.m. to ensure all participants arrive before the event starts. Return rides home will be provided after the event ends at 5:00 p.m. Rides are available on a first come, first serve basis until they meet capacity.
Reservations are required and must be made by Thursday, August 7, 2025. To reserve a ride, please call 785-251-6988.
“We want to ensure every resident has the opportunity to participate in this important community event,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “Thanks to the East Topeka Senior Center, we are helping our seniors stay connected, engaged, and included.”
For more information about National Night Out, email oic@topeka.org.
The City of Topeka is proud to announce the appointment of Chad Longstaff as Interim Fire Chief for the Topeka Fire Department, effective August 4, 2025.
Longstaff brings over three decades of dedicated service to the Topeka Fire Department, having worked his way through the ranks from firefighter to leadership. He previously retired in 2024 after 35 years of service, and his experience and deep institutional knowledge make him an ideal choice to serve in this transitional role.
Throughout his career, Longstaff held many positions within the department, including: Shift Commander, Battalion Chief, and Fire Captain.
In addition to his operational experience, Longstaff has completed a wide range of professional certifications and trainings, including: Certified EMT, State of Kansas, National Incident Management System certifications, National Fire Academy Incident Safety Officer, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
“Chad Longstaff has a long and respected history with the Topeka Fire Department,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “His experience, leadership, and understanding of our community’s public safety needs make him the right choice to lead during this interim period. We’re confident in his ability to ensure continuity and support for our fire personnel as we search for the department’s next permanent chief.”
Chief Longstaff will begin serving in this capacity on August 4, 2025, and will lead the department while the City conducts its search for a permanent fire chief.
City staff have recently received reports of campaign signs in private yards and the public right‑of‑way being destroyed or removed without permission. Under Kansas law, intentionally damaging or removing another person’s property, including yard signs, may constitute criminal damage to property and can lead to fines or other penalties.
In addition, to help candidates and supporters place their yard signs correctly, the City of Topeka offers the following guidance for political signage during the upcoming elections:
Timing:
Signs may be placed no earlier than 45 days before an election and must be removed within 2 days after Election Day.
Only during that period are signs permitted in the public right‑of‑way between the curb or edge of road and the sidewalk.
Location:
The public right‑of‑way typically extends 15 feet behind the curb, or 1 foot behind the public sidewalk in residential areas.
Utility poles often mark the boundary of the right‑of‑way.
Signs can only be placed on private property with the consent of the property owner.
Prohibited Placements:
Attached to utility poles or traffic control devices
Within site triangles at intersections
After the third day following Election Day
Signs larger than 6 square feet in residential zoning districts under one acre, or larger than 32 square feet elsewhere
Enforcement and Removal:
The City will issue a written notice to the candidate or sign owner to correct violations within 3 days.
Uncorrected signs will be impounded and held for 10 business days; thereafter they will be disposed of.
To reclaim a sign before disposal, the owner must pay any outstanding fines plus removal and storage fees.
The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities is proud to host a Back-to-School Supply Event to support income-qualified families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. This initiative, funded in part by the City of Topeka and community sponsors to be announced later this week, aims to ensure every child starts the year with the tools they need to succeed.
Families must be pre-approved to receive school supplies and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply, families should complete the eligibility form at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2K6JLQG
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 30.
Once approved, families will receive additional details about the school supply hand-out event, which will take place on Saturday, August 2.
“This is about helping families in Topeka start the school year on the right foot,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations to provide meaningful support that directly impacts students in our community.”
“We want every child in Topeka to feel confident and prepared when they walk into the classroom,” said Monique Glaude’, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “This effort is about equity, dignity, and ensuring access to resources for those who need them most.”
Families must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify. Anyone with questions can contact the City of Topeka Office of Inclusive Communities at oic@topeka.org.
