City News

City of Topeka Completes Downtown Utilities Relocation Projects May 7, 2025

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is pleased to announce the successful
completion of six major utility relocation projects in preparation for the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV) improvement project. Over the past year, contractors worked to relocate water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure throughout the project area in and around Downtown Topeka to make way for KDOT’s long-anticipated expansion and modernization of the viaduct. All project sites now associated with the viaduct are under KDOT’s supervision as they continue work on the viaduct.

“These relocations were a critical step in supporting one of the region’s most significant transportation improvement projects, laying the foundation for the future of Topeka’s transportation network,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis. “The effort put forth by our Utilities team is a testament to their tenacity
and dedication to getting the job done. Along with our partners, they managed a difficult timeline, numerous unforeseen challenges and were successful in completing this work for well under half of the original cost estimate. I am extremely proud of this team.”

The utility relocation work included extensive coordination with KDOT and multiple City departments. This massive effort involved moving existing water, stormwater and wastewater lines out of the construction zone to accommodate roadway improvements, bridge enhancements, and safety upgrades planned along the viaduct corridor.

Crews removed and replaced or relocated more than 14,200 square yards of pavement, nearly 6,000 feet of sanitary sewer, more than 2,500 feet of storm sewer, and almost 7,000 feet of water line.
Current information about KDOT’s PQV project can be found at I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct | Kansas Department Of Transportation.

More information about the relocation projects completed by the City can be found at Polk-Quincy Viaduct City of Topeka Utility Relocation Projects | Utilities

 

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City of Topeka Invites Public to Participate in 2025 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive May 6, 2025

The City of Topeka and the American Red Cross are getting ready to host the 9th Annual Topeka Battle of the Badges Blood Drive!
For the last eight years, the Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department have gone head-to-head to see who’s supporters can garner the most blood donations. While one winner will receive the trophy, the Topeka Public Safety team, and the community as a whole,
will walk away as winners!

The 2025 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will take place Monday, May 19 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
at the Cyrus K. Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison St., 1st Floor Conference Room. To make your
life-saving appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give (Use Sponsor Code: Topeka),
or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

 

Utilities Department invites residents to celebrate Drinking Water Week May 2, 2025

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is joining communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, 2025. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.

“Drinking Water Week is a reminder of how essential safe, reliable water is to every part of our lives – from the moment we wake up to the time we turn in for the night. I’m proud of the dedicated professionals in our Utilities Department who work around the clock to ensure our customers have access to clean water every single day,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis.

During Drinking Water Week, the City of Topeka will share a behind-the-scenes look at the treatment process, water conservation tips, and messages from water staff and Director Davis on its social media platforms. The City also shared activities and information with local elementary schools to encourage water education for young residents.

“Drinking Water Week is a time to celebrate the incredible journey of our water, from source water to treatments to our taps,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This year, we invite communities to explore the science and recognize the dedicated professionals behind our water who ensure every drop meets the highest standards of quality and safety.”

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is marking Drinking Water Week by engaging the community in understanding the vital role of clean, safe water in daily life, including its importance for public health and environmental protection.

About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.

Topekans invited to bike with City Manager in honor of Bike Month May 1, 2025

The City of Topeka invites residents to join City Manager Dr. Robert Perez on a bike ride in honor of National Bike Month. “Bike Ride with Your City Manager” will take place on Friday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. starting at City Hall, 215 SE 7th St. Community members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in the casual group ride, which aims to promote healthy living, bike-friendly transportation, and civic engagement.

“Bicycling is a great way to connect with our community and enjoy all that Topeka has to offer,” said Dr. Perez. “I’m excited to ride alongside residents and highlight the importance of safe, accessible transportation options for everyone.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets. Limited bikes will be available for use by contacting andy@cycleproject.org. City staff and representatives from local biking organizations will be on hand to provide support and information.

National Bike Month, celebrated each May, promotes the many benefits of bicycling and encourages more people to give biking a try. The City of Topeka is proud to support this initiative through events like “Bike with Your City Manager” and continued investment in bike infrastructure and accessibility.

The city supports the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan, which is dedicated to making Topeka a place that encourages its citizens to use this healthy, low impact, and fun form of transportation as a great part of their routine lives. You can learn more about the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan at:

Bikeways & Plan Updates

 

City of Topeka to plant tree at Statehouse in Arbor Day celebration April 24, 2025

In recognition of Arbor Day, staff from the City of Topeka’s Forestry Division, will plant a tree at the statehouse grounds on Friday, April 25. Arbor Day is an annual holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees, observed on the last Friday of April each year.

“Planting this tree at the Statehouse not only honors the spirit of Arbor Day but also represents our continued commitment to growing a healthier, greener Topeka,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “With each Arbor Day planting, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for our environment and beautifying our community.”

On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the city’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the south side of the Capitol grounds, weather permitting. Following the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 25, 2025, as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by City of Topeka staff, members of the Kansas Arborist Association board, representatives from the Kansas Forest Service, and the winner of the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest.

In addition to Arbor Day festivities, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 39th year as a proud member of Tree City USA. This membership underscores the city’s dedication to urban forestry and recognizes the significant role trees play in enhancing our community.

City of Topeka to Host Ceremonial Presentation Honoring USS Topeka, Armed Forces, and Local Achievements April 22, 2025

The City of Topeka invites the public to a special ceremony on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cyrus K. Holliday parking lot, where members of the USS Topeka namesake committee will present the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned USS Topeka submarine. These
historic items will be displayed at City Hall.

The event will include a celebration featuring performances and recognitions:

• The Topeka West High School Band will perform Armed Forces on Parade.
• The Topeka West Color Guard will present the colors, accompanied by a performance from the
Drill Team.
• Mayor Mike Padilla will read a Proclamation recognizing Military Appreciation Month
acknowledging the multiple branches of Armed Forces.
• The mayor will also present certificates of appreciation to high school students who are planning
on entering the military. The Topeka West drill team will also be receiving a certificate of
achievement and a special recognition.

“These events are a powerful reminder of Topeka’s deep respect for those who serve and have served,” said Mayor Mike Padilla. “Whether through honoring the legacy of the USS Topeka or recognizing local students entering the military, our community continues to show its gratitude and commitment.”

Following the City Hall ceremony, community members are encouraged to attend a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

City of Topeka & Shawnee County seek business input for women’s violence prevention program April 17, 2025

The City of Topeka, in partnership with Shawnee County and local organizations, is inviting businesses and organizations to host community input sessions for Empower: Her, a new free violence prevention program for women launching this summer.

Empower:Her focuses on areas with high rates of sexual assault and rape, aiming to empower women, reduce victimization, and enhance safety. To ensure the program meets community needs, we are seeking businesses to host a free one-hour lunch session where representatives from the City of Topeka, Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Office will present program ideas and gather community feedback. Businesses and organizations interested in hosting an input session can fill out this
form: https://forms.gle/13Nb5mNy9zS2fc69A

The Empower:Her program is being announced as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sessions will be held throughout May during the lunch hour, with limited spots available. Organizations will be selected based on availability. Applications will close on Friday, April 25. Empower: Her is a collaboration between the City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities, Topeka Police Department, and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.
For questions or to sign up, please reach out to the Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities
Monique Glaudeˊ at 785-368-4470 or mglaude@topeka.org.

City of Topeka’s Property Tax Rebate Program Transitioning to Community Resource Council March 28, 2025
The City of Topeka’s Property Tax Rebate Program, which provides
financial relief for eligible senior homeowners, will now be handled by the Community Resource Council (CRC) to better serve residents and streamline the application process.
The Property Tax Rebate Program is designed to assist Topeka residents aged 65 and older by offering a rebate on a portion of the property taxes they have paid on their primary residence. The program remains separate from the State of Kansas Homestead
Refund Program but continues to follow similar guidelines to ensure assistance reaches those in need.
As part of this transition, eligible residents should now submit their applications and required documentation in person to the Community Resource Council at:
455 SE Golf Park Blvd
Topeka, KS 66605
Eligibility requirements remain unchanged:
• Must be a Topeka resident
• Must own and occupy the home as a primary residence for at least five years
• Must be 65 years of age or older
• Total annual household income must not exceed $37,750
The rebate program will continue to operate on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are exhausted.
For more information about the program and how to apply, residents can contact
City of Topeka begins 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan Discussions March 25, 2025

Over the coming weeks, City of Topeka staff will present the proposed 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the Governing Body for consideration. Once the Governing Body has considered and ultimately adopted the final CIP book of projects, the CIP will be formalized through a resolution and ordinance.

Public Works Programs and Projects
2026 Pavement Management Program: $14M annually for street maintenance
NW Menninger Rd & N Topeka Blvd: Intersection re-alignment and widening with Shawnee County sharing 35% of the cost
SW 45th Street (SW Gage Blvd. to SW Cambridge Ave.): Road widening,resurfacing, and shared-use path construction, with different phases over the next few years

Utilities Programs and Projects
2026-2030 Water Main Replacement Program: Focuses on upgrading aging water mains
Menoken Road Tie Back: Flood mitigation project for levee certification, funded by reallocating prior levee repair funds
SE California Ave. & SE 4th St.: Stormwater improvements to reduce flooding, especially near a local elementary school

Project Type 5-Year-Totals
Public Works: Non-Street Projects  $ 92,269,763 
Public Works: Street Projects  $ 209,390,758 
Water Projects  $ 117,684,800 
Stormwater Projects  $ 64,171,120 
Wastewater Projects  $ 71,930,557 
Public Safety Expenditures  $ 29,960,596 
Information Technology Expenditures  $ 2,124,000 
Totals  $ 587,531,594 

What is the CIP? 

The CIP is a long-term plan that aligns the city’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets with strategic goals and infrastructure needs. It details the funding required for infrastructure projects over several years, including project locations and timelines. The CIP spans 10 years – separate from the annual operating budget – and is funded by sources like sales tax, city funds, and bonds. The first three years are the Capital Improvement Budget (CIB), with the first year focusing on immediate projects and the next two years on preparation. Projects eligible for the CIP must meet certain criteria, including real property acquisition or construction of new facilities costing $50,000 or more. More information can be found at www.topeka.org/finance/capital-improvement-projects/ 

City of Topeka releases January 2025 ‘Point in Time Homeless Count’ numbers March 18, 2025

Since July 2024, Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population has decreased by 12 individuals according to the City of Topeka’s January Point in Time Homeless Count released on March 18.

The count took place on January 22, 2025. 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 January’s count.

According to the count, 534 people and 399 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. Of the 534 individuals, 60% of those are male, 39% are female, .5% identify as transgender, and 151 are unsheltered, or not living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.

“The point-in-time count provides a valuable opportunity to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services and resources in the community,” said Carrie Higgins, Housing Services Division Director. “We are grateful to all the volunteers and partner agencies who contributed to the count and continue to support efforts to improve our community.”
Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from the previous four counts. For a detailed look at the Jan. 2025
numbers, Click Here.

2020 2021 2022 2023 Jan.
2024
July
2024
Jan.
2025
People 401 298 365 412 537 546 534
Households 306 254 297 322 442 433 399
# of Veteran Households 40 16 37 25 47 46 49
# of Individuals in an
Emergency Shelter
254 155 163 194 276 255 289
# of Individuals in
Transitional Housing
51 38 54 61 58 75 94
# of Individuals
Unsheltered
68 105 148 157 203 216 151

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 of homelessness.

Point in Time Count Jan. 2025