The City of Topeka is assisting 18 residents after the discovery of unsanitary conditions and a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment building on Wednesday afternoon in East Topeka.
On August 7, 2024, just before 1 p.m., crews from the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) responded to a reported chemical odor at a residential building located at 313 SE Lime St. Upon arrival, firefighters measured unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and immediately notified the Kansas Gas Service and the Topeka Police Department’s Property Maintenance Unit (PMU). Two juveniles were transported to a local hospital by medical personnel to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of PMU’s investigation, raw sewage was found and four apartments have been condemned. This is an ongoing investigation.
The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division responded and is working with the affected residents to provide relocation assistance.
Since January 2024, Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population has increased by nine individuals according to the City of Topeka’s July Point in Time Homeless Count released Thursday, August 1.
The count took place on July 17, 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 July’s count.
According to the count, of 546 people and 433 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. Of the 546 individuals 59% of those are male, while 40% are female, and 216 are unsheltered, or not living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
“With the rising numbers of those experiencing homelessness nationwide, we believe it’s crucial to collect data more regularly,” said Carrie Higgins, housing services division director. “Given the warmer weather and anticipated increase, we are encouraged to see only a modest rise since January. The count also provides a valuable opportunity to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to services and resources in the community.”
Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from the previous four counts. For a more detailed look at the July 2024 numbers, visit: Summer PIT flyer.pdf (Summer+PIT+flyer.pdf (citymanager.s3.amazonaws.com)
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.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Jan.
2024 |
July 2024 | |
| People | 401 | 298 | 365 | 412 | 537 | 546 |
| Households | 306 | 254 | 297 | 322 | 442 | 443 |
| # of Veteran Households | 40 | 16 | 37 | 25 | 47 | 46 |
| # of Individuals in an Emergency Shelter | 254 | 155 | 163 | 194 | 276 | 255 |
| # of Individuals in Transitional Housing | 51 | 38 | 54 | 61 | 58 | 75 |
| # of Individuals Unsheltered | 68 | 105 | 148 | 157 | 203 | 216 |
On Tuesday, the City of Topeka’s Department of Administrative and Financial Services unveiled the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025.
The total city budget for fiscal year 2025 is $400.3 million, with a balanced General Fund budget of $128.4 million. The General Fund is the largest single fund, supporting many of the city’s municipal services. In response to inflation, as well as an increase in employee wages, city departments have had to meticulously manage and propose their budgets to ensure continued service delivery to residents.
“We have developed a budget for fiscal year 2025 that will allow the city to provide essential services to the citizens of Topeka. The Finance team has done an outstanding job balancing current needs with long-term sustainability. We have aligned city resources with our taxpayers’ highest priorities, and this budget will enable us to advance the City of Topeka,” said Ben Hart, Acting Chief Financial Officer.
Expenditure Highlights
- Increased Costs: Personnel and contracting costs comprising of 75.83% of the General Fund budget, increased by approximately $9.43 million, or 10.72% for personnel and $4.2 million, or 20% for contractual services. These cost increases are a combination of union contracts, inflation, and other contractual obligations.
- Property Tax Rebate Program: Continuing the success from last year’s budget, the city is keeping the Property Tax Rebate Program in place at $300,000. This program, modeled after the state’s Homestead Act, provides additional relief to eligible individuals.
Next Steps
- August 13, August 20, August 27: The budget will be presented at Governing Body meetings, where community members can offer public comment.
- September 3: A public budget hearing will provide another opportunity for citizens to give feedback on the budget.
- September 10: The anticipated date for budget adoption.
The proposed budget can be viewed online at City of Topeka Budget.
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.