The City of Topeka has appointed Braxton Copley as assistant city manager. Copley, who most-recently served as the director of public works, brings more than 19 years of service to the city.

Copley’s leadership in the Public Works Department has been instrumental in advancing the city’s infrastructure. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas. He also has numerous nationally recognized technical certifications.

“Braxton has done an incredible job as the director of public works, and we are confident he will excel in his new role as assistant city manager,” said Topeka City Manager Dr. Robert Perez.

In his new role, Copley will oversee infrastructure and development departments. He will also serve as interim public works director while the city searches for his replacement. The city still plans to hire a deputy city manager.

The City of Topeka looks forward to Copley’s continued contributions in his new position.

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.

On March 28, 2024, the City of Topeka was able to lift the stream advisory for Deer Creek and Shunganunga Creek. This decision was made based on analysis of water samples from both creeks, which showed that water quality had returned to normal levels.

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The City of Topeka Utilities Department is advising Topeka area residents to avoid contact with portions of Deer Creek and Shunganunga Creek due to a sanitary sewage overflow.

A sanitary sewer line became obstructed with build-up, causing the main to overflow out of a manhole and allowing an unknown volume of sewage to be released into the creek. As a precaution, residents are advised to avoid contact with the impacted waterway and to keep pets out of the creeks. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The advisory is in place for Deer Creek starting at SE 10^th Street east of Deer Creek Pkwy, and continuing north toward SE 6^th St. and on to SE 2^nd St. where Deer Creek enters the Shunganunga Creek just north of SE 2^nd St. & SE Norwood St. From here, the Shunganunga flows east to the Kansas River. (see map below for reference area)

City crews removed the blockage immediately after being notified of the sanitary sewer overflow. Following removal of the blockage, crews cleaned the affected areas and flushed the impacted stormwater conveyance system. Staff will continue to monitor the water along Deer Creek and the Shunganunga Creek, and provide notification when the advisory is lifted. This advisory does not affect tap water.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been notified and will monitor City response and management of the stream advisory.

About Sanitary Sewer Blockages

The City of Topeka has approximately 760 miles of sanitary sewers. Water Pollution Control, a division of the Utilities Department, regularly cleans all sanitary sewer mains throughout the city. Although sanitary sewers are cleaned routinely, the possibility of sewage blockages still exists.

Many sewer blockages can be prevented through awareness and regular cleaning. To help avoid sewer problems, avoid flushing materials that are non-water-soluble down sinks, toilets, and drains. These materials include fats and cooking oils, diapers, baby wet cloths, sanitary disposables, clothing articles, trash, etc. Seepage of sewage onto the ground surface or into waterways can create health risks for both people and animals.

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.

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 is actively addressing concerns regarding overflowing dumpsters at
multiple properties owned by a local landlord. These conditions have raised concerns among nearby
residents about public health and neighborhood cleanliness.

The city’s Property Maintenance Unit has been in contact with the landlord and has issued the appropriate
citations in accordance with city ordinances. In response, the landlord has taken steps to resolve the issue,
and new dumpsters are expected to be delivered to the affected properties later this week. The city will
continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with waste management requirements.

The City of Topeka recognizes that some tenants may hesitate to report property maintenance issues, such as
overflowing dumpsters or unsafe living conditions, due to fear of retaliation or eviction by their landlord. In
May 2024, the Topeka City Council strengthened its retaliatory eviction ordinance, ensuring residents can
assert their right to a clean, safe, and sanitary home without fear of retaliation.

Residents can find more information about the city’s resources to address retaliatory action and their rights
under city ordinance by visiting our website here: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/property-maintenancedivision/retaliatory-eviction/

The City of Topeka is committed to creating a clean, safe, and livable environment for all residents. Tenants and community members can report property maintenance concerns by contacting the City of Topeka’s

Property Maintenance Division at 785-368-3161, using our SeeClickFix app, or via email at
propertymaintenance@topeka.org

Update

As the City of Topeka continues to assess the damage from last week’s storm, crews began limb pickup
operations. These efforts will continue throughout the coming weeks until all parts of Topeka have been
serviced. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to clear debris and restore our
community.

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The City of Topeka has deployed all available resources in response to significant damage and
disruptions caused by Wednesday night’s storm in the River Corridor, Potwin, and Oakland
neighborhoods. Additionally, debris pickup is planned for residents this week.

This storm left multiple streets blocked by fallen trees and downed power lines, resulting in widespread
power outages. Public Works staff, supported by the Utilities Department, began a systematic inspection
of the affected streets Thursday morning. The primary goal for crews was to move debris to the side of
the road to restore access to traffic as quickly as possible.

“We are fully aware of the road closures and the impact on our community. Every available resource is
being utilized to open the streets and ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Assistant City Manager and
Interim Public Works Director Braxton Copley.
In some instances, city crews had to wait for Evergy to clear power lines before proceeding with debris
removal. After the initial debris push, staff will begin the cleanup of rights-of-way and start addressing
Service Call Form (SCF) tickets.

Additionally, the City is mobilizing third party contractors to assist with cleanup. Residents may place
tree and brush debris produced by this storm at the curb. Pickup of that debris began Monday, August
19 at approximately 7 a.m. Contractors will begin pickup efforts in the areas that were hardest hit, and
then spread out to the rest of the city. Crews will only pick up tree and brush. Garbage, damaged
appliances, carpet, furniture, or household goods will not be picked up.

Debris pickup will be done using large grapple trucks. Please place any brush in piles near the back of the
curb in a clear area. Do not place debris near mailboxes, fences, or any other structure or under any
trees or power lines.

The city asks for the community’s patience as we work to clear neighborhood streets.
For updates, please visit the City of Topeka’s official website at www.topeka.org and our social media
channels.

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 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.