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 is thrilled to announce a series of dance hall events taking place at
Hotel Topeka this fall, starting with a Halloween costume party followed by two country-themed dance
halls.

The Halloween costume party will feature a DJ, a costume contest, door prizes, and much more. Doors
open to anyone 18 and older, with cash bar available for those 21 and up. Costumes are highly
encouraged, and participants can look forward to winning exciting prizes.
Following the Halloween festivities, the weekend will continue with two Rodeo after-parties on
November 1 and 2. These events will bring live music, door prizes, and a lively atmosphere to Hotel
Topeka, offering attendees the chance to kick up their boots and enjoy two nights of dancing. These
events are also 18 and up, with cash bar available for guests over 21.

Event Details:
• Halloween Costume Party: October 31, 2024
• Rodeo After Party: November 1 & 2, 2024
• Venue: Hotel Topeka, 1717 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS
• Entry: 18 to enter, 21+ to drink
• More Details: DJ, live music, Halloween costume contest, door prizes, and much more!

“We are incredibly excited to showcase Hotel Topeka through these dance hall events,” said City
Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and
celebrate in one of our city’s premier venues.”

The City of Topeka is actively seeking sponsors for these events. Businesses interested in supporting
these community celebrations can contact citycommunications@topeka.org for more information.

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 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 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 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 announced today the retirement notice of Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles. Chief Wheeles will be closing out a three-decade long law enforcement career of distinguished service on July 1, 2024. He has worked in many capacities within the Topeka Police Department (TPD) to include; a patrol officer, a narcotics investigator, a homicide detective, a supervisor and various levels of police command, culminating as the Chief of Police.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Chief Wheeles for his unwavering dedication and years of service to not only his fellow officers, but the city as a whole,” said Interim City Manager Richard Nienstedt. “Chief Wheeles leads by example. His calm, pragmatic, reliable presence in times of crisis is felt far beyond the police department. He is the first to offer help wherever he is needed and he will be deeply missed.”

“Thirty years of dedicated police service, within one community, makes me very proud,” said Chief Wheeles. “There are a lot of amazing people working at TPD and it has been an honor, beyond my ability to truly express, to serve beside them all these years. I loved my job and got to make a difference. When you come to the end of a career and look back, it’s hard to ask for more than that. It has been a great ride, in a great community and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and seeing what life brings me out of the uniform.”

The city wants to acknowledge Chief Wheeles’ 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 Police Chief.

The City of Topeka announced Tuesday the potential sale of Hotel Topeka, located at 1717 SW Topeka Blvd. City Council and City staff understood the importance of finding a buyer that has the resources and vision to revitalize the property, while also recouping the funds that were invested by the City of Topeka.

Endeavor Hotel Group, a Hospitality Investment and Hotel Management Company based in Wichita, has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of Hotel Topeka. Their team brings deep industry experience, having previously managed over 46 hotels in 23 states. Endeavor currently manages seven hotels across the central U.S., including locations in Topeka, Lawrence, Norman, Columbia, Little Rock, and the Minneapolis area. Endeavor specializes in larger, upscale conference hotels and is actively building a regional portfolio of 25 to 30 properties over the next five years. Their approach centers on a proven “Reimagine, Rebrand, and Reposition” strategy aimed at delivering exceptional guest experiences and long-term value.

“Our team is excited to add the Hotel Topeka to our portfolio,” said President and CEO of Endeavor Roy Arnold. “We have a clear vision intended to create value for the community and to make Topeka a preferred destination for regional conferences and events.”
Endeavor plans to make an investment of approximately $6.0M for the rehab of the Hotel, plus it envisions spending another $2M to supplement operations until stabilization of the property

To date, the City of Topeka has spent $12.2M on Hotel Topeka. The agreement is structured to include a $1M cash payment, with the remaining $11.2M balance to be paid off with the proceeds from a CID (Community Improvement District) and the incremental increase in Transient Guest Tax. It is estimated that it will take approximately 20-years to recoup the City’s investment.

“Even though we are not recouping all of our investment up front, we recognize the risk that comes with the large investment that the Endeavor Group is making and want to make sure they are successful,” said Mayor Michael Padilla. “Ultimately, the more successful they are, the faster the City will be able to recoup the investment we made in Hotel Topeka. CID and TGT are taxes only collected from individuals that are staying/spending money at the hotel property.”

The LOI is contingent upon Shawnee County agreeing to provide Endeavor a long term management agreement for the Maner Conference Center, as well as the County investing approximately $6.0M in the rehabilitation of Maner to the same level as that proposed for Hotel Topeka.

“I’m excited about the vision Endeavor brings to Hotel Topeka and the potential it holds for our community,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “Selling the hotel was one of my top priorities this year, and it was important to the City Council and me that we find a buyer with the experience and resources to truly transform the property. Endeavor’s track record and strategic approach give us great confidence that this hotel will become a vibrant asset for Topeka once again.”

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 2^nd.

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 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