Press Releases

The City of Topeka announced today it’s successful bid for funding as part of the city’s participation in the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) program, through the National League of Cities (NLC). The City of Topeka recently joined the CIE program, making commitments to anchor procurement as well as Hispanic and Latino businesses.

The city was awarded $30,000 from the NLC, with $15,000 to go towards each commitment. The first commitment is to encourage minority business owners to explore opportunities to contract with anchors, or large institutions like the city, state agencies, hospitals, and universities. The second is to encourage members of the Hispanic and Latin American community to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in Topeka.

The goal of the CIE program is to encourage cities to create the right policies, programs and practices that drive inclusive, entrepreneurship-led economic growth in their respective communities. By making these two public commitments, the City of Topeka is creating a shared vision for local stakeholders to rally around, positioning itself as an active leader in the innovation economy in Topeka, and highlighting the opportunity for partners to connect with us to help everyone reach a shared goal.

The CIE program is a network of over 250 municipalities across the country, which gives city staff access to hands-on assistance from NLC and program experts, peer learning opportunities, recognition of our work and financial support to implement new programs.

As part of the commitment to encourage anchor procurement amongst minority business owners, the city is planning to partner with community organizations which offer educational resources to small and diverse business owners and entrepreneurs about how to do business with the city. In order to encourage more Hispanic community members to explore entrepreneurship opportunities, the city will work towards reducing barriers and promoting opportunities to create a more vibrant and diverse business community in Topeka.

To learn more about the CIE program, visit www.nlc.org/initiative/city-inclusive-entrepreneurship/.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the City of Topeka will receive $4,312,000 to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.

This Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant is the largest competitive grant award the City has received. Topeka received the third largest SS4A amount awarded by the USDOT to 99 communities in the country during this first round of announcements. Additionally, the Build Kansas Fund will provide the city with the grant’s 20% match requirement, bringing the total funding to $5,390,000 at no fiscal impact to the city.

This funding will allow for the development of a holistic, community-wide strategic plan called the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP). In addition to the CSAP, the funding will also allow the City to carry out demonstration activities in concurrence with the Plan to inform future infrastructure investment.

“By emphasizing safety impact, equity considerations, and collaborating with stakeholders, we are committed to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of our community,” Director of Public Works Braxton Copley said.

Thirteen groups – including local, county and state organizations – provided letters of support for this application, demonstrating a strong endorsement from the community.

The SS4A discretionary program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with $5 billion in appropriated funds over five years, 2022-2026. This is the first BIL grant the City has been awarded. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

For a full list of Round 1 grant recipients, visit Safe Streets and Roads for All Fiscal Year 2024 Planning and Demonstration Grant Awards by State (transportation.gov).

The City of Topeka has been awarded a $750,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank for the Property Maintenance Violation Rehabilitation program. The program will work with low-income homeowners with housing violations with the Property Maintenance Division and use the funding from the grant to help them restore their properties. The funds for the Property Maintenance Rehabilitation program will be available approximately January 1st, 2019.
“The Department of Neighborhood Relations is very excited to be helping more low-income families in Topeka. Many of the people we serve are not only low-income but elderly and sometimes disabled. This grant will allow us to help over 50 families with property maintenance rehabilitation on their homes in the upcoming year,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the Neighborhood Relations Department.
The Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program will help enable residents to maintain a safe environment in their home. Qualifying repairs will include; collapsed or badly deteriorated sewer line, roof replacement, guttering, replacement of windows, weatherization, siding and other items as determined on a case by case basis by the Department of Neighborhood Relations. The rehabilitation completed is a grant to the homeowner with a maximum benefit of $20,000 and a minimum of assistance of $2,500. Capitol Federal® is the sponsor for this award and will be assisting the City of Topeka with the program.
“Capitol Federal® is proud to be the member Bank partnering with the FHLBank of Topeka and the City of Topeka in the Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Affordable Housing Program. As a leading Kansas residential real estate lender, CapFed® recognizes many low-income families live in homes which require costly repairs that can be difficult to make given budget constraints. Our goal is for this partnership to provide safe and healthy living spaces for area residents and have a positive impact on Topeka housing,” said Lloyd Rainge, Community Development Director for Capitol Federal.
Eligibility for the Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program will require residents to:
 Have a Property Maintenance code violation

 Applicant household income must not exceed 50% of the current median household income as determined by HUD.
 The applicant must have resided in the property for more than one year.
 All Federal, State and local regulations must be met by the owner of the property to receive assistance.
 The program will not assist for home fire repair or rehabilitation nor flood repair or rehabilitation.
 The program will not assist homeowners that received Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO) assistance.
 The program will not assist to clean up properties, cut grass or other items not related to the home itself.
 The program will not assist a house with 30% or more replacement cost new.
 All repairs, as determined by the department to be necessary for the occupants, must be repaired. If the cost of the repairs exceeds the program limits, the owner shall be responsible for the payment of the additional funds.

The City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program received a $750,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Capitol Federal® Savings Bank is the sponsor for the grant, and will be assisting the City with the program.

The City’s Housing Services Division administers the Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program, which assists low-income homeowners who need repairs to bring their homes up to code.

“We are very excited to be helping more low-income families in Topeka. Many of the people we serve are not only low-income, but elderly, and sometimes disabled. This grant will allow us to help over 50 families with property maintenance rehabilitation on their homes this year,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services.

The Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program helps residents to maintain a safe environment in their home. Qualifying repairs include; collapsed or badly deteriorated sewer line, roof replacement, guttering, replacement of windows, weatherization, siding and other items as determined on a case by case basis the City’s Housing Services Division.

The rehabilitation is a grant to the homeowner with a maximum benefit of $20,000 and a minimum of assistance of $2,500. The homeowner does not have to pay the grant back.

Eligible households must have an active property maintenance code violation, and be on the deed of the property. Housing code violations must be for the home the person is residing in. Violations for detached garages, weeds, trees and trash removal are not eligible.

The City’s Housing Services Division determines eligibility for the Property Maintenance Rehabilitation Program. To request an application, call 785-368-3711.

 

Topeka is proud to share it has been recognized for achieving 2020 What Works Cities Certification at the silver level. What Works Cities (WWC) Certification evaluates how effectively cities are managed by measuring the extent to which city leaders incorporate data and evidence in their decision-making – whether they have the right people, processes, and policies in place to put data and evidence at the center of decision-making – against a national standard of excellence. WWC is a national initiative launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2015.
Topeka is one of 16 cities to achieve Certification at the silver level. Over the past year, the city has demonstrated measurable progress on foundational data practices, representing Topeka’s commitment to advancing how data is used to better serve residents.
“The City of Topeka is data driven when establishing our strategic goals and priorities,” said by Mayor De La Isla. “By identifying the key issues our community is facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and comparing them to our strategic goals and priorities, we can begin to formulate tailor-made community recovery decisions that provides actionable, long-lasting solutions.”
Through improved data-driven management, Topeka has:
● Improved transparency efforts.
● Improved reporting to the Governing Body.
● Improved tracking of responsiveness to constituents.
What Works Cities Certification is inspiring a movement of cities that are doubling down on their commitment to building a more effective, more efficient, and more equitable local government that works for its residents, and using Certification as a roadmap for doing so. Nearly 200 U.S. cities have completed a What Works Cities Assessment; to date, only 24 cities have met the What Works Cities national standard in achieving Certification.

About What Works Cities: What Work Cities, launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in April 2015, is a national initiative that helps cities use data and evidence more effectively to tackle their most pressing challenges and improve residents’ lives. It is one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to enhance cities’ use of data and evidence. Through the initiative’s expert partners, cities around the country are receiving technical assistance, guidance and resources to succeed in making more informed decisions, tackling local challenges, and delivering more effective services and programs for their residents. Cities in the What Works Cities network also gain access to a collaborative network of peers in cities across the country. For more information, visit whatworkscities.org.

Over the last year, Topeka and Shawnee County saw its homeless population grow, according to the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count took place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Nearly 50 people helped with this year’s count.

According to the count, 365 people, and 297 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 64% of those who are homeless are male, while 36% are female. 40% of the homeless population are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.

“The increase in the number of unsheltered homeless is no surprise to the Topeka/Shawnee County Homeless Task Force,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “The pandemic has made it more challenging to house people and we are desperately working on the solution. The count helps us recognize this disparity and fix it as quickly as possible.”

Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from 2020, 2021 and 2022. For a more detailed look at the 2022 numbers, visit https://cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/HousingSvcs/Point+in+Time+Count+-+2022.pdf.

 

	2020	2021	2022
People	401	298	365
Households	306	123	297
% of Veteran Households	10	16	10
% in an Emergency Shelter	63	52	45
% in Transitional Housing	13	13	15
% Unsheltered	24	35	40

 

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.

 

Topeka and Shawnee County’s homeless population is at a four-year high, according to numbers released Thursday from the City of Topeka’s annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count took place on January 25. 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.

According to the count, 412 people and 322 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 59% of those who are homeless are male, while 40% are female. 157 people are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.

“The increase in the number of unsheltered homeless is no surprise to the Topeka/Shawnee County Homeless Task Force,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “It is imperative that the community works collaboratively to help address these growing numbers. Under City Manager Stephen Wade’s leadership, and with support from the Topeka Governing Body, we look forward to working collaboratively with the city’s consultant and community partners to reach long-term solutions.”

Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from the previous four counts. For a more detailed look at the 2023 numbers, visit https://cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/02/16173423/City-of-Topeka-Point-in-Time-Homeless-Count-2023.pdf.

	2020	2021	2022	2023
People	401	298	365	412
Households	306	254	297	322
# of Veteran Households	40	16	37	25
# of Individuals in an Emergency Shelter	254	155	163	194
# of Individuals in Transitional Housing	51	38	54	61
# of Individuals Unsheltered	68	105	148	157

 

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.

 

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 is pleased to announce the release of the community input gathered during the recent public sessions and open survey as part of the recruitment process for the next Topeka police chief. 

To ensure the selection of a police chief who meets the expectations and needs of the community, the city provided multiple avenues for public participation. From July 22, 2024, through August 3, 2024, a community survey was made available in both English and Spanish, collecting a total of 260 responses. In addition to the survey, three public input sessions were hosted in various parts of the community, allowing residents to share their thoughts and priorities directly. 

“The community emphasized the need for a police chief who values communication, transparency, and community engagement, with a focus on reducing crime, improving public safety, and addressing mental health and homelessness,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “We will use this feedback from community members to make sure we find the best candidate for this community.” 

This data will help craft the job posting to help attract the best candidates for this position. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks regarding the interview process with candidates. 

You can view the police chief input report here: https://bit.ly/policechiefpublicinputreport   

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