Press Releases

The Impact Avenues program successfully housed 99 children and 41 families in its first year. Impact Avenues is a program that aims to significantly reduce student homelessness in our community by assisting students and their families obtain stable housing through graduation. The City of Topeka and 38 partner agencies worked together to provide wrap-around services for our homeless student population to help significantly reduce homelessness in our community. During this time the Impact Avenues program had a 98% retention rate in keeping families housed during COVID-19.

“Topeka is dedicated to ensuring that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness,” said Carrie Higgins, Impact Avenues program coordinator. “I am very proud that Impact Avenues has been able to help ninety-nine children become housed, and continue to stay housed in its first year. I’m excited to continue the important work and continue to help eradicate child homelessness in our community.”

A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (i.e., living in cars, parks, public spaces, house sharing, couch surfing, living in motels or campgrounds due to the lack of adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). To qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a school liaison. Children and their families will get the support they need to obtain stable housing and assistance with overcoming barriers to success like transportation, employment, financial literacy, healthcare and others.

“Our superintendent partnered with Impact Avenues and Advisors Excel last year to reduce poverty and support economic prosperity in Shawnee County as part of the district’s strategic plan,” said Leslie Carr, Coordinator of Social Work for Topeka Public Schools. “As the coordinator of homeless programs and social work for Topeka Public Schools, I am proud of the positive effect Impact Avenues has had in moving families out of homelessness. The partnership between the district, the City of Topeka, and Advisors Excel has reduced homelessness for Shawnee County, and I am excited to continue supporting families in the coming year.”

Over 210 educational classes have been taken by families, which include classes offered by community partners that include Finance 101, Housing, 101, Employment 101, and Healthcare 101.

This year Impact Avenues will be taking referrals from social service agencies as well as from Topeka Public Schools in order to expand the reach of Impact Avenues and identify more children that could benefit from Impact Avenues.

“We are thrilled with the first-year successes Impact Avenues has had helping give Topeka families a hand up,” said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster. “This is an amazing partnership with 38 agencies and the City of Topeka, working together to provide families the tools and resources to get and keep them in permanent homes. We are very proud to be a part of this program, and hope to help even more families this school year,” Foster said.

Advisors Excel is providing up to $500,000 to support the Impact Avenues program for the first three years. The Topeka Community Foundation will administer the Impact Avenues funding on behalf of Advisors Excel through an existing partnership with the Topeka Community Foundation to support their charitable work in the Topeka community.

How to help:

For more information, please go to https://www.topeka.org/impact-avenues/.

If your organization is willing to assist us in this crucial effort, please contact Impact Avenues program lead, Corrie Wright at cwright@topeka.org.

To contribute to ongoing expenses for the program, you can donate online at https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/donate/ and select the “Impact Avenues Fund”, or send a check directly to the Topeka Community Foundation with “Impact Avenues Fund” in the memo line.

You can watch a video on Impact Avenues here: https://youtu.be/KWtLsCNQ7kU

Public school student homelessness is a national crisis affecting more than 1 million children in grades K-12. The City of Topeka, Topeka Public Schools, and more than 35 community partner organizations are working to end student homelessness through the Impact Avenues program.

Impact Avenues reached 207 families with 525 children from its launch in August 2019 through July 2021, making it possible for 73 families with 186 children to reach a permanent housing solution. Moreover, 191 families received utility assistance that allowed them to remain stably housed, 108 individuals received mental health services, 61 families received transportation assistance, and 31 families received legal help during this period.  49% of the families in the program were not employed at entry and are now fully employed.

“Topeka is dedicated to ensuring that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness. Impact Avenues is a powerful force for good in Topeka and Shawnee County. Its skilled, innovative, and compassionate approach to student homelessness will continue to help families break the cycle of poverty through housing stability, educational attainment, and economic mobility for years to come.” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “I am very proud that Impact Avenues has been able to help over five hundred children become housed, and continue to stay housed in its first two years. I’m excited to continue the important work and continue to help eradicate child homelessness in our community.”

Impact Avenues is a replication of the nationally recognized Impact KCK program in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The program combines the skillful application of the Collective Impact Model for Community Change with a number of social service innovations to effectively serve homeless students and their families.

Impact Avenues uses a two-generation approach to addressing student homelessness and a wide array of wraparound services to achieve its goals. Innovative social service practices include (1) a single point of service; (2) intensive case management provided by an Impact Navigator; and (3) connection with a permanent housing solution. In addition, effective management and continuous improvement are supported by developmental evaluation, a method that provides real time assessment of program outcomes, challenges, and opportunities that further strengthens program effectiveness.

A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (i.e., living in cars, parks, public spaces, house sharing, couch surfing, living in motels or campgrounds due to the lack of adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). To qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a school liaison. Children and their families will get the support they need to obtain stable housing and assistance with overcoming barriers to success like transportation, employment, financial literacy, healthcare and others.

The community infrastructure organized by Impact Avenues made it possible to quickly respond to the emergency needs of children and families when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Kansas. This response has included services ranging from care calls to determine family needs to connections with financial resources to delivery of food and other necessities. Emergency relief has been extended to all families, not just those who are designated Impact Avenues families.

How to help:

For more information, please go to https://www.topeka.org/impact-avenues/.

If your organization is willing to assist us in this crucial effort, please contact Impact Avenues program lead, Corrie Wright at cwright@topeka.org.

To contribute to ongoing expenses for the program, you can donate online at https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/donate/ and select the “Impact Avenues Fund”, or send a check directly to the Topeka Community Foundation with “Impact Avenues Fund” in the memo line.

The Independent Police Auditor has concluded his investigation into the use of force incident regarding Tamiko Mitchell and the Topeka Police Department. After a thorough review of officer statements, witness statements, and seven body worn camera videos, the Independent Police Auditor has concluded that the use of force was within policy. All 17 pages of the IPA report are attached to the release.
The body worn camera video will be released to the public pending criminal proceedings.
Topeka Police Department policies, including use of force policies can be found on the City of Topeka website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/topeka-police-policies/

The Independent Police Auditor has concluded his investigation into the use of force incident regarding the 14 year old juvenile and the Topeka Police Department. After a thorough review of officer statements, witness statements, and body worn camera videos the IPA concludes that the force utilized by the Officer was within the policy parameters outlined in Topeka Police Department General Order 4.2, et al. However, the Independent Police Auditor does express concern regarding the encounter with the juvenile and the officer’s judgment therein.

Topeka Police Department policies, including use of force policies can be found on the City of Topeka website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/topeka-police-policies/

La Ciudad de Topeka se complace en anunciar un programa piloto para el mantenimiento de césped como parte del primer año de su Iniciativa Cambiando Nuestra Cultura del Mantenimiento de la Propiedad.

El programa piloto proporcionará apoyo de servicios de mantenimiento de césped a aquellos que vivan en áreas con una Asociación de Mejoras en el Vecindario (NIA por sus siglas en inglés), asegurando que una tarifa estándar, fija y asequible esté disponible.

“El objetivo de lograr el mantenimiento del césped de todos los jardines sin que la Ciudad esté involucrada ha estado en proceso por años. Nos emociona tener el programa listo y en funcionamiento para nuestros vecinos,” dijo la concejala Karen Hiller. “La Ciudad está apoyando a Omni Circle Group y a Gil Carter Initiative con el préstamo de equipo para el mantenimiento de los césped, lo cual demuestra nuestro compromiso con ellos y con la comunidad entera para el éxito de este programa. El objetivo a largo plazo es que el programa se vuelva auto sostenible e independiente de la Ciudad”.

En el primer año del programa, tres entidades diferentes a las de la Ciudad de Topeka estarán proporcionando los servicios relacionados con este programa, algunos son pagados y otros son voluntarios para ayudar a los residentes que no tienen un mantenimiento regular de su césped.

Estos tres proveedores tienen disponibilidad limitada y no son entidades que pertenezcan a la Ciudad. Si los proveedores no tienen la capacidad de ofrecer los servicios en este tiempo, los residentes pueden referirse a las redes sociales u otros recursos para localizar a un proveedor, pero sepa que la Ciudad no ha aprobado a otros proveedores para estos servicios.

La Ciudad creo un documento con información de cómo puede buscar a alguien para que le de mantenimiento a su césped, cómo revisar referencias, así como también materiales educativos de cómo dar mantenimiento, cortar y reducir la vegetación.

Tarifas fijas de mantenimiento de césped para todas las áreas de NIA

Tsquared Lawn Care está ofreciendo una tarifa fija baja de $30 por corte de césped para los residentes que viven en las áreas con un NIA.

NIA en Highland Acres

Gil Carter Initiative está ofreciendo una tarifa estándar en un rango de $40-70 por corte de césped para los residentes que vivan en un área NIA de Highland Acres. Gil Carter Initiative puede ofrecer precios más bajos dependiendo la situación.

NIA en Central Park

Omni Circle Group estará cortando los césped de manera voluntaria para los residentes que viven en el área NIA de Central Park, y así ayudar a esta área a alcanzar la meta de tener el 100% de césped cortados.

Encuentre un NIA

Para saber si usted vive en un área con NIA, por favor visite la base de datos en el sitio web de la Ciudad y busque su dirección.

Oportunidades para ser voluntario

Un componente adicional de la Iniciativa Cambiando Nuestra Cultura del Mantenimiento de la Propiedad es que se enfoca en vecinos ayudando a vecinos por medio del voluntariado.

Inscríbase para ser voluntario

Los individuos, familias, negocios, iglesias, organizaciones y cualquier vecino que quiera involucrarse en ayudar a darle mantenimiento a los césped de residentes puede inscribirse para ser voluntario por medio de United Way of Greater Topeka en el portal de voluntarios Topeka.

Solicitar un voluntario

Los individuos que no puedan pagar por servicios de mantenimiento de césped o aquellos que vivan en áreas que no tengan un NIA dentro de los límites de Topeka pueden solicitar que su césped sea cortado. Sin embargo, la Ciudad no puede garantizar la disponibilidad de un voluntario en esa área y no se hace responsable de la aprobación de voluntarios.

Línea de asistencia de la Iniciativa Cambiando Nuestra Cultura del Mantenimiento de la Propiedad.

Para conocer más acerca del programa, solicitar un proveedor o ser voluntario o para registrar sus horas de voluntariado, llame al 785-368-9530.

“Solo quiero decirles a todos nuestros miembros de la comunidad – ¡Finalmente el momento ha llegado! Solo se trata de dejar a nuestros vecinos, iglesias y familiares que nos ayuden a cortar el césped,” dijo la concejala Christina Valdivia-Alcalá. “Hemos escuchado en varias reuniones comunitarias cómo las personas querían corresponder el tiempo en que uno le ha ayudado al otro. Podemos hacer esto. Tienda una mano”.

Celebración

Al finalizar la temporada de darle mantenimiento al césped en el 2022, habrá un evento para celebrar a aquellos que sirvieron como voluntarios por medio del portal de United Way, así como también a otros que ayudaron de cualquier forma para hacer de esta iniciativa un éxito. Manténgase al tanto para detalles adicionales acerca de la celebración.

 

The intersection of the SW Arvonia Place/SW Huntoon Street/I-470 ramp opened shortly after 1 p.m. today, following a ribbon cutting ceremony. The intersection closed on June 4th.

The rest of the project is still under construction with another 1200 feet of Huntoon under construction west of the intersection. The rest of phase one of the project is expected to be completed by December 15th.

“This project is an example of a city and state partnership to replace a badly deteriorated and outdated roadway,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “This is just one of the many projects undertaken this year and on track to be completed on time and on budget. We look forward to this phase to be completed in December and to next year’s project on Arvonia and Winding Road to the south next year.”

This is the first season of a two-season project. Next season, the City hopes that the Arvonia Place and SW Winding Road intersection will be relocated to the south, across from the new hotel entrance, and a section of Arvonia will be rebuilt to the south 1400 feet. This year’s construction budget is $3.6 million with Amino Brothers Inc. as the general contractor. Next year’s portion is budgeted at $2.13 million. Funding is from State grants and local General Obligation (GO) Bonds.

Jacque Russell, Human Resources Director, announced she’s leaving the City of Topeka in December after 16 years of service with the city.

Russell joined the city in July of 2007 as the Classification and Compensation Manager, before being promoted to HR Director in April of 2008. During her time at the city, she’s helped reshape the city’s benefits and wellness program for employees, worked collaboratively with city departments to improve recruitment and retention, and recently led the efforts to rollout a new onboarding system for new employees.

“Jacque has been an integral part of the city’s leadership team for 16 years. We will miss her experience, institutional knowledge, and all that she brought to her service of both our city employees and Topeka residents. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Interim City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt.

“I am so appreciative of all of the relationships and collaboration that I have been a part of across our organization. It has been an incredible opportunity to serve the City of Topeka over the years, and I close this chapter being proud of all we have been able to accomplish together,” said Russell.

Russell’s last day with the city will be December 1, 2023. In the coming weeks, the city will identify an internal employee to serve as Interim Human Resources Director. The city plans to conduct a nationwide search to fill the position on a permanent basis.

 

James Jackson has been hired as the Public Works Director for the City of Topeka. Jackson was previously the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Atlanta Georgia. Jackson will start as the Director of Public Works on April 5^th.

“Today I am excited to announce that James Jackson has accepted the position of Public Works Director for the City of Topeka. He brings a tremendous amount of experience that will fit perfectly into the needs of our community,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “I believe James is the right person for this job and will continue the city’s mission to improve our infrastructure and fix our streets.”

Jackson is a certified Public Works Executive (PWE, APWA) as well as an ICMA Credential Manager Candidate. He has 27 years of experience and served as interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Operations and Department of Public Works director for the cities Richmond, Virginia and Detroit, Michigan. He has also served as the Public Services director for Wayne County, Michigan and the Streets and Sanitation director for the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Atlanta.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of the City of Topeka, and to support the public works professionals who serve the City every day. City Manager Trout, HR Manager Michele Smith, HR Director Jacque Russell and Chief of Staff Bill Cochran have all been very helpful in getting me and my family situated there in the City of Topeka.  I look forward to onboarding and getting up to speed as expeditiously as possible,” said Jackson.

Jackson received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Knoxville College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbus State University.  He is a former Marine and also served as President of the Knoxville College National Alumni Association. Jackson’s salary as Public Works Director will be $142,000.

 

The City of Topeka is pleased to announce that Deputy Police Chief Jamey Haltom has been appointed as Interim Police Chief, effective June 25, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Wheeles.

Interim Chief Haltom brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) since June 1999. He has served as Deputy Chief since November of 2021, showcasing his dedication to the department and the community.

Throughout his extensive career in law enforcement, Interim Chief Haltom has held various leadership positions including roles as a corporal and sergeant in the field operations bureau and the support operations bureau. As a commander, he was promoted to lieutenant where he led teams in the support operations bureau. He was then promoted to captain where he made strategic decisions in the field operations bureau (patrol) and in the criminal investigations bureau, prior to assuming the position of deputy chief.

Haltom holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University and is a Certified Public Manager. He has also completed executive leadership training programs through the Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School. He is rooted in the community, having previously served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. Haltom is from Pratt, Kansas, and he resides in Topeka with his wife and their three children.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Interim Police Chief for the Topeka Police Department,” said Haltom. “Over the past 25 years with this department, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of our officers in keeping our community safe, and I look forward to leading the department as we search for a new police chief.”

“I am confident that Interim Chief Haltom will provide strong and steady leadership for TPD during this transition period,” said Interim City Manager Richard Nienstedt. “His experience and deep commitment to serving others makes him well-suited to guide the department as the city searches for a permanent police chief.”

Haltom will serve as Interim Chief until the governing body selects a permanent police chief.