Press Releases

The City of Topeka has hired LeTiffany Obozele as the Chief of Prosecution. Obozele has eight years of experience practicing law in the State of Kansas as a public-service minded attorney, serving both as a prosecutor and civil litigator. Most recently Obozele worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson.

“The City of Topeka is excited to welcome LeTIffany to be the Chief of Prosecution. Her knowledge and experience working in Kansas as a prosecutor and in the Kansas Attorney Generals Office will give the City a strong foundation in the Prosecution Department,” said City Manager Brent Trout.

Obozele has eight years of experience practicing law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology from Emory University in May 2007. She earned her juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law in May 2012.

“I am excited and grateful for the City of Topeka for selecting me to serve as the next Chief of Prosecution. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue in public service and hit the ground running with the City of Topeka, Legal Department and Prosecution with my wonderful staff and all those that come into contact with our Department and the Court. I am enjoying learning all that this Department does for and with the City,” said Obozele.

Obozele has previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Sedgwick County and Douglas County. She also worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Kansas Attorney General as a post-commitment focused civil litigator. Obozele has been an Adjunct Professor and Trial Team Coach at Washburn Law School since December 2015.

Obozele began work on September 8^th and is earning a salary of $90,000.

 

NE Kansas has received excessive amounts of rain throughout the week. Topeka had an unusually large rain event on July 29^th and saw localized flooding in certain areas of town. During these extreme rain events the stormwater system can get overwhelmed, causing areas to temporarily flood while the system processes the massive amounts of water.

The Utilities Department has crews that go out daily to inspect, clean and clear stormwater inlets, sewers, and ditches to ensure functionality. The infrastructure in the areas that had localized flooding are currently being inspected to ensure that there are not any obstructions. With that said, the stormwater system performed as it was designed to.

With grounds already saturated and more rain in the forecast, it is possible that we could see more temporary, localized flooding. We want to encourage all of our customers to exercise caution and report any potential issues or obstructions that they see regarding stormwater infrastructure. They can do this by calling (785)368-3111 or by utilizing the See Click Fix app.

Beginning Thursday, February 10, masks will no longer required to be worn in City of Topeka buildings by employees or visitors, with the exception of Municipal Court. Municipal Court will continue to require masks until further notice.

The City encourages employees and visitors to practice social distancing and mask-wearing when possible.

 

Governor Laura Kelly[1] announced on June 29^th that she will sign an Executive Order on Thursday, July 2^nd mandating masks in public places effective Friday, July 3^rd.  In expectation of that order, all visitors to the Topeka Municipal Court are being notified that masks or cloth face coverings will be required while in the building once Governor Kelly’s order takes effect. The court has a very limited supply of disposable masks, but all visitors will be expected to bring their own. Persons who do not have a cloth face covering or mask will not be allowed to enter the courthouse beginning the effective date of the executive order.

The Court will continue to observe the following:

• Only those with court business/probation appointments will be permitted in the building. Defendants should not bring family/friends/observers to their court hearings and should make all attempts for alternate childcare arrangements.
• To maintain appropriate social distancing and the maximum number of persons allowed in the courtrooms, defendants may be required to wait in the lobby or other areas during larger dockets.
• Defendants who report or are displaying symptoms of illness, are caring for someone ill, or are in a high risk category, should contact their attorney to request a continuance. Defendants without an attorney may file a motion for continuance. Defendants should expect to attend their court hearing until the continuance has been granted by a judge.
• Anyone entering the courthouse or probation office will be denied access as follows:
  • If the person has been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with, or is suspected to have had, COVID-19 within the last 14 days;
  • If the person is experiencing two or more of the COVID-19 symptoms[2] identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; or
  • If the person has traveled within the previous 14 days to an area subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment[3]

Anyone denied access to the courthouse for the above reasons, or who needs to request a continuance, may contact the Court Clerk’s Office at 785-368-3776 for instructions on rescheduling or otherwise completing their court business.

Please plan ahead when reporting to the courthouse to ensure you are able to complete your court business while keeping everyone safe.

^[1]   See Governor Laura Kelly’s official post on June 29th

^[1]   See CDC’s list of COVID-19 symptoms

^[1]   See KDHE’s Travel Exposure Related Isolation/Quarantine list

Mayor Michelle De La Isla announced the “Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence” for Topeka and Shawnee County on Monday, March 19th at 10 am at the YWCA Northeast Kansas (225 SW 12th Street).

“The Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence is a project that is very close to my heart. The YWCA helped me get out of an abusive relationship and I believe that this task force will help many other women get out of harmful situations,” Mayor De La Isla said. “I believe that stopping domestic violence and abuse is key to improving people’s lives and improving the City of Topeka. Together with our partners we can all help to end domestic violence in this community.”

The task force is made up of representatives across the criminal justice system as well as community service agencies including Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, Shawnee County Court Services, local Batterer’s Intervention Programs, Washburn University, Department of Children and Families, Valeo Behavioral Health, and Stormont Vail Hospital. These agencies join together with the purpose of increasing victim safety, offender accountability, and community awareness. These agencies are committed to eradicating the problem of domestic violence and are willing to hold themselves and each other accountable.

“We know our communities are safer when we work together. The YWCA Northeast Kansas is proud to be a part of this large collaborative effort to ensure women, children and families are guaranteed access to justice and services that keep them safe,” said Kathleen Marker.

Mayor De La Isla has announced that she has accepted the Vice-Chair position for the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Youth Involvement Task Force.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Youth Involvement Task Force is dedicated to helping our nation’s Mayors provide and expand programming that helps young people (middle school through college) engage in civics, leadership development, internship programs, voter registration, community outreach, and more.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside Committee Chair Mayor Shane Bemis from (Gresham OR), under the leadership of President of the US Conference of Mayors- Mayor Bryan Barnett (Rochester Hills, MI) as we engage our young citizens. The exciting thing of this Youth Task force is that it aims at listening to our youth and harnessing their energy and experiences to shape policy, increase youth voter engagement and increase the number of youth councils across the nation”, said Mayor De La Isla.

“Mayor De La Isla has been a national leader on empowering the youth of our nation. She has been a passionate and outspoken advocate for including the youth voice and perspective in every critical conversation in our communities. I’m pleased to appoint her to this national leadership role and look forward to her contribution”, said by Mayor Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

“Mayor De La Isla’s intellect, ingenuity, and inclusivity make her uniquely qualified to take on the role as the first-ever Vice-Chair of the US Conference of Mayors Youth Involvement Task Force. Her passion for America’s youth, coupled with her fierce tenacity to solve the issues facing our country make her the perfect fit for this committee in these times. I am honored to serve with her, and as a conference, we have been enriched by her critical insight and inimitable perspective”, said by Mayor Shane Bemis of Gresham, Oregon.

Last week the Topeka Human Relations Commission (THRC) published a document on its webpage titled the “Human Relations Commission Policing Recommendations,” which proposed various changes to the Topeka Police Department’s current policing practices. The City of Topeka wholly supports the mission of the THRC to promote justice and cultural understanding, and to improve relationships among all citizens of Topeka. However, these recommendations were not presented to nor approved by the Mayor or City Council prior to publication, and do not represent the opinions or beliefs of members of the governing body. To avoid confusion and misrepresentation of the City’s police practices, the City has removed this document from the Topeka Human Relations Commission webpage.

“The City remains dedicated to supporting all members of its police department while ensuring that the act of law enforcement is carried out with fairness and justice to all residents of Topeka,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “I call on all Topekans to come together at this time and address these issues with the kindness and civility that Topekans are known for.”

The role of the Topeka Human Relations Commission is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all citizens of the City of Topeka. Each board and commission is an advisory group that provides input and advises on current polices and issues within various departments in the City of Topeka. All boards and commissions for the City of Topeka are made up of volunteers who apply for open seats. More information on boards and commissions can be found here: https://www.topeka.org/government/boards-commissions/

The City of Topeka is holding a special City Council Meeting to discuss police and community relations on Tuesday, August 25^th at 6:00 p.m. Any individual who would like to provide public comment in person or via Zoom can contact the City Clerk’s office at cclerk@topeka.org or (785) 368-3940.

Earlier this year, Mayor Michelle De La Isla was chosen to participate alongside thirty-nine other Mayors from across the globe in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. The program offers leadership and management training to Mayors who lead cities with vision and purpose, and to two senior officials from each city who are most crucial to affecting organizational change. In addition to an intensive classroom experience, which the Mayor participated in back in July, the program works with each participating Mayor and city leader over the course of a year to foster their professional growth and the advancement of key capabilities within their city halls.

As part of the yearlong program work, the Mayor has chosen to build skills around community collaboration and has selected Momentum 2022 as her area of focus. With this, she was able to select eight additional community leaders to participate in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. These leaders, who have a key leadership role in our community and represent a sector of emphasis for Momentum 2022 will receive professional development and support, including an intensive four day training in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative classroom in New York City. This all at no expense to the City of Topeka thanks to the generosity of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

“We are thrilled and honored to work with Bloomberg-Harvard,” said Michelle De La Isla, Mayor of Topeka. “We believe that our community leaders engaged in the implementation of Momentum 2022 will learn skills and bring back solutions through their educational experience with Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. The training these leaders will receive will grow their knowledge, skills and abilities, thus, empowering them to not only effect the goals our community is seeking to achieve through Momentum 2022, but to challenge and execute in other areas that benefit our community. One can never underestimate the gift of education. Thanks to Bloomberg Harvard we are building a very special capacity in our city. ”

Representing Topeka are:
Leading the Momentum 2022 Strategic Plan – Kayla Bitler, Sr. VP Momentum 2022

Representing the Develop Home Grown Talent Pillar – Dr. Julianne Mazacheck, Washburn University Dean of Academic Affairs

Representing the Creating Vibrant and Attractive Places Pillar – Keith Warta – CEO Bartlett and West and Tri Chair of Momentum 2022

Representing the Growing a Diverse Economy Pillar – Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership

Representing the Promote a Positive Image Pillar – Mike Padilla – Councilman District 5 and member of the Engagement Committee

Representing the Collaborate for a Strong Community Pillar – Marsha Pope, CEO of the Topeka Community Foundation and Shanae Holman, Executive Director of Topeka JUMP

Representing the East Topeka Council – TD Hicks, Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

“We’re grateful to the leaders in our community who have agreed to give their time to participating in this program,” said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO, Greater Topeka Partnership. “Specifically, I’d like to thank Mayor Michelle De La Isla for her leadership on initiatives that will be transformational for our community. Her selection of such a diverse and willing team will ensure maximum gains from this program.”

Representatives from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative met with the team in Topeka on Tuesday, November 20 to kick-off the work. The program will officially begin in January of 2019.

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative today announced the sixth class of 40 mayors from around the world who will participate in the yearlong education and professional development program. The program is designed to equip mayors with the leadership and management tools to tackle complex challenges in their cities and improve the quality of life of their residents. The private sector invests more than $42 billion each year in executive development but there is no equivalent in the public sector. The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative aims to close this gap to help mayors excel.

To kick off the program, the mayors joined Harvard faculty and renowned management experts in New York City this week for a four-day, immersive classroom experience and convening. Two senior leaders from each of the cities will also participate in the program and begin their classroom experience in August.

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative’s sixth class of mayors represents a diverse range of geographies and experiences:

• More than half of the mayors identify as people of color (21), including 14 Black mayors
• 70 percent (28) are from the United States; 30 percent (12) are from international cities
• 3 mayors are from Africa and 8 are from Europe
• 18 percent of the mayors (7) are from cities with populations over 1 million people
• 43 percent (17) of the mayors are from cities with populations between 200,000 and 1 million people, and 40 percent (16) are from cities with less than 200,000

“This class brings together a diverse and dynamic group of mayors from across the globe, and we’re glad to welcome them to New York City to kick off the sixth year of the program,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, three-term mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “With all the urgent shared challenges facing cities, the opportunity for mayors to exchange ideas and learn from one another and experts is more important than ever. We’re looking forward to working with them throughout the year, and to seeing the results in their cities.”

The flagship program of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, the Initiative is a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School that aims to provide a world-class learning experience for mayors and their senior leaders to help equip them with the tools and expertise to effectively govern cities. Harvard faculty, staff, and students, alongside experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network of experts, work with the mayors and senior officials over the course of one year in the classroom, online, and in the field to foster professional growth and advance the necessary capabilities to drive innovation and deliver results for
residents. Since its launch in 2017, the Initiative has built an alumni network of nearly 200 global mayors from 24 countries.

Members of the sixth class of mayors to participate in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative are:

Matt Tuerk (Allentown, Pennsylvania); Brian Kulpa (Amherst, New York); Andre Dickens (Atlanta, Georgia); Rohey Malick Lowe (Banjul, The Gambia); Lacey Beaty (Beaverton, Oregon); Lauren McLean (Boise, Idaho); Michelle Wu (Boston, Massachusetts); Aftab Pureval (Cincinnati, Ohio); Justin Bibb (Cleveland, Ohio); Daniel Rickenmann (Columbia, South Carolina); Emma Sharif (Compton, California); Jeffrey Mims (Dayton, Ohio); Abdullah Hammoud (Dearborn, Michigan); Elaine O’Neal (Durham, North Carolina); Joe Schember (Erie, Pennsylvania); Susan Aitken (Glasgow, Scotland); Juhana Vartiainen (Helsinki, Finland); Tyrone Garner (Kansas City, Kansas); Pudence Rubingisa (Kigali, Rwanda); Chilando Chitangala (Lusaka, Zambia); Cavalier Johnson (Milwaukee, Wisconsin); Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas (Monterrey, Mexico); Jon Mitchell (New Bedford, Massachusetts); Ed Gainey (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania); Malik Evans (Rochester, New York); Darrell Steinberg (Sacramento, California); Todd Gloria (San Diego, California); Benjamina Karić (Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina); Danela Arsovska (Skopje, North Macedonia); Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire, United Kingdom); Caroline Simmons (Stamford, Connecticut); Kenneth Welch (St. Petersburg, Florida); Larry Klein (Sunnyvale, California); Wade Kapszukiewicz (Toledo, Ohio); Mike Padilla (Topeka, Kansas); Minna Arve (Turku, Finland); Anne McEnerny-Ogle (Vancouver, Washington); Quentin Hart (Waterloo, Iowa); Dan Norris (West of England, United Kingdom); and Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire, United Kingdom).

In a formal impact assessment, mayors who were members of prior classes of the program reported that the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative has helped them increase leadership and management capacity in their cities. Nearly 90 percent of mayors demonstrate measurable improvement in their leadership capabilities as a result of the program.

“Through its City Leadership Initiative, the Bloomberg Center for Cities draws on the expertise of our faculty to strengthen and expand the capabilities of mayors whose work shapes the lives of millions of people,” said Harvard President Larry Bacow. “We are pleased to welcome the sixth class of mayors to Harvard and this cornerstone program, which is generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. We look forward to everything they and their colleagues will accomplish together, both in the classroom and in their cities.”

About The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative–the flagship program of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University–is a collaboration between Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and Bloomberg Philanthropies to equip mayors and senior city officials to tackle complex challenges in their cities and improve the quality of life of their residents. Launched in 2017, the Initiative has worked with 428 mayors and 1400 senior city officials in 494 cities worldwide. The Initiative has also advanced research and developed new curriculum and teaching tools to help city leaders solve real-world problems. For more information, please visit the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative or visit us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Courtney Greenwald, Courtney@bloomberg.org
Maria Daniels, maria_daniels@harvard.edu

The City of Topeka and JEO Consulting Group (JEO) will host two virtual public meetings to discuss proposed updates to the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization’s (MTPO) Futures 2045 plan. The first meeting will take place Monday, Oct. 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the second option taking place on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Both meetings will be hosted via Zoom.

During the meeting, attendees will learn about the plan’s history, a project overview and schedule, expectations, as well as provide feedback on the current transportation system in the Topeka region. To register for the meeting and learn more about the Futures 2045 plan, visit the project website at . A recording of the meeting will be available for those unable to attend.

In addition to the public meeting, the City of Topeka launched a public survey that allows residents to provide input on the current transportation system. The survey is separated into two parts ‒ a questionnaire and a comment map, both of which can be found on the project website under the “Public Comment” section.

The Futures 2045 update is a continuation of the Futures 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and will expand on the evolution of the plan’s goals and objectives, with a focus on active transportation projects and preservation of existing systems. The goals of the plan update include maintaining existing infrastructure, improve mobility and access, increase safety for all modes of transportation, enhance quality of life, and promote economic development.

For more information on the Futures 2045 update, visit https://arcg.is/0jHOqX1. To learn more about MTPO, visit https://topekampo.org/.