The City of Topeka invites residents to attend a quick, 1- hour informational session to learn how to host a National Night Out (NNO) event in their neighborhood. These sessions will provide step-by-step guidance on how to receive up to $200 in stipend support and to host a successful,
community-centered event.
Attendees will learn about:
• How to apply for the NNO stipend
• What expenses are covered
• Requirements to host an event
• Ideas for fun, safe, and engaging neighborhood gatherings
Attendees can reserve to attend one of the informational sessions.
May 22 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
May 23 – 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: City of Topeka, 620 SE Madison Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room
“National Night Out is one of the best ways neighbors can come together, connect, and strengthen their community,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities “These informational sessions are designed to make the process simple and to ensure everyone feels empowered to host an event.”
To RSVP or to ask questions, contact Monique Glaudé at mglaude@topeka.org or 785-368-4470
The Topeka Police Department is proud to announce the launch of a new specialized initiative aimed at reducing violent crime in our city and increasing community engagement and involvement. The program, titled PACT (Police and Community Together) is built on the principle that
lasting public safety is only possible through strong, collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
To introduce this initiative and foster meaningful dialogue, the Topeka Police Department will host a community kickoff picnic on Thursday, May 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Little Oakland Park, 900 NE Chester Ave.
This event is a great opportunity for residents to meet Topeka Police Chief Chris Vallejo, his senior command staff, and the dedicated officers of the PACT unit. Attendees are encouraged to share their ideas, voice concerns, and help shape the department’s ongoing strategies to address and prevent violent crime in Topeka.
The evening will include complimentary food, community resource information, and time for one-on-one conversations with staff and officers.
All members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Come out, enjoy the evening, and be part of the conversation on making Topeka safer—together.
Event Details:
What: PACT Community Kickoff Picnic
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Little Oakland Park, 900 NE Chester, Topeka, KS
Who: Chief Vallejo, Topeka Police Department leadership, PACT officers, and the public
Why: To elicit meaningful dialogue between the Topeka Police Department and the citizens of Topeka to
talk about crime reductions strategies and exchange information.
This month the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO), in coordination with the City of Topeka, will host its second community open house and presentation on the Update of the City’s 2016 Pedestrian Plan. The plan’s goal is to continue creating safe and connected walkways between schools, parks, shopping districts, workplaces, and other popular destinations. Anyone interested in the walkability and connectivity of Topeka is encouraged to attend this open house and presentation from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Marvin Auditorium, Room B. The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m.
In this second public meeting, City staff and project professionals from JEO Consulting Group will share the results of an analysis that produced a transparent, objective, and data-driven approach to prioritizing sidewalk improvement projects, ensuring that future investments align with local goals and needs. The meeting will be an open house, with attendees visiting stations sequentially. A presentation will also be included, and seating will be arranged for attendees.
“This plan is just one piece of a more considerable effort to improve the quality of life through vibrant neighborhoods and better transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists,” says Carlton Scroggins, Transportation Planning Manager.
For more information, visit the MTPO website at https://topekampo.org/pedestrian-master-plan/ or contact the City of Topeka Planning Department at (785) 368-3728.
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is pleased to announce the successful
completion of six major utility relocation projects in preparation for the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV) improvement project. Over the past year, contractors worked to relocate water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure throughout the project area in and around Downtown Topeka to make way for KDOT’s long-anticipated expansion and modernization of the viaduct. All project sites now associated with the viaduct are under KDOT’s supervision as they continue work on the viaduct.
“These relocations were a critical step in supporting one of the region’s most significant transportation improvement projects, laying the foundation for the future of Topeka’s transportation network,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis. “The effort put forth by our Utilities team is a testament to their tenacity
and dedication to getting the job done. Along with our partners, they managed a difficult timeline, numerous unforeseen challenges and were successful in completing this work for well under half of the original cost estimate. I am extremely proud of this team.”
The utility relocation work included extensive coordination with KDOT and multiple City departments. This massive effort involved moving existing water, stormwater and wastewater lines out of the construction zone to accommodate roadway improvements, bridge enhancements, and safety upgrades planned along the viaduct corridor.
Crews removed and replaced or relocated more than 14,200 square yards of pavement, nearly 6,000 feet of sanitary sewer, more than 2,500 feet of storm sewer, and almost 7,000 feet of water line.
Current information about KDOT’s PQV project can be found at I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct | Kansas Department Of Transportation.
More information about the relocation projects completed by the City can be found at Polk-Quincy Viaduct City of Topeka Utility Relocation Projects | Utilities
The City of Topeka and the American Red Cross are getting ready to host the 9th Annual Topeka Battle of the Badges Blood Drive!
For the last eight years, the Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department have gone head-to-head to see who’s supporters can garner the most blood donations. While one winner will receive the trophy, the Topeka Public Safety team, and the community as a whole,
will walk away as winners!
The 2025 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will take place Monday, May 19 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
at the Cyrus K. Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison St., 1st Floor Conference Room. To make your
life-saving appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give (Use Sponsor Code: Topeka),
or call 1-800-RED-CROSS
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is joining communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, 2025. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.
“Drinking Water Week is a reminder of how essential safe, reliable water is to every part of our lives – from the moment we wake up to the time we turn in for the night. I’m proud of the dedicated professionals in our Utilities Department who work around the clock to ensure our customers have access to clean water every single day,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis.
During Drinking Water Week, the City of Topeka will share a behind-the-scenes look at the treatment process, water conservation tips, and messages from water staff and Director Davis on its social media platforms. The City also shared activities and information with local elementary schools to encourage water education for young residents.
“Drinking Water Week is a time to celebrate the incredible journey of our water, from source water to treatments to our taps,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This year, we invite communities to explore the science and recognize the dedicated professionals behind our water who ensure every drop meets the highest standards of quality and safety.”
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is marking Drinking Water Week by engaging the community in understanding the vital role of clean, safe water in daily life, including its importance for public health and environmental protection.
About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.
The City of Topeka invites residents to join City Manager Dr. Robert Perez on a bike ride in honor of National Bike Month. “Bike Ride with Your City Manager” will take place on Friday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. starting at City Hall, 215 SE 7th St. Community members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in the casual group ride, which aims to promote healthy living, bike-friendly transportation, and civic engagement.
“Bicycling is a great way to connect with our community and enjoy all that Topeka has to offer,” said Dr. Perez. “I’m excited to ride alongside residents and highlight the importance of safe, accessible transportation options for everyone.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets. Limited bikes will be available for use by contacting andy@cycleproject.org. City staff and representatives from local biking organizations will be on hand to provide support and information.
National Bike Month, celebrated each May, promotes the many benefits of bicycling and encourages more people to give biking a try. The City of Topeka is proud to support this initiative through events like “Bike with Your City Manager” and continued investment in bike infrastructure and accessibility.
The city supports the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan, which is dedicated to making Topeka a place that encourages its citizens to use this healthy, low impact, and fun form of transportation as a great part of their routine lives. You can learn more about the Topeka Bikeways Master Plan at:
In recognition of Arbor Day, staff from the City of Topeka’s Forestry Division, will plant a tree at the statehouse grounds on Friday, April 25. Arbor Day is an annual holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees, observed on the last Friday of April each year.
“Planting this tree at the Statehouse not only honors the spirit of Arbor Day but also represents our continued commitment to growing a healthier, greener Topeka,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “With each Arbor Day planting, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for our environment and beautifying our community.”
On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the city’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the south side of the Capitol grounds, weather permitting. Following the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 25, 2025, as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by City of Topeka staff, members of the Kansas Arborist Association board, representatives from the Kansas Forest Service, and the winner of the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest.
In addition to Arbor Day festivities, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 39th year as a proud member of Tree City USA. This membership underscores the city’s dedication to urban forestry and recognizes the significant role trees play in enhancing our community.
The City of Topeka invites the public to a special ceremony on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cyrus K. Holliday parking lot, where members of the USS Topeka namesake committee will present the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned USS Topeka submarine. These
historic items will be displayed at City Hall.
The event will include a celebration featuring performances and recognitions:
• The Topeka West High School Band will perform Armed Forces on Parade.
• The Topeka West Color Guard will present the colors, accompanied by a performance from the
Drill Team.
• Mayor Mike Padilla will read a Proclamation recognizing Military Appreciation Month
acknowledging the multiple branches of Armed Forces.
• The mayor will also present certificates of appreciation to high school students who are planning
on entering the military. The Topeka West drill team will also be receiving a certificate of
achievement and a special recognition.
“These events are a powerful reminder of Topeka’s deep respect for those who serve and have served,” said Mayor Mike Padilla. “Whether through honoring the legacy of the USS Topeka or recognizing local students entering the military, our community continues to show its gratitude and commitment.”
Following the City Hall ceremony, community members are encouraged to attend a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC).