The City of Topeka will begin a major road construction project on SW Fairlawn Rd. from SW 28th St. to SW 22nd Pl. area on Monday, August 18, with work expected to continue through October, 2026.
The project will involve much-needed street, stormwater, waterline, and sanitary sewer improvements, as well as repairs to the bridge over Shunganunga Creek. Crews will also perform street widening to include left turn lanes at 25th St. and at 22nd Pl. into the Dillons parking lot. This work is part of the City’s ongoing investment in improving infrastructure and ensuring long-term roadway safety and reliability.
To accommodate construction, Fairlawn Rd. will be closed with a detour marked to Gage Blvd. Access will be provided to all driveways on Fairlawn, and school pedestrian crossings will be provided. A full closure is necessary from 25th Terr. thru 22nd Pl.
Residents, schools and businesses in the area will be notified in advance of any access restrictions or service disruptions. The City encourages drivers to use caution in construction zones and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of construction crews.
For more information and project updates, visit topeka.org or follow the City of Topeka on social media.
The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities is proud to announce a partnership with the East Topeka Senior Center to provide free transportation for seniors attending this year’s National Night Out event on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Agriculture Hall, 1 Expocentre Drive.
Thanks to this partnership, any senior living in the City of Topeka who needs a ride to the event can reserve a spot for free transportation. Pickups will begin at 10:00 a.m. to ensure all participants arrive before the event starts. Return rides home will be provided after the event ends at 5:00 p.m. Rides are available on a first come, first serve basis until they meet capacity.
Reservations are required and must be made by Thursday, August 7, 2025. To reserve a ride, please call 785-251-6988.
“We want to ensure every resident has the opportunity to participate in this important community event,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “Thanks to the East Topeka Senior Center, we are helping our seniors stay connected, engaged, and included.”
For more information about National Night Out, email oic@topeka.org.
The City of Topeka is proud to announce the appointment of Chad Longstaff as Interim Fire Chief for the Topeka Fire Department, effective August 4, 2025.
Longstaff brings over three decades of dedicated service to the Topeka Fire Department, having worked his way through the ranks from firefighter to leadership. He previously retired in 2024 after 35 years of service, and his experience and deep institutional knowledge make him an ideal choice to serve in this transitional role.
Throughout his career, Longstaff held many positions within the department, including: Shift Commander, Battalion Chief, and Fire Captain.
In addition to his operational experience, Longstaff has completed a wide range of professional certifications and trainings, including: Certified EMT, State of Kansas, National Incident Management System certifications, National Fire Academy Incident Safety Officer, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
“Chad Longstaff has a long and respected history with the Topeka Fire Department,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “His experience, leadership, and understanding of our community’s public safety needs make him the right choice to lead during this interim period. We’re confident in his ability to ensure continuity and support for our fire personnel as we search for the department’s next permanent chief.”
Chief Longstaff will begin serving in this capacity on August 4, 2025, and will lead the department while the City conducts its search for a permanent fire chief.
City staff have recently received reports of campaign signs in private yards and the public right‑of‑way being destroyed or removed without permission. Under Kansas law, intentionally damaging or removing another person’s property, including yard signs, may constitute criminal damage to property and can lead to fines or other penalties.
In addition, to help candidates and supporters place their yard signs correctly, the City of Topeka offers the following guidance for political signage during the upcoming elections:
Timing:
Signs may be placed no earlier than 45 days before an election and must be removed within 2 days after Election Day.
Only during that period are signs permitted in the public right‑of‑way between the curb or edge of road and the sidewalk.
Location:
The public right‑of‑way typically extends 15 feet behind the curb, or 1 foot behind the public sidewalk in residential areas.
Utility poles often mark the boundary of the right‑of‑way.
Signs can only be placed on private property with the consent of the property owner.
Prohibited Placements:
Attached to utility poles or traffic control devices
Within site triangles at intersections
After the third day following Election Day
Signs larger than 6 square feet in residential zoning districts under one acre, or larger than 32 square feet elsewhere
Enforcement and Removal:
The City will issue a written notice to the candidate or sign owner to correct violations within 3 days.
Uncorrected signs will be impounded and held for 10 business days; thereafter they will be disposed of.
To reclaim a sign before disposal, the owner must pay any outstanding fines plus removal and storage fees.
The City of Topeka’s Office of Inclusive Communities is proud to host a Back-to-School Supply Event to support income-qualified families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. This initiative, funded in part by the City of Topeka and community sponsors to be announced later this week, aims to ensure every child starts the year with the tools they need to succeed.
Families must be pre-approved to receive school supplies and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply, families should complete the eligibility form at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2K6JLQG
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 30.
Once approved, families will receive additional details about the school supply hand-out event, which will take place on Saturday, August 2.
“This is about helping families in Topeka start the school year on the right foot,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations to provide meaningful support that directly impacts students in our community.”
“We want every child in Topeka to feel confident and prepared when they walk into the classroom,” said Monique Glaude’, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “This effort is about equity, dignity, and ensuring access to resources for those who need them most.”
Families must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify. Anyone with questions can contact the City of Topeka Office of Inclusive Communities at oic@topeka.org.
The City of Topeka invites all residents to join in on the fun at this year’s National Night Out celebration, hosted by the Office of Inclusive Communities and City of Topeka staff, on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Agriculture Hall, 1 Expocentre Drive.
This free community event brings neighbors together for a day of connection, entertainment, and family fun. The celebration will feature Touch-a-Trucks, a talent show, resource fair, face painting, and so much more!
“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our city to come together and celebrate what makes Topeka strong, our people,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “It’s about building safer neighborhoods through community partnerships, and I encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy the day with us.”
Hosted each year in cities across the nation, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer, more caring places to live.
“This event is truly about inclusion, connection, and joy,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities. “Whether you’re new to your neighborhood or have lived in Topeka your whole life, National Night Out is a chance to meet your neighbors, learn about local resources, and celebrate the strength of our community.”
All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Join us for a day filled with activities, music, food, and community spirit!
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 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 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 Topeka Police Department (TPD) is now accepting applications for its 52nd Citizens Academy, a popular bi-annual program now in its 29th year.
The academy will be held Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., beginning August 20th, 2025, and concluding November 12th, 2025.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges of modern law enforcement and how the Topeka Police Department addresses them. The program covers a wide range of topics including field operations, criminal investigations, community outreach, crisis negotiations, law enforcement technology, and crime scene investigations, among others.
In addition to the regular classes, participants have the opportunity to attend two optional Saturday sessions including a tour of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, demonstrations by the K9 unit and other hands-on training scenarios and demonstrations.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. To apply, visit the Citizens Academy webpage at https://www.topeka.org/tpd/opportunities-for-citizens/citizens-academy/#gsc.tab=0
For questions, contact Sergeant Michael Burns at (785) 368-2401 or via email at mdburns@topeka.org. Seats are limited, so submit your application soon!
