Those who have a current lien with the City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division may now have their lien released. This change is due to the City’s new Lien Release Program.
Over the past 40 years, the City has provided thousands of rehabilitation loans to citizens. After the City completed the rehabilitation, a lien was placed on the property, with a partial forgiveness after a period of time.
Under the new Lien Release Program, 100% of the loan with the City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division will be forgiven if the homeowner stayed in the home for a period of at least 5 years. To date, the City has done over 80 releases, which has helped put nearly $300,000 back into low-income households.
“By removing the lien on the property, we’re allowing people to be able to make improvements to their property by using their own funds. This was something we had been looking at for some time, and I’m excited to have it come to fruition,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services.
Only those who have a current lien with the City’s Housing Services Division will qualify for the Lien Release Program. The new policy will apply to future rehabilitation loans. Those with questions regarding the program, or to see if you qualify for a release of the lien, can contact the Housing Services Division at 785-368-3711.
Starting on October 1st, the Kansas River Public Access on Saline Road in North Topeka will be closed while necessary construction takes place at the river weir and boat ramp area. The river will be completely closed during construction due to the contractor building a bridge over the boat chute to drive equipment over the weir. There will be no access to or from the boat ramps on Saline Road in North Topeka. Portage of boats through the construction zone is possible on the north bank. This project is phase 2 of the Kansas River weir construction project. Phase 1 of the project was completed earlier this year and included a boat chute for safe passage. For safety reasons the entire area will be closed to the public during construction, including the safe passage area, and construction is expected to last until early 2022.
The project underway at this location will include additional safety features on the south side of the river weir. The project includes the installation of rock and concrete surfaces on the downstream side of the weir to improve public safety.
For river users, recommended alternate locations for river access during construction are the boat ramps in Kaw River State Park or Seward Avenue Access.
You can learn more and follow the progress of the project using the Topeka Open Projects Dashboard under Project Number T-281058.01, KS River Weir Upstream Modifications.
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/.
Around 375 area fourth graders, their teachers and parents and more than 75 volunteers are registered to attend the 21st Annual Make A Splash Topeka Water Festival at Garfield Park and Community Center Thursday, Sept. 23. This event runs from 9:30 a.m. until 2:05 p.m.
The festival, “Make a Splash Topeka Water Festival,” is part of a program in which festivals are scheduled annually in hundreds of locations around Kansas, the United States and internationally.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an international, interdisciplinary, water science education program for formal and non-formal educators of K-12 students. The activities are correlated to the state standards and support what students are learning in school. The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE), in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, sponsor Project WET in Kansas.
“Water touches nearly every aspect of our lives. We use water to drink, brush our teeth, wash, cook, clean, grow food, produce energy and more. We depend on water not only to live, but for nearly everything we do. That makes conserving and preserving this vital natural resource essential,” said Laura Downey, KACEE Executive Director. “We designed this event for fourth graders, because water is a topic that is often covered by teachers at this grade and this event supports students’ learning about water and the ways in which humans impact our water, both good and bad. Through the hard work of our many volunteers, area fourth graders will participate in hands-on education activity stations and learn about a variety of water topics. Stations will teach students about how water gets from the river to their taps, how we can save water, how we can make sure water is clean and healthy for living things and about storm drain systems, to name just a few. By the end of this fun day, students have a better understanding of how important water is to our lives and what they can do to be good stewards of this shared resource.”
The event is offered free of charge to those who register in advance. Many classes are provided financial assistance with transportation costs. This year’s event has been scaled back as organizers put the health and safety of the students, teachers and volunteers first and foremost and have implemented several COVID protocols. Masks are required at this event.
Sponsors of the Topeka Water Festival include the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE); City of Topeka Utilities Department; Shawnee County Conservation District; Evergy Green Team; Topeka Audubon Society; Franklin County Conservation District; Jackson County Conservation District; Scott Holloman, CPA, LLC. Supporters include Arab Shrine Provost Guard Unit; Garfield Community Center and Park; Shawnee County Parks and Recreation; Kansas Department of Health & Environment/Bureau of Water, Watershed Mgt. Section and HyVee.
For information on KACEE programs, individuals may contact Laura Downey, KACEE Executive Director, at 785-532-3322. For more information about the water festival, contact Molly Hadfield at 785-368-0991 or Laura Downey at 785-532-3322.
The City of Topeka is excited to announce an innovative and unique series of Public Health and Safety Committee meetings that actively explores changing the culture of property maintenance. Several public meetings will take place throughout the community in September giving Topekans a chance to provide solutions to issues in Property Maintenance.
The Public Health and Safety Committee is seeking public input on including solutions for substandard properties, vacant properties, overgrowth, trash and overall changing the culture of property maintenance in Topeka. The focus of the meetings will be what Property Maintenance or citywide initiatives the Public Health and Safety Committee could explore to have our city safer and better, where citizens of all neighborhoods and incomes are confident and inspired to maintain structures and properties.
“I’m excited about the upcoming meetings and working with neighbors to re-envision property maintenance. Folks want to be proud of the communities they live in and all neighborhoods are helped when we work together to maintain our homes and properties,” said Christina Valdivia-Alcala, Councilwoman for District 2.
“We have been working on reimagining the City of Topeka Property Maintenance procedures for a long time to make them more community friendly while also addressing issues that many people experience with substandard housing, vacant properties and blight,” said Karen Hiller, Councilwoman for District 1. “After a year of compiling experiences and visiting with staff we want to make sure the community has an opportunity to help us make Topeka a stronger and more vibrant community by bringing to us ideas they have for solutions and community initiatives in Property Maintenance.”
The Public Health and Safety Committee encourages the public to watch the video Beyond Clipboards: A Strategic Approach to Code Enforcement – May 2019 during the second week of September via this link https://youtu.be/cBuHijfWeSk make note of at least one idea from the video, and bring that and their own ideas to one of the public input sessions. The video can be viewed anywhere free internet access is available. Those who don’t have internet access and would like to watch the video can do so at one of two sessions on September 13th at the Holliday Building at 620 Madison Street. The first session will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The second session will be on the 15th of September from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
During the last half of September, the COT Public Health & Safety Committee will hold city-wide meetings to share the goals and seek guidance for a new and improved property maintenance system. The meetings on September 22nd and 23rd at the Holliday Building will be televised and streamed live on Facebook.
The city’s engagement with neighborhoods is vital to finish the construction of an inspirational template for the future of ALL neighborhoods. If you are someone that cares about your neighborhood, believes in protecting property values and wants to see more efficient, strategic and community driven partnerships, then join us!
You can find more information on the meetings on the City of Topeka website: https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/changing-our-culture-of-property-maintenance/
Public Meeting Times and Locations:
- September 13th from 6-8 p.m. at Hillcrest, 1800 SE 21st Street
- September 16th from 6-8 p.m. at Central Park Community Center, 1534 SW Clay St.
- September 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Crestview, 4801 SW Shunga Drive
- September 22nd from 9-11 a.m. at the Holliday Building, 620 Madison St.
- September 22nd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Garfield Community Center, 1600 NE Quincy St.
- September 23rd from 6-8 p.m. at the Holliday Building, 620 Madison St.
- September 30th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lundgren, 1020 NE Forest
Both meetings on September 22nd and 23rd at the Holliday Building will also have a virtual option and will be streamed live on Facebook and City4. Please contact etoyne@topeka.org for the zoom link.
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.
$400,000 in funding has been added to the COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance Program for mortgage relief. In 2020 the City of Topeka Housing Services Division created COVID-19 assistance programs to help with basic needs for people who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. These federal dollars have been and continue to be a great resource to the individuals struggling in Topeka. The City of Topeka has helped 612 individuals who reside in 476 households since the program started, of those people 42.8% are minorities.
Applications for the Basic Needs Assistance Program were accepted beginning on December 1st, 2020. 476 applications have been approved so far with $1,322,847in funds having been paid. 96% of the original funds have been committed and expensed for an average of $2,779 per approved household.
“$400,000 in additional funds for mortgage assistance will greatly help those in our community who are struggling to keep their homes. We are focused on helping those most vulnerable people negatively affected by COVID” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services.
The Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance Program is a foreclosure/eviction mitigation and utility prevention shut-off program created by the City of Topeka and administered by the Community Resources Council. An additional $400,000 in CARES Act funds has been made available to qualified applicants to help cover mortgages. The program is by appointment only and applicants must be city residents, have COVID related outstanding bills after March 2020 and make no more than 100% of area median income. Appointments can be scheduled over the phone from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling (785) 233-1365. If the line is busy, leave your name and phone number and CRC staff will call back to schedule an appointment.
More information on the COVID assistance programs can be found on the City of Topeka website. https://www.topeka.org/housing-services/covid-assistance-programs/
You can view the full report on the COVID Assistance Programs here: HS Report July.pub (cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com)
Amanda Stanley has been hired as the City Attorney for the City of Topeka. Stanley was previously general counsel for the League of Kansas Municipalities. Stanley will start as the City Attorney on August 23rd.
“I am excited to announce that Amanda Stanley has accepted the position of City Attorney. She has a tremendous amount of experience working with municipalities and will be a great asset to the city,” said City Manager Brent Trout.
Stanley has worked as a licensed attorney for seven years including for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wichita and for the Kansas Court of Appeals. Stanley was named State League Counsel of the Year for the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) in 2020 and also received the Kansas Bar Association 2020 Outstanding Service Award. Stanley graduated from Newman University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 2008 and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2014.
“Topeka has been my home for more than a decade. I have a passion for local government and I am excited for the opportunity to serve my local community as City Attorney,” said Stanley.
The City of Topeka will be conducting its 2021 Citizen Survey from August 15th through September 30th. The survey will be administered digitally through the nationally recognized ETC Institute via phone, mail and the Internet.
ETC will mail the survey and a City-approved project description letter to a random sample of households. Residents will be provided two convenient opportunities to respond: an online link that will be included in the letter and a postage-paid return envelope.
Seven to 10 days after the surveys are mailed, ETC will follow-up with households that received the survey via e-mail and/or phone; the firm’s goal is to achieve a minimum of 400 completed surveys. A sample of 400 will provide the City results that have a margin of error of +/-4.9 percent at the 95 percent level of confidence. ETC consultants will monitor the distribution of the sample to ensure that it reasonably reflects the demographic composition of the City with regard to age, geographic dispersion, gender, race/ethnicity and other factors.
The survey will compile resident feedback on a wide variety of City programs and services and gather respondent information.
“The City of Topeka Satisfaction Survey is a great tool to help staff identify what we are doing well, along with identifying opportunity for improvement and helping the city to identify budget priorities,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “Citizen engagement is incredibly important and has previously helped the city to strategically invest in our city and improve our quality of life.”
Survey findings will be presented to the Governing Body in November and posted on the City of Topeka website.
Established in 1982, ETC Institute is a Kansas-based company that has administered surveys in more than 700 cities and counties nationwide throughout the previous five years. The firm is a national leader in market research for local governmental organizations and, since its founding, has completed research projects for clients in 49 states, including surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings.
WaterShare is a partnership between the City of Topeka, Doorstep, Let’s Help, and the Salvation Army. This program helps hundreds of Topekans avoid a water service shut-off when they are struggling and have trouble paying their water utility bill. You can help your neighbors today by donating as little as $1 each month or by simply giving a one-time donation.
The WaterShare program (previously referred to as Round Up Program) was introduced in 2000 as a means of facilitating convenient monthly charitable donations. Since its creation, the WaterShare program has helped approximately 3,000 City of Topeka Utilities customers. For those who enroll in the program, the donation amount of their choosing will appear on their monthly water bill and all funds collected are distributed to Doorstep, Let’s Help and the Salvation Army to select eligible recipients and administer all funds. 100% of donations will go directly towards helping Topekans in need.
There are three quick and easy ways to start donating.
- Fill out the short online form at https://www.topeka.org/utilities/watershare/
- Call 785-368-3111 and speak to one of our customer service representatives
- Fill out and return the short form which will be included with your August statement