The City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance, Community Outreach Bureau, and Water Pollution Control will begin abatement of the next section of the unsheltered camp on Monday, March 3, 2025. Crews will clear sanitation and health hazards in the section of land along the river between the Sardou Bridge and Soldier Creek.
As cleanup is expected to impact unsheltered individuals that have been camping in the area, the Behavioral Health Unit and the city’s partners have been in routine contact with the individuals to help them prepare. City staff establish connections with the individuals to refer them to a range of community resources regularly, that address each individual’s unique situation.
“Equity Access Shelter will complete an assessment with each impacted individual and ensure they are on the housing waitlist if they aren’t already,” said Housing Services Director Carrie Higgins. “We will talk through what options are available based on their specific needs and circumstances and connect them to those resources. We also work closely with the Capital City Outreach Teams to ensure consistent engagement with our unsheltered neighbors.”
Planning for this phase of the abatement began in 2024, and is not a result of the ordinance change in February 2025. As is standard procedure, city staff posted notice of abatement in the area during the week of February 24.
“Our goal with abatements is to take a people first approach. While official notices are going out this week, we always make sure the unhoused impacted individuals were aware of what was going on way in advance, so they knew what options they have,” said Major Mike Cross. “We care about these individuals and want to make sure they are getting the services they need.”
The city values the work partner organizations to serve our unsheltered neighbors, and will continue to prioritize the safety of all residents and enforce health and safety ordinances as needed. A complete list of city resources can be found here: https://www.topeka.org/housing-services/#gsc.tab=0
The City of Topeka’s Public Works Department is actively monitoring the current weather
forecast, which predicts the possibility of significant snowfall in the area Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Road crews have been pretreating roads in anticipation of this storm. As weather conditions change,
crews will adapt treatment as necessary. Once the snow starts in Topeka, road crews will prioritize
clearing arterial and collector roads. The decision as to whether crews will work to treat residential
streets will be made based on the total amount of snowfall that we receive. In anticipation of the
possibility of significant snowfall, the city asks residents to park off the street where possible. For more
information about the city’s snow removal policies at
To help road crews more efficiently clear snow downtown, the city will open parking garages free of
charge from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, and from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday,
February 12. We encourage the public to utilize the downtown parking garages and leave on-street
parking open for snowplows to clear the parking spots during and after the storm.
To contact the city, call 785-368-3111, or report an issue using the SeeClickFix app:
Today, the League of American Bicyclists honored the efforts of the City of Topeka to build better places for people to bike with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. Topeka joins 459 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes Topeka for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
“Bicycling is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a powerful tool for building healthier communities, fostering sustainability, and connecting people,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The cities and towns recognized in this round of Bicycle Friendly Community awards are leading the way by investing in infrastructure and programs that make biking an easier, safer, and more accessible choice. Their leadership demonstrates that supporting bicycling is an investment in a healthier future for everyone.”
The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better. The League strives to provide continual updates to the application as part of our commitment to help communities raise their standards for safety, equity, and accessibility.
This round of awards includes 91 new and renewing awardees, joining a total of 460 current Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The bronze-level BFC award recognizes Topeka’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure.
“We are excited to be recognized again as a bike-friendly city,” said Braxton Copley, Assistant City Manager. “We understand that many people in Topeka use bikes for recreation or as their main form of transportation. We will continue working to provide safe opportunities to bike throughout the city.”
Nearly 900 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers very visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement all through the lens of equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself, and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.
The five levels of the BFC award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear incentive for communities to continue to improve. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.
To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.
About the League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists leads the national movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. With a history dating to 1880, the League is committed to engaging diverse communities and building a powerful, unified voice for change around protecting and promoting bicyclists’ rights. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org.
City of Topeka and contracted road crews continue 24-hour snow-fighting efforts following last weekend’s record 14-inch snowfall and ice, along with additional snowfall on Thursday night.
After completing main roads and arterials Friday morning, 21 city trucks and 6 contractor trucks have refocused efforts to treating and plowing residential streets. Crews will continue their efforts until all city streets are passable.
Thanks to pretreatment before the January 4 and 5 snow event, main roads and collector streets were cleared more effectively than residential areas that were not pretreated. We’ve heard from many residents regarding Thursday’s update and want to reassure the public that we are actively addressing the areas that have been reported as not having received an initial pass by plows.
The Topeka Fire Department remains fully operational, responding to fire and medical calls as usual. The Topeka Police Department continues to operate under the walk-in accident reporting phase but is responding to all other calls for service.
We appreciate the community’s support and ask for continued patience and understanding as we address road conditions following the third largest snowfall in Topeka history.
The City of Topeka’s Public Works Department is actively monitoring weather forecasts for this weekend, which predict a high likelihood of significant snowfall in the area. While the exact path of the storm remains uncertain, crews are taking proactive steps to ensure the city is prepared for any inclement weather.
Street Department crews are manufacturing salt brine in preparation for pretreating priority roadways. Pretreatment efforts will begin Thursday and continue into Friday. Crews are also completing the setup of equipment needed to tackle any potential snow and ice. Public Works staff will be on standby throughout the weekend to respond as conditions develop.
If the forecast proves accurate and the Topeka area receives significant snowfall or icy conditions, the city will activate a full snow response. Crews will plow and treat roadways on alternating 12-hour shifts until the weather event concludes and roads are safe for travel.
Additionally, the Topeka Rescue Mission’s Extreme Weather Taskforce is preparing for warming stations.
Information regarding the locations and hours will be released prior to the severe weather. Volunteer opportunities at the warming centers can be found here: https://www.kawvalleyvolunteers.org/
Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and use caution when traveling in icy
conditions.
The City of Topeka is actively addressing ongoing concerns regarding overflowing dumpsters and property maintenance violations at multiple properties owned by a local landlord. Despite previous engagement and citations issued by the city’s Property Maintenance Unit, the property owner failed to clean up the affected sites within the allotted timeframe.
As of Tuesday, December 31, 14 of the 34 originally cited properties remain in violation. In response, the City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance Unit began a coordinated cleanup effort at 8:00 a.m. All trash and rubbish will be removed and properly disposed of at the Green Point C and D Processing Center throughout the week. The costs associated with this cleanup will be charged to the property owner, Eucalyptus LLC. Properties that lack the required dumpsters have been cited, and criminal affidavits for these violations will also be processed.
The city recognizes that some tenants may be hesitant to report property maintenance issues, such as overflowing dumpsters or unsafe living conditions, due to fear of retaliation or eviction. To address these concerns, the Topeka City Council strengthened its retaliatory eviction ordinance in May 2024. This ensures that residents can assert their right to a clean, safe, and sanitary home without fear of repercussions.
Residents can find more information about their rights under city ordinance and resources for addressing retaliatory actions by visiting the City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance Division website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/property-maintenance-division/retaliatory-eviction/.
Tenants and community members are encouraged to report property maintenance concerns to the City of Topeka’s Property Maintenance Division by calling 785-368-3161, using the SeeClickFix app, or emailing propertymaintenance@topeka.org
SE Monroe St. will soon be open for traffic as the City of Topeka Utilities Department finishes work on Utilities Relocation Project 6. This is one of six relocation projects the city began in 2024 in preparation for the larger Kansas Department of Transportation
(KDOT) Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV) Reconstruction Project.
On Friday, December 20, the one-way SE Monroe St. will reopen to traffic from SE 3rd St. to SE6th Ave. The eastbound I-70 on-ramp at SE 4th St. will also reopen Friday. Project 6 consisted of necessary sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water line relocations. While current traffic control
will be removed on Friday, the outer right lane of Monroe St. between 3rd St. and 6th Ave. will be closed until Friday, January 3.
“We are happy to see roads downtown reopening as these utility relocation projects begin to wrap up,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis. “We understand maneuvering through detours has been a frustration for drivers, but we appreciate their patience and look forward to completing
city work so KDOT can begin their efforts to replace the aging Polk-Quincy Viaduct.”
About the COT Utility Relocation Project
The City of Topeka’s utility relocations began in early 2024 in order to relocate sanitary sewer,
storm sewer and water utilities before KDOT begins reconstruction of the viaduct in the spring
of 2025.
The city’s utility relocations include six total projects in the general area of the viaduct, titled
Project 2-7. The viaduct spans I-70 from MacVicar Ave. to 6th Ave. Project 2 and Project 7 were
completed earlier this year. Projects 4 and 5 are planned to be complete in early 2025.
The City of Topeka is actively addressing concerns regarding overflowing dumpsters at
multiple properties owned by a local landlord. These conditions have raised concerns among nearby
residents about public health and neighborhood cleanliness.
The city’s Property Maintenance Unit has been in contact with the landlord and has issued the appropriate
citations in accordance with city ordinances. In response, the landlord has taken steps to resolve the issue,
and new dumpsters are expected to be delivered to the affected properties later this week. The city will
continue to monitor the situation to ensure compliance with waste management requirements.
The City of Topeka recognizes that some tenants may hesitate to report property maintenance issues, such as
overflowing dumpsters or unsafe living conditions, due to fear of retaliation or eviction by their landlord. In
May 2024, the Topeka City Council strengthened its retaliatory eviction ordinance, ensuring residents can
assert their right to a clean, safe, and sanitary home without fear of retaliation.
Residents can find more information about the city’s resources to address retaliatory action and their rights
under city ordinance by visiting our website here: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/property-maintenancedivision/retaliatory-eviction/
The City of Topeka is committed to creating a clean, safe, and livable environment for all residents. Tenants and community members can report property maintenance concerns by contacting the City of Topeka’s
Property Maintenance Division at 785-368-3161, using our SeeClickFix app, or via email at
propertymaintenance@topeka.org
The City of Topeka announced Wednesday that Chris Vallejo will serve as the city’s next police chief for the Topeka Police Department.
After a nationwide search and an extensive interview process that included public input sessions, community panel interviews, and a public meet and greet, Topeka City Manager Dr. Robert Perez has selected Chris Vallejo to lead the Topeka Police Department.
“After receiving valuable input from our community and stakeholders, I am confident that Chris Vallejo will lead the Topeka Police Department in a positive direction,” said Dr. Robert Perez. “His proven achievements, including innovative recruitment strategies and impactful community-based initiatives, will elevate the department and strengthen the bond between our officers and the people they serve.”
Chris Vallejo has 30 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in various roles during his tenure with the Austin Texas Police Department (APD). Vallejo holds a Master of Criminal Justice from Texas State University. During his time as Commander in Training at the APD, Vallejo helped to develop inclusive and diverse training programs and implemented recruitment strategies that resulted in the most diverse cadet class in APD history. He also pioneered the creation of a Chief Data Officer position that aimed to integrate community-based initiatives to foster to trust and collaboration between the APD, elected officials and the community. Vallejo currently serves as a National Policing Institute Executive Fellow, regularly collaborating with Police Chiefs nationwide and advising on strategies to address evolving challenges in U.S. law enforcement.
“I am truly honored and excited to serve as your next chief of police.” said Chris Vallejo. “This is the highest privilege, and I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me. In the initial weeks, I look forward to getting to know the dedicated men and women in the Topeka Police Department and building meaningful connections with this incredible community that my family and I are eager to join. Together, we will work to reduce crime, overcome challenges, and create a safer and stronger future for everyone in Topeka.”
Vallejo is expected to start the week of January 20, 2025.
The City of Topeka is calling on community-minded residents to apply for the newly re-established Citizen Government Review Committee. This committee will play a vital role in examining and evaluating the City of Topeka’s form of government, with the goal of making thoughtful recommendations for potential amendments and modifications to improve its effectiveness and alignment with the community’s needs.
The Governing Body seeks five civically minded individuals who reflect the diversity of Topeka’s population. Committee members will be tasked with a comprehensive review and analysis of current governmental structures, working collaboratively to provide insights that will shape the city’s future governance. The past Citizen Government Review Committee in 2014 helped define the current roles of the Mayor. Topeka Citizen Government Review Committees date back to 1983. Click here for more information about the roles of our Topeka Government.
Required Qualifications:
- Applicants must be registered voters living within Topeka city limits.
- Candidates must be available for a substantial time commitment from January to June 2025 to attend meetings, participate in discussions, and contribute to the completion of a final report for the Governing Body.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with the city’s governmental form is advantageous.
- Candidates should demonstrate an ability to evaluate issues fairly and without bias.
- Members will need to articulate ideas effectively and listen to diverse perspectives.
- Ability to lead and work cohesively within a group is essential.
Applications are being accepted now through December 3, 2024. Interested individuals can apply online by clicking this link.