The Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO) is pleased to announce the completion of the Futures2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan draft document.
The draft document is available for review and public comment May 13, 2022, through June 12, 2022. The draft document can be viewed online at https://arcg.is/0jHOqX1. The Topeka community and surrounding residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback on the site.
The City of Topeka and JEO Consulting Group will host a public open house event to solicit community feedback and comments regarding the Futures2045 draft plan document. The event will take place Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the rotunda of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library located at 1515 SW 10th Ave. All are invited to attend. No formal presentation is planned, and attendees may drop in at any time.
The Futures2045 update is a continuation of the Futures2040 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, improving mobility and access, increasing safety for all modes of transportation, enhancing quality of life, and promoting economic development.
To learn more about MTPO or the Futures2045 MTP draft, visit https://topekampo.org/ or contact Carlton Scroggins, Transportation Planning Manager/MTPO at cscroggins@topeka.org or 785-368-3728.
The City of Topeka’s new digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital, is giving out 1,200 desktop computers to qualifying applicants.
The desktop computers are available for 60 and older residents living within the City of Topeka city limits. To qualify, residents must receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program, or have a household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines on an annual basis.
“As we are living longer, our world is becoming increasingly digital. Information and communication can enable healthy and active aging by facilitating access to information, health and healthcare, socio-economic participation and other factors that promote full engagement and participation as we age,” said Monique Glaudeˊ, Director of Community Engagement and Ombudsman for the City of Topeka. “Although many older adults are frequent users of information and communication technologies, many still lack access, and the pace of digital innovation is yet to be inclusive of their needs. We are appreciative of the donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging which will assist us in providing desktop computers to 1,200 of our 60 and older low-to-moderate income neighbors.”
The funding for the computers was made possible thanks to a $140,000 donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAAA).
“Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging is pleased to be a part of the TSC – Get Digital Coalition and able to help support the efforts of Get Digital and extremely pleased that we will be able to assist such a large number of older adults gain access to technology that will enhance their lives in many ways from helping them stay connected socially with friends and family, to allowing for telemedicine visits, and much more,” said Susan Harris, Executive Director, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging.
Qualifying applicants should call 785-368-3098 to pre-qualify for a free desktop computer.
The TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka. The TSC – Get Digital Coalition was made possible through a $250,000 grant the City received from the Kansas Health Foundation.
View the program flyer here.
The City of Topeka will plant a tree on Friday, April 29 at the Kansas Statehouse grounds in honor of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.
On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the City’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the southwest side of the Statehouse grounds.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day, and the important role that tree’s play in our lives and community,” said Travis Tenbrink, City of Topeka Forester. “Hopefully we will inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”
After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation at 11:30 a.m. designating Friday, April 29 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Arborist Association board members, and City Forestry Department staff. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Evelyn Stidham. Stidham is a 5th grade student at Highlands Elementary School in Mission, Kansas.
Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 36th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the City’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the importance trees play in our community.
In order to be recognized as a Tree City USA member, the City must meet four requirements: form a tree board or department, create a tree-care ordinance, have an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
City of Topeka staff, the Topeka City Council and Key Staffing, the local Executive Recruitment Firm who’s assisting with the City Manager recruitment process, released a public input survey today.
“It’s important for the Governing Body to take citizen input as to what is important in the next City Manager into consideration as we begin our search,” said Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla.
Citizens are encouraged to take the survey at https://www.topeka.org/citymanager/city-manager-position-public-input/. At this link, community members can also view the position description for the City Manager.
Survey responses will be reviewed by the Governing Body beginning on Friday, May 6, 2022. The survey will close on Friday, May 13, 2022.
The City of Topeka and PC’s for People, an area technology refurbishing company, are partnering together to host a free digital e-cycle event. The event will take place on Saturday, April 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Stormont Vail Events Center, in Parking Lot #1.
During the event, area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unused household electronic devices, while making a difference in the community.
Devices that are being accepted include desktop computers, laptops, monitors, and tablets. The devices can be in working or non-working condition. After collection, PC’s for People will reset and repair the devices. They will then be provided to individuals in Topeka who are in need of digital devices.
“This is event is a terrific opportunity to help connect our low to moderate income neighbors, and work towards the City’s digital equity goals,” said Monique Glaude’, Director of Community Engagement and Ombudsman.
This event is a part of the City’s new digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital. TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka.
“Recycling, refurbishing and getting quality unused computers into the homes of our lower income neighborhoods, is clearly one of the most effective ways of increasing internet adoption and bridging the digital divide,” said Lazone Grays, TSC – Get Digital Coalition Member. “This event highlights the continued commitment by the TSC – Get Digital Coalition to our Topeka community, and I look forward to even greater accomplishments ahead.”
“TSC – Get Digital is collecting as many laptops and desktops as possible in order for these to be refurbished and provided to qualifying members of our community,” said Scott Gowan, TSC – Get Digital Coalition Member. “Digital Equity is a necessary tool for success in learning, socializing, and seeking support in today’s digital world. Our neighbors who do not have these resources need your support to help them bridge that digital divide.”
The TSC – Get Digital Coalition was made possible through a $250,000 grant the City received from the Kansas Health Foundation.
Other electronic items can be disposed of at the Shawnee County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 131 NE 46th St. There is no charge for disposal with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors. For additional information, please contact the County at 785-286-4381.
During the month of March, the City of Topeka temporarily had higher-than-normal cloudiness in its water.
The cloudiness, officially referred to as turbidity, was caused by conditions of the Kansas River due to recent rainfall.
City staff self-reported the information to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). KDHE considered the turbidity levels a minor violation. KDHE and City staff were in regular communication, and agreed the water remained safe to drink throughout the period of turbidity.
“We are alerting the public to this information to be transparent, and to also assure them that the water in Topeka is safe to drink,” said Braxton Copley, Director of Utilities. “While turbidity temporarily exceeded normal levels, cloudiness does often occur after the first heavy rainfall of the year. I am very proud of our Utilities staff who worked tirelessly to resolve this situation.”
The City’s turbidity levels were out of compliance with KDHE regulations for approximately 13 hours.
The City’s water remains in compliance with KDHE standards in all aspects.
In July 2021, Governor Laura Kelly announced that as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan (IKE), the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka was placed into the construction pipeline. The project expands I-70 from four lanes to six lanes from MacVicar Avenue to Topeka Boulevard, replaces the existing viaduct by flattening the curve on I-70 at Third Street, and makes improvements for motorists traveling through or entering downtown Topeka.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the first phase of the project will begin this summer, continuing off and on through the summer of 2024. It will include demolition of acquired properties for right-of-way, archeological survey work and utility relocation, weather permitting.
The second phase of the project is pavement maintenance and bridge deck patching on seven bridges along I-70 in downtown Topeka. This will allow the continued use of the roadway until the construction of the viaduct replacement begins. The pavement and deck patching will occur during the 2022 and 2023 construction seasons.
Reconstruction and replacement of I-70 and the Polk Quincy Viaduct will occur in the final phase of the project, which is scheduled to begin in early 2025. Drivers should expect traffic delays during the next few years as lane and ramp closures are necessary.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $234 million.
KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the City of Topeka will receive $1.7 million to fund its homeless housing and service program, Shelter Plus Care. The City was awarded an additional $51,737 in planning funds to help the homeless population.
This announcement comes one day after the City reported an increase in the homeless population from its annual Point in Time Homeless Count.
According to the count, 365 people, and 297 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 40% of the homeless population are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.
“Shelter Plus Care helps around 240 households on a given month. This renewal of funding can help some of those unsheltered individuals in the community, as that number is increasing,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka.
Shelter Plus Care is a program designed to provide rental assistance to homeless persons with disabilities, including severe and persistent mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs. Participants may choose their residence from units where the landlord agrees to accept the established housing subsidy, and abide by the Shelter Plus Care program guidelines.
In order to be eligible for Shelter Plus Care, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are homeless, living in the streets or shelter
- You suffer from one of the following disabilities; severe mental illness, chronic substance abuse, and/or HIV/AIDS
- You are receiving case management services through one of the designated agencies
For a full list of criteria, and for more information about Shelter Plus Care, visit https://www.topeka.org/housing-services/shelter-plus-care/.
Shelter Plus Care can only accept referrals from the agencies providing case management.
Over the last year, Topeka and Shawnee County saw its homeless population grow, according to the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.
The count took place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Nearly 50 people helped with this year’s count.
According to the count, 365 people, and 297 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 64% of those who are homeless are male, while 36% are female. 40% of the homeless population are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.
“The increase in the number of unsheltered homeless is no surprise to the Topeka/Shawnee County Homeless Task Force,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “The pandemic has made it more challenging to house people and we are desperately working on the solution. The count helps us recognize this disparity and fix it as quickly as possible.”
Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from 2020, 2021 and 2022. For a more detailed look at the 2022 numbers, visit https://cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/HousingSvcs/Point+in+Time+Count+-+2022.pdf.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| People | 401 | 298 | 365 |
| Households | 306 | 123 | 297 |
| % of Veteran Households | 10 | 16 | 10 |
| % in an Emergency Shelter | 63 | 52 | 45 |
| % in Transitional Housing | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| % Unsheltered | 24 | 35 | 40 |
To receive funding for programs, HUD requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the City can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.
The Topeka City Council’s Policy and Finance Committee will host a public input session on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the City’s Holliday Building located at 620 SE Madison St.
The purpose of the session is to solicit feedback from the community regarding what criteria and qualifications should be met, in order to be eligible to apply for the $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding the Council voted to allocate for social services.
“This will be a deliberative process with decisions made based on input we receive from Topekans,” said Topeka’s Deputy Mayor Spencer Duncan, and the Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee. “This is just one step in a layered process, and we look forward to hearing directly from citizens regarding their expectations of us during this process.”
The Policy and Finance Committee is currently working with City staff on the application and process for social services.
To sign up for public comment, visit https://www.topeka.org/cityclerk/sign-up-to-speak-at-a-governing-body-meeting/. The deadline to sign up for public comment is 5:00 p.m. the date of the meeting. Public comment can be made in person or by Zoom. Public comment is limited to four minutes per person. Time extensions will not be granted.
On February 12, the Council voted to approve setting aside $35,676,831 to be allocated for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), and $10 million to be allocated for social services. The City received $45,676,831 in ARPA funds.