Topeka Metro weighs ending costly on-demand microtransit service

Council approves right-of-way vacation for affordable housing despite opposition

Public hearing set for $53.5 million affordable housing district

City renews eviction defense contract with Kansas Legal Services

Council clears downtown Quincy Street property for sale

Council rejects $215,000 offer for downtown parking lot in split vote

City begins review of 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan

Washburn students pitch Young Adults Council to boost retention

Topeka Metro weighs ending costly on-demand microtransit service

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council heard a presentation Tuesday from the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority detailing the agency's concerns about its Metro On-Demand (MOD) microtransit service and the possibility it could be ended, with a decision expected in May. Transit officials cited severe fiscal inefficiencies, saying the point-to-point service costs about $150 per ride while carrying only about 200 riders per month. Officials said ending MOD would not impact fixed-route bus service or Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit, and said shifting resources could help the agency navigate disruptions tied to Interstate 70 viaduct work and a nearby bridge closure.

Council approves right-of-way vacation for affordable housing despite opposition

TOPEKA, Kan. — Despite objections from neighboring property owners, the city council unanimously approved the vacation of a right-of-way to make way for a 176-unit affordable housing development tied to the Johnson-Betts Meadows project. The project, backed by SENT Inc. in collaboration with the Topeka Housing Authority, will use the vacated land as a buffer. Two neighboring property owners told council members they had not received adequate notice and raised concerns about potential neighborhood impacts, prompting council members to urge the development team to coordinate closely with neighbors on visual and sound buffering before construction begins.

Public hearing set for $53.5 million affordable housing district

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city council voted unanimously to set a May 12 public hearing to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the Johnson-Betts Meadows project site. The proposed $53.5 million development would bring three buildings with one- to three-bedroom units. Project representatives said a large share of units would use Topeka Housing Authority vouchers to support long-term affordability for low-income residents.

City renews eviction defense contract with Kansas Legal Services

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city will renew its contract with Kansas Legal Services for a third year to administer Topeka's Eviction Defense Program following a unanimous city council vote. A Kansas Legal Services attorney told the council the program assisted more than 130 tenants in the past year and helped produce dozens of dismissals or delays in eviction cases. Supporters said the program is critical for helping low-income and elderly residents respond to unsafe housing conditions and prevent avoidable displacement.

Council clears downtown Quincy Street property for sale

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city council authorized city staff to hire a commercial real estate broker to market and sell a city-owned lot at 1121 SE Quincy St. The downtown parcel is used as a surface parking lot and includes a defunct water tower. City officials said they hope the property will attract a developer to add new commercial or residential space and return the long-dormant site to productive use.

Council rejects $215,000 offer for downtown parking lot in split vote

TOPEKA, Kan. — In a split 6-4 vote, the city council rejected a $215,000 offer to purchase a downtown surface parking lot at Fifth and Jackson streets. City staff recommended rejecting the offer because the prospective buyer intended to keep it as a parking lot, which staff said would reduce city parking revenue over time compared with retaining ownership. Some council members supporting the sale argued the city should exit the parking business and avoid the financial risk of future environmental remediation at the site.

City begins review of 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city council began its review of the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan, a multiyear roadmap for funding infrastructure projects such as street repairs, sidewalks and water mains. Deputy Finance Director Josh McEnany outlined legal and timing constraints affecting how sales tax and utility revenue can be used. Interim Public Works Director Jason Tryon cited a large backlog of needed repairs and said fully rebuilding and maintaining the city's street inventory would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Washburn students pitch Young Adults Council to boost retention

TOPEKA, Kan. — Washburn University student leaders proposed the creation of a Young Adults Council, aiming to boost civic engagement and talent retention among college-aged residents. Washburn Student Government Association President Kate Coulter and President-elect Caleb Newfer argued that a dedicated advisory board, similar to the city's newly forming high school youth council, would give young adults a voice in local government. City council members expressed strong support for the idea, noting that early civic involvement and internship connections are key strategies for encouraging students to remain in Topeka after graduation.

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