Murray McGee selected to fill District 8 vacancy

Council approves major downtown housing project "The Hutch"

City agrees to purchase land for downtown development

Ordinance amendment allows flexibility in parking rates

Split vote approves long-term parking leases with free periods

Community improvement district created for California Crossing

Development agreement caps reimbursements for California Crossing

Commission adopts comprehensive trails and greenways master plan

Transient guest tax funds allocated to tourism and events

Construction payments authorized for new mental health facility

Department of corrections secures grant for behavioral health programming

Free tax preparation services announced for residents

Murray McGee selected to fill District 8 vacancy

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Murray McGee to fill the unexpired term for Council District 8. McGee, the executive director of the Information Network of Kansas and a former city administrator for Moundridge, was selected on the first written ballot over candidates Chris Phelps, a former council candidate, and Jeffrey Coen, a former District 8 council member. McGee emphasized his experience in municipal finance and economic development during his interview, stating he intends to serve as a resource for the body rather than a "rubber stamp." He is scheduled to be sworn in on Feb. 17.

Council approves major downtown housing project "The Hutch"

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council approved the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and a development agreement for "Project View," officially named "The Hutch." The $50 million development by Flaherty & Collins Properties will be located between Jackson and Van Buren streets at 6th and 7th avenues. The project includes 192 market-rate apartment units, 2,500 square feet of commercial space and amenities such as a resort-style pool and rooftop deck. The developer expects the project to bring nearly 300 residents to the downtown area.

City agrees to purchase land for downtown development

TOPEKA, Kan. — In a 7-1 vote, the council authorized a real estate purchase agreement to acquire nine parcels of land for the Project View development for $1.15 million. The city will hold the property and lease it back to the developer, Topeka FC1 LLC, for a 25-year period before conveying it back upon the expiration of the term and satisfaction of the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District requirements. Councilwoman Karen Hiller cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns regarding the deal's structure and its potential impact on city funds.

Ordinance amendment allows flexibility in parking rates

TOPEKA, Kan. — To facilitate the new downtown development agreements, the council voted 6-1 to amend the city code regarding parking infrastructure. The amendment allows the governing body to grant exceptions to the established rate range of $40 to $120 per stall. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley told the council the change was necessary because the negotiated leases included periods of free parking, which did not comport with the existing ordinance. Councilwoman Karen Hiller cast the dissenting vote.

Split vote approves long-term parking leases with free periods

TOPEKA, Kan. — The governing body approved two significant parking lease agreements for the 635 Jackson St. and 512 SW Jackson St. garages, despite opposition from Councilwoman Karen Hiller. The agreement with Jayhawk Tower Partners LLC includes a 25-year lease for 150 stalls, with the first 10 years provided at no cost, while a separate agreement with Topeka FC1 LLC provides 192 spaces for 35 years, with the first five years free. Opponents of the measure raised concerns that the deals could burden the city's parking fund and favor specific entities over the broader business community.

Community improvement district created for California Crossing

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council voted 8-0 to establish a Community Improvement District (CID) at the California Crossing shopping center located at 29th Street and California Avenue. The ordinance levies a 1.5 percent CID sales tax within the district to fund renovations. The project is anchored by the new Supermercado Nuestra Familia, and the revenue will be used to revitalize the center, which currently suffers from high vacancy rates.

Development agreement caps reimbursements for California Crossing

TOPEKA, Kan. — Following the creation of the community improvement district, the council unanimously approved a development agreement with California Crossing LLC. The agreement caps reimbursable costs for the first phase of improvements at $1 million. The funds will cover upgrades related to the new supermarket tenant, including parking lot and sidewalk improvements. The developer may request amendments to increase the cap up to $6 million as additional tenants are secured for the remaining leasable spaces.

Commission adopts comprehensive trails and greenways master plan

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Board of Commissioners voted 2-0 Thursday to adopt the Trails and Greenways Master Plan, establishing a long-term roadmap for recreational connectivity throughout the region. Developed by WSP USA in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department, the plan outlines paved, soft-surface and water trails along the Kansas River while emphasizing equitable access across geographic quadrants and income levels. Planners noted the design process prioritized connecting rural communities, such as Rossville and Silver Lake, to the broader regional network.

Transient guest tax funds allocated to tourism and events

TOPEKA, Kan. — The board approved the 2026 allocation of the transient guest tax, retaining current rates to generate an estimated $69,000 in allocatable funds for the year. Commissioners authorized a $7,000 disbursement to the Combat Air Museum for billboard advertising, while designating the remaining balance to the Stormont Vail Events Center to support marketing and sales efforts aimed at attracting future acts. The "bed tax" is levied on hotel stays within the county and is restricted to funding tourism and event-related initiatives.

Construction payments authorized for new mental health facility

TOPEKA, Kan. — Commissioners authorized a progress payment of $636,521.66 to KBS Constructors Inc. for ongoing work on the Department of Corrections behavioral health unit. County officials indicated the capital project utilizes Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) grant funds to improve the management and care of inmates with severe mental illness. The payment was approved as part of the county's regularly scheduled voucher report.

Department of corrections secures grant for behavioral health programming

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Department of Corrections has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Institute of Corrections to support specialized programming for the new behavioral health unit. Deputy Director Tim Phelps said the facility is among the few in the country to utilize this specific management style for inmates with severe mental illness, providing the project with national significance. The grant will focus on developing operational protocols for the unit currently under construction.

Free tax preparation services announced for residents

TOPEKA, Kan. — K-State Research and Extension agent staff announced the opening of four free tax preparation sites for Shawnee County residents, staffed by IRS-trained volunteers. Services are available at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, the Rossville Community Library, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 226 building and the a community center. Residents are encouraged to make appointments immediately, as slots for the tax season are filling quickly.

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