Topeka local news summary

City Approves $37.2 Million Bond for Utility Upgrades

New Washburn Tech Campus Approved for Vacant Kmart Site

Council Debates Sweeping Fire Station Relocation Plan

City Advances Plan for 42 New Affordable Homes in Hi-Crest

Public Works and Utilities Budgets Reveal Rising Costs

1. City Approves $37.2 Million Bond for Utility Upgrades

TOPEKA - The governing body unanimously approved the issuance of $37,195,000 in combined utility revenue bonds to fund critical infrastructure improvements for the city’s combined utility system. The 30-year bonds were sold with a true interest cost of 4.64% to the winning bidder, Robert W. Baird, which also purchased the city’s general obligation bonds the previous week. Khalen Dwyer of Columbia Capital, the city’s financial advisor, noted that the sale attracted seven bidders and the winning bid was excellent. City staff assured the council that all projects funded by the bonds have gone through multiple prior approval processes.

2. New Washburn Tech Campus Approved for Vacant Kmart Site

TOPEKA - A major redevelopment is moving forward in North Topeka after the City Council approved a rezoning request for a new Washburn Tech North Campus. The property, located at 2240 Northwest Tyler Street, is the site of a Kmart that has been vacant for years. The rezoning changes the district to a Planned Unit Development, which will allow for a university and commercial uses, including a business vo-tech campus and a commercial pad site. Councilwoman Ortiz celebrated the project, stating the building has been vacant for a long time and the new campus will make technical education more accessible for students in North Topeka. The Planning Commission had previously recommended the project for approval.

3. Council Debates Sweeping Fire Station Relocation Plan

TOPEKA - A proposal to optimize fire station locations sparked extensive debate among council members, who raised concerns about community input, costs, and coverage gaps. The multi-phase plan, presented by fire department leadership, aims to improve response times and modernize aging facilities over the next 5 to 15 years. The first phase would relocate Station 1 to city-owned land near SW 6th and Fairlawn. Subsequent phases propose moving Station 11 to the area of Northwest Lyman and Topeka Boulevard and relocating Station 6 to the vicinity of Oakland and Billard Park. Fire officials argued the changes would place 77.5% of city addresses within a 4-minute response time, reduce the workload on the state’s busiest engine company, and provide proper facilities for female firefighters, which are lacking in the older stations.

However, Councilwoman Valdivia-Alcala strongly criticized the process, stating there was a lack of transparency and community engagement with her district, which would be significantly impacted. Other council members, including Deputy Mayor Kell and Councilman Dobler, questioned the plan’s impact on southern and western parts of the city, particularly the lack of coverage for growing industrial and residential areas. The discussion highlighted the need for a comprehensive city-wide strategy, with Councilman Dobler suggesting the upcoming county-wide sales tax could be a potential funding source for a major overhaul of fire infrastructure.

4. City Advances Plan for 42 New Affordable Homes in Hi-Crest

TOPEKA - The City Council took the first step toward a significant affordable housing project by approving the creation of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) in the Hi-Crest neighborhood. The application, submitted by SENT Inc., proposes the development of 42 single-family homes designed for affordability near Fremont and north of 31st Street. Assistant City Manager Braxton Copley noted this is the first step in a process that requires state approval from the Department of Commerce before a final project plan is developed. Councilwoman Ortiz, who grew up in the area, voiced strong support, calling it a “much needed project” and praising SENT for its community engagement.

5. Public Works and Utilities Budgets Reveal Rising Costs

TOPEKA - City officials presented the proposed 2026 operating budgets for the Public Works and Utilities departments, highlighting rising costs for maintaining the city’s extensive infrastructure. Public Works Director Steve Groen noted the department is responsible for 101 bridges and 773 lane miles of roads, and that 97 of the city’s 185 traffic signals are over 25 years old and considered obsolete. The Utilities department reported managing over 900 miles of water mains and 820 miles of sewer mains, with chemical costs for water treatment increasing by 10% and wastewater by 15%. A key request in the Public Works budget is the addition of three engineering technicians to bring construction inspection work in-house, a move projected to be more cost-effective than hiring outside consultants.

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