Topeka local news summary
Week of October 9 2025
Council delays vote on $147 million capital plan amid debate
Deputy mayor calls for halt to "complete streets" program
Plan for new TIF district at Topeka and Kansas moves forward
Council approves $800,000 project to improve river water intake
City unveils new public data dashboards for districts
County renews Code Red emergency alert system, plans public outreach
Courthouse to launch new self-help center for public
Voter registration deadline approaches, elections office urges action
Council delays vote on $147 million capital plan amid debate
TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka City Council on Tuesday deferred a vote on the city’s proposed 10-year, $147 million Capital Improvement Plan after a lengthy debate and the introduction of a detailed alternative proposal by a council member. Councilwoman Karen Hiller presented a plan she argued would save taxpayers more than $25 million by reducing the amount of borrowed money, shortening bond terms from 20 to 15 years for most projects and funding some recurring items with cash. The discussion also included a call from Deputy Mayor Brett Kell to pause the city’s “Complete Streets” program to reduce project costs. The council voted unanimously to postpone the final decision until its Oct. 21 meeting to allow time to review Hiller's proposal and gather more information from staff.
Deputy mayor calls for halt to "complete streets" program
TOPEKA, Kan. - During the debate on the Capital Improvement Plan, Deputy Mayor Brett Kell called for the city to halt its “Complete Streets” program, arguing it adds unnecessary costs and complexity to road projects during a time of budget constraints. Kell said the policy, which incorporates features like wider sidewalks and bike lanes, leads to projects that are not wanted by all residents and that the city should focus on basic road repairs. The "Complete Streets" policy is the city’s guiding principle for road design. The suggestion was part of a broader discussion on prioritizing infrastructure spending and did not result in a formal motion.
Plan for new TIF district at Topeka and Kansas moves forward
TOPEKA, Kan. - A proposal to create a Tax Increment Financing district for a commercial development at the northwest corner of Topeka Boulevard and Kansas Avenue is moving forward after an 8-1 vote by the City Council. The resolution sets a public hearing for Nov. 12 to consider establishing the Sunflower Crossing Redevelopment District. The developer plans a convenience store, a retail building and a restaurant in the first phase of the project on the 9.12-acre site. Deputy Mayor Brett Kell supported the project as a way to revitalize a blighted area. Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing concerns about the use of TIFs.
Council approves $800,000 project to improve river water intake
TOPEKA, Kan. - An $800,000 project to improve the reliability of the city’s water supply was unanimously approved by the council. The project will involve installing a concrete crest cap on the Kansas River weir to raise water levels near the Water Treatment Plant’s intake pumps. According to city staff, low river levels, particularly in winter, have caused maintenance issues and operational challenges for the pumps. The project will be paid for with cash funds and is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
City unveils new public data dashboards for districts
TOPEKA, Kan. - The City Council received a presentation on new publicly accessible online dashboards that provide detailed economic, social and demographic data for the city and for each individual council district. The city's mapping and geographic information system manager demonstrated the tools, which source data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other government sources to show population trends, income levels, housing information and market data. Council members praised the initiative for increasing transparency and providing valuable information for decision-making but also requested future enhancements, such as the ability to search by street and break down data into smaller custom geographies. The dashboards are currently live on the city’s website.
County renews Code Red emergency alert system, plans public outreach
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Commission approved the renewal of a three-year agreement with the City of Topeka Police Department for the Code Red emergency notification system. The service, which costs the county $23,221, allows officials to send critical alerts to residents. Undersheriff Shane Hoobler of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office noted that a new, more robust app is now available for the system. The sheriff's office plans a new public outreach campaign to encourage more residents to sign up for the emergency alerts.
Courthouse to launch new self-help center for public
TOPEKA, Kan. — A new Self-Help Center is scheduled to open in the Shawnee County Courthouse to assist residents navigating the legal system. Lea D. Welch, court administrator for the 3rd Judicial District, announced that a grand opening for the center, located in room 204, will be held on Nov. 3. Welch extended a personal invitation to the commissioners and said official invitations would be sent out soon.
Voter registration deadline approaches, elections office urges action
TOPEKA, Kan. — Residents who have recently moved or need to update their voter information have until Oct. 14 to register for the Nov. 4, 2025 election. Jake Fisher from the Shawnee County Election Office issued a reminder at the commission meeting, urging citizens to ensure their registration is current. The deadline is next Tuesday.
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