Mayor provides update on first 100 days in office

Topeka pushes legislative priorities at Statehouse

Officials urge resident participation in city budget survey

Mayor announces new Workforce Development Task Force

Applications open for Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy

City releases list of 2026 summer construction projects

Topeka named Tree City USA during foundation's 50th anniversary

Local nonprofit launches 'Beat the Heat' fundraiser

Local nonprofit plans quiet drone show for nation's 250th anniversary

Mayor provides update on first 100 days in office

TOPEKA, Kan. - Approaching the 100-day mark of the new administration, the mayor's office provided an update on its transition plan, saying the focus has been on laying groundwork rather than rushing into major initiatives. The administration has spent its first months meeting with department heads, city council members and community groups to align goals, evaluate the upcoming budget deficit and set expectations for the remainder of the 1,350-day term.

Topeka pushes legislative priorities at Statehouse

TOPEKA, Kan. - City officials said they are lobbying the Kansas Legislature for responsible property tax relief, reduced state regulations and the protection of local home rule. The mayor's office praised city staff for providing testimony and briefing state policymakers on how decisions at the Statehouse affect Topeka residents. The city is also working with its congressional delegation, officials said, to pursue federal infrastructure funding.

Officials urge resident participation in city budget survey

TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka residents have until April 17 to complete the city's annual budget survey, which allows residents to weigh in on municipal spending priorities and potential funding offsets. City officials said staff and council members use the feedback to help craft the upcoming budget, adding that more than 70 percent of the current budget is dedicated to public safety. Residents can complete the survey and view the budget portal online through the city's website.

Mayor announces new Workforce Development Task Force

TOPEKA, Kan. - The mayor's office announced the creation of a Workforce Development Task Force to identify gaps and build strategies to strengthen the city's labor pool. The task force, which will work directly with the mayor's office, is the first of several planned citizen advisory groups intended to address specific community issues, including economic development, transportation and community health. Residents interested in serving on the task force were encouraged to email the city to apply.

Applications open for Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy

TOPEKA, Kan. - The city's Public Works and Utilities Department is accepting applications for the Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy, an interactive multi-week program that officials said is scheduled to begin in early April. Participants will meet on Monday evenings to tour city facilities, including water and wastewater treatment operations, and to learn how the city manages traffic signals, signs and street maintenance.

City releases list of 2026 summer construction projects

TOPEKA, Kan. - City Manager Robert Perez announced the lineup for Topeka's 2026 summer street construction projects, which will include ongoing multi-year reconstruction efforts alongside new preservation initiatives. Major projects include pavement reconstruction in the Central Highland Park Neighborhood, utility overhauls on Fairlawn Road and continued work on Southeast Sixth Avenue.

Topeka named Tree City USA during foundation's 50th anniversary

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Arbor Day Foundation has again recognized Topeka as a Tree City USA community as the Tree City USA program marks its 50th anniversary. The mayor's office credited the city's forestry staff for ongoing efforts to preserve community trees and integrate canopy planning into public projects and noted efforts to remove invasive Bradford pear trees and replace them with native species.

Local nonprofit launches 'Beat the Heat' fundraiser

TOPEKA, Kan. - SENT Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) community development nonprofit, is seeking to raise $15,000 through its "Beat the Heat" effort to purchase energy-rated window air conditioning units for vulnerable neighbors in Topeka. Once funded, the organization plans to provide units to local households for a $50 contribution on a first-come, first-served basis starting in May, with the goal of helping residents cool at least one room during extreme summer heat.

Local nonprofit plans quiet drone show for nation's 250th anniversary

TOPEKA, Kan. - The nonprofit SENT Inc. said it plans to host the city's first drone show during the summer as part of events marking the nation's 250th anniversary. Organizers said the event is being designed to reduce noise impacts for pets and military veterans who may experience post-traumatic stress disorder triggers from traditional fireworks. The organization said it expects more than 2,000 guests and plans to include food trucks, music and community vendors.

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