Topeka Mayor & City Manager Monthly Press Conference Summary
Week of June 30, 2026
Projected 2025 budget deficit reduced to $11.5 million
City aims to maintain mill levy, will exceed revenue neutral rate
Mayor's office announces new workforce development task force
Open office hours to begin July 9 at City Hall
Hotel Topeka sale set to close in mid-July
Polk-Quincy Viaduct detour yields unexpected benefits for local businesses
Second Tire Takeback event scheduled for July 11
Fire station relocation plan aims to improve emergency response times
Fire department promotes "bucket brigade" for Fourth of July safety
Projected 2025 budget deficit reduced to $11.5 million
TOPEKA, Kan. — City officials announced a reduction in Topeka's projected budget deficit, bringing the shortfall down from approximately $16.5 million to roughly $11.5 million. The mayor's office credited intense work by city staff and the city manager for finding savings and evaluating vacant positions. City officials emphasized that there will be no job cuts for current employees, with the city instead focusing on leaving select vacant positions unfilled and pursuing internal transfers to protect core services like public safety and infrastructure as formal budget discussions begin in July.
City aims to maintain mill levy, will exceed revenue neutral rate
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council is expected to consider exceeding the revenue neutral rate in the upcoming budget cycle in order to maintain the city's current property tax mill levy. The mayor's office explained that keeping the mill rate steady at roughly 36 mills, rather than dropping it to the county-calculated revenue neutral rate of about 34 mills, will allow the city to capture a 4.5 percent increase in assessed property values. Officials noted that while this technically exceeds the revenue neutral rate, the city's primary goal is to avoid raising the actual mill rate while ensuring adequate funding for core services.
Mayor's office announces new workforce development task force
TOPEKA, Kan. — The mayor's office announced the creation of a new workforce development task force aimed at connecting residents with jobs, supporting education and strengthening partnerships with local employers. City officials emphasized that a robust workforce is critical for economic development and for retaining young talent in Topeka. Residents interested in serving on the task force, which will report directly to the mayor's office, can find application information on the city's social media platforms or by contacting the office directly.
Open office hours to begin July 9 at City Hall
TOPEKA, Kan. — Beginning July 9, open office hours will launch at City Hall to give residents a dedicated opportunity to speak directly about local issues. Residents can sign up for 15-minute intervals on a first-come, first-served basis through a link posted on the mayor's office social media pages. The city plans to host these sessions periodically alongside future town halls and online Q&A events, fulfilling a commitment to community engagement.
Hotel Topeka sale set to close in mid-July
TOPEKA, Kan. — The sale of Hotel Topeka to Endeavor Hotel Group LLC remains on track to close on July 14, according to City Manager Robert Perez. The city is scheduled to meet with the Topeka Development Corporation next week to discuss and authorize the approval of closing documents. Perez thanked Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley and the governing body for their leadership in maintaining the property's operations over the past year and bringing the long-awaited sale of the facility to the finish line.
Polk-Quincy Viaduct detour yields unexpected benefits for local businesses
TOPEKA, Kan. — Despite initial concerns over the six-month closure of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct, city officials report that the detour has resulted in few traffic complaints and some unexpected benefits for local businesses. City officials noted that some business owners have experienced an influx of new demographics as rerouted highway traffic introduces drivers to different parts of the city. The Kansas Department of Transportation has also been highly responsive to the city's requests for improved signage to help drivers navigate the changing traffic patterns.
Second Tire Takeback event scheduled for July 11
TOPEKA, Kan. — Following a highly successful initial event, the city of Topeka will host a second Tire Takeback event on July 11 to help residents properly dispose of old tires. City Manager Robert Perez reported that the first event on June 6 collected over 1,200 tires, more than double the 500-tire budget anticipated by the property maintenance unit. Topeka residents can bring up to 10 tires for disposal to the utility yard near SE Lakewood Boulevard and SE 21st Street, provided they show a valid driver's license verifying city residency.
Fire station relocation plan aims to improve emergency response times
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Fire Department will host a series of public sessions in July to discuss a fire station relocation plan aimed at improving emergency response times across the city. City Manager Robert Perez stated that the plan, part of the 2030 Capital Improvement Plan, seeks to ensure a four-minute response time citywide, addressing gaps in northwest Topeka and the Oakland community where response times currently stretch up to seven minutes. Sessions are scheduled for July 9 at the Oakland Community Center, July 11 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, and July 15 at the Garfield Community Center. The proposed relocations will also address operational challenges, including the need for separate female facilities and larger apparatus bays.
Fire department promotes "bucket brigade" for Fourth of July safety
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Fire Department has partnered with the State Fire Marshal's Office and local hardware stores to launch a "bucket brigade" initiative promoting fireworks safety ahead of the Fourth of July. Assistant Fire Marshal Dylan Smith announced the distribution of free buckets, urging residents to keep them filled with water to properly cool spent fireworks for five to 10 minutes before disposal. Officials also reminded residents that fireworks can only be lawfully discharged within city limits between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4.
Click here for local obituaries
Click here for local jail logs
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
