City officials criticize state, federal partners over low-income housing standards

Topeka fire, property maintenance units ramp up joint apartment inspections

City urges residents to use online portals to track code violations

City to host special public input session on rental property maintenance

City expands DREAMS housing rehabilitation program access

Merger pauses in-person tenant-landlord counseling in Topeka

New state law will allow eviction expungements starting July 1

Community navigator reports handling over 110 ombudsman calls

Topeka launches new podcast to highlight city initiatives

City to host free tire takeback events this summer

City officials criticize state, federal partners over low-income housing standards

TOPEKA, Kan. - City officials expressed deep frustration with the Kansas Housing Resources Corp. and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development over what they described as poor inspection scores at government-assisted properties, specifically citing concerns about compliance at the Timberlee Apartments. During a recent committee meeting, officials accused the agencies of repeatedly dropping the ball on property oversight, prompting the committee to demand greater accountability and regular inspection reports. Representatives from the partner agencies have been asked to attend a special June 30 meeting to address the city's ongoing concerns.

Topeka fire, property maintenance units ramp up joint apartment inspections

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka Property Maintenance Unit and fire marshal's office have conducted joint inspections at 24 multifamily housing buildings across 10 complexes this year. The biweekly, unannounced inspections evaluate code compliance and safety standards, such as smoke alarms, electrical hazards and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspectors also distribute resources regarding tenant rights, rental assistance and retaliatory eviction protections, sending non-compliant property owners to municipal court if necessary.

City urges residents to use online portals to track code violations

TOPEKA, Kan. - City officials highlighted the city's online public portal and the Shawnee County Appraiser's website as key tools for residents to track property code violations and find contact information for property owners. Residents can search specific addresses to view open cases, inspection dates and property ownership details. Officials noted that while tracking properties hidden behind multiple LLCs remains a challenge, an upcoming Tyler Technologies software upgrade will further streamline data sharing between the police, fire and property maintenance departments.

City to host special public input session on rental property maintenance

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Public Health and Safety Committee will host a special public input session on June 30 to discuss the rental aspects of the city's property maintenance code. The meeting will allow community members and advocacy groups to propose comprehensive changes to local rental housing regulations. The committee is asking groups to submit formal proposals and cost analyses ahead of the meeting to ensure a productive review of the city's current housing stock and code enforcement strategies.

City expands DREAMS housing rehabilitation program access

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka City Council has adjusted the Topeka DREAMS (Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives) housing rehabilitation program, which previously restricted $330,000 in annual funding to a single neighborhood improvement association (NIA) at a time. The program, intended to fund approximately 11 home rehabilitation projects at about $30,000 each, is now open to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners in any NIA across the city. The change aims to ensure the funds are utilized more efficiently by residents ready for code compliance repairs or upgrades.

Merger pauses in-person tenant-landlord counseling in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. - Following the merger of Topeka's Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. (HCCI) with Money Management International, free face-to-face counseling for tenants and landlords is reportedly paused locally. HCCI Executive Director Teresa Baker told the committee that counseling has temporarily shifted to remote, phone-based services, and that previously scheduled education courses are delayed until the fall while staff undergoes training. The shift raised concerns among council members about the lack of localized, physical outreach for vulnerable populations.

New state law will allow eviction expungements starting July 1

TOPEKA, Kan. - Starting July 1, 2026, a new statewide law (HB 2357) will allow Kansas residents to apply for eviction expungement. Housing Services Division Director Carrie Higgins noted that tenants who have gone three years since their last eviction and have paid any associated judgments will be eligible to file for free through an online system. The city is currently partnering with Kansas Legal Services to roll out training and public awareness campaigns.

Community navigator reports handling over 110 ombudsman calls

TOPEKA, Kan. - Leo Hope, the city's community navigator for the Office of Inclusive Communities, reported fielding over 110 calls acting as the city's ombudsman since beginning his tenure in late 2025. Hope acts as a bridge between residents and city departments, fielding complaints, connecting low-income residents to social services and directing individuals navigating property code compliance issues to appropriate resources to help them avoid municipal court.

Topeka launches new podcast to highlight city initiatives

TOPEKA, Kan. - The city's communications department is launching a new podcast designed to give residents deeper insight into local programs, services and initiatives. The inaugural episode of the "Topeka Talk Podcast" will feature an interview with Housing Services Division Director Carrie Higgins and a representative from Kansas Legal Services, discussing their partnership and available legal resources for residents. The podcast will be available on YouTube and standard podcast applications.

City to host free tire takeback events this summer

TOPEKA, Kan. - In an effort to reduce neighborhood blight and prevent illegal dumping, the city will host two free tire takeback events for Topeka residents. On June 6 and July 11, residents can drop off up to 10 rubber tires at the city's designated tire lot [address details pending] at no cost. The communications department will also use the events to distribute educational materials on property maintenance and community resources.

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