Over 6,000 properties identified as vacant in Topeka

County tax foreclosure sale set for September

Topeka Land Bank forgives debts to spur infill housing

City promotes neighborhood revitalization tax rebates

City awards nearly $1 million in affordable housing trust funds

Council members question home price limits in TOTO program

City issues permits for 292 residential units in first half of year

Topeka to host inaugural residential development forum

National Night Out draws 750, highlights neighborhood investment

1. Over 6,000 properties identified as vacant in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city's geographic information system department has identified roughly 6,000 vacant parcels across Topeka in an effort to combat neighborhood blight. City mapping and GIS manager [1] Travis Lather reported to the Public Health and Safety Committee on Monday that the city hosts 4,835 parcels with an assessed building value of zero and an additional 1,313 parcels where utility meters have been inactive for more than six months. The data will be further refined by the code enforcement department to eliminate parcels zoned for parks or airports and determine which lots are suitable for residential or commercial development.

2. County tax foreclosure sale set for September

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Shawnee County will host its annual judicial tax foreclosure sale online this September, offering a chance to turn distressed, vacant properties over to new developers. The sale process, which clears outstanding tax debts for buyers, aims to return abandoned properties to the tax rolls. Committee members emphasized the importance of the sale for neighborhood revitalization, noting that 27 properties in District 1 alone are slated for the upcoming auction.

3. Topeka Land Bank forgives debts to spur infill housing

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Land Bank is actively forgiving outstanding assessments, code violations and back taxes on donated distressed properties to encourage revitalization. The land bank recently sold parcels to local nonprofit SENT Inc. [2] for the construction of single-family homes. City officials are currently exploring new marketing strategies to increase public awareness of the land bank as a tool for unburdening owners of unusable properties and fostering neighborhood infill.

4. City promotes neighborhood revitalization tax rebates

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka officials are urging residents and developers to utilize the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, which offers significant property tax rebates for structural improvements. Director of Planning, Development and Housing Services [3] Dan Warner explained that new residential units, historic properties and homes in intensive care areas can receive a 95% tax rebate for 10 years on the increased property value. The city and Shawnee County administer the applications, aiming to incentivize the development of vacant single-family lots.

5. City awards nearly $1 million in affordable housing trust funds

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council recently approved the first round of Affordable Housing Trust Fund awards, allocating $931,947 to support 229 housing units. Economic development director Leigha Boling announced that the funds will go toward three projects: $181,750 for five single-family infill developments by SENT Inc., $365,197 to Wible Property Development LLC for the renovation of 24 apartment units, and $385,000 to Highland Park REO LLC for the Highland Park Townhomes rehabilitation [4]. A public forum regarding the trust fund's proposal process is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 16.

6. Council members question home price limits in TOTO program

TOPEKA, Kan. — During a review of the Topeka Opportunity to Own program, committee members questioned whether the $75,000 maximum home sales price limit remains realistic for today's real estate market [5]. The program assists first-time homebuyers with up to $5,000 in down payment assistance and up to $30,000 in home rehabilitation funds [5]. Committee members suggested the city needs to reevaluate raising the $75,000 cap, given the recent surge in overall housing and construction costs.

7. City issues permits for 292 residential units in first half of year

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka issued 42 residential building permits resulting in 292 new living units between January and June of this year. The developments are spread across the city and include major multifamily projects, such as 27 units at the downtown post office, 48 units at a senior housing development and 176 apartments at a housing development. Thirty-seven single-family home permits and two duplex permits accounting for the remaining four units were also issued during this period.

8. Topeka to host inaugural residential development forum

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city will partner with the Topeka Area Building Association and GO Topeka to host the first Topeka Residential Development Forum on Nov. 6. The open forum is designed to educate current and prospective developers on the building and permitting process, city inspections and financial incentives, and will also introduce new "tip sheets" designed to demystify the permitting process. Economic development director Leigha Boling said the event will also feature local single-family developers sharing their experiences to help streamline future housing projects.

9. National Night Out draws 750, highlights neighborhood investment

TOPEKA, Kan. — More than 750 residents braved extreme heat to attend Topeka's citywide National Night Out event, a turnout officials tied to the city's broader push for improved property maintenance. Monique Glaude, director of the Office of Inclusive Communities [6], reported that the successful event featured local vendors and community-building activities. City officials emphasized that fostering neighborhood connections is a fundamental step in addressing the social determinants of health and improving local property conditions.

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