With the Topeka City Council on its scheduled off week, Mayor Mike Padilla and City Manager Steve Wade held their regular press conference to provide updates on key city initiatives, ongoing construction projects, and community programs.
Budget and Staffing Updates
The Policy and Finance Committee is preparing to review proposed adjustments to various city fees—many of which haven’t changed in over a decade. Additionally, a new “Position Review Committee” is being developed to evaluate long-standing vacancies. The goal is to determine whether duties can be redistributed to existing staff rather than automatically filling every vacancy.
The City is also moving toward a more scrutinized hiring process rather than enacting a full hiring freeze. During the media Q&A, the City Manager referenced the over 10 cadets currently in the police academy and noted other opportunities for hiring within the police department.
Community Improvement Projects
As part of the City’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP):
- SW Topeka Blvd is now open to northbound and southbound traffic, with full completion expected by the end of next month.
- Pavement work on 29th Street has officially started.
- Over the past month, the City Council has approved between $20–25 million in new improvement projects. For a full list, visit the City’s Public Works page.
In addition, six crews are currently out filling potholes across the city. Residents are encouraged to report road issues through the SeeClickFix app (available on both iOS and Android) or by using the online portal. You can also call the City’s Customer Service Center at 785-368-3111.
Reminder: Please drive cautiously through work zones and continue to support businesses affected by ongoing construction.
Polk-Quincy Viaduct Groundbreaking
Despite weather and traffic concerns forcing the event indoors, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct took place this week. The project is expected to significantly impact travel for up to two years. Residents can follow progress and sign up for road closure and detour alerts via the project’s dedicated website.
Topeka Named a 2024 Tree City USA
Topeka has earned recognition as a 2024 Tree City USA by the Arbor Foundation. The listing has not yet appeared on the organization’s website, but official acknowledgment was announced.
50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program
A reminder to homeowners: you are responsible for the sidewalks adjacent to your property. Fortunately, the city offers a 50/50 cost-sharing program to help with repairs. For more information and to see if you qualify, visit the City’s sidewalk program page.
Customer Service Center in the Works
Improving customer service is a key strategic goal for the City Manager. Plans are underway to establish a centralized call center—likely housed under the utilities department—to handle non-emergency issues. This will help reduce the burden on 911, which is often called for issues like downed tree limbs. The call center is expected to launch within three months.
Kansas Keep Tours Coming to Topeka
Kansas Keep Tours, a program based out of Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, helps retiring or transitioning soldiers explore cities across Kansas. Topeka will host soldiers from July 13th–15th, with support from Washburn University and the Greater Topeka Partnership.
While supportive of the program, the City Manager stated he was “all for it” when asked about ex-military personnel filling vacant positions in the police department. However, this sparked concern from some observers due to ongoing discussions about the militarization of local law enforcement and its impact on police-community relations.
Topeka Police Community Survey
Police Chief Bryan Vallejo is seeking public input to guide department priorities. Residents are encouraged to take a short community policing survey available here.
Para completar la encuesta en español, visite: Enlace en español.
Local Elections Matter
Mayor Padilla emphasized the importance of civic engagement in local elections, encouraging voters to:
- Pay attention to who’s asking for your vote.
- Listen to what they say and how they plan to follow through.
- Stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
To register, check your registration status, or update your information (name, address, etc.), visit: www.ksvotes.org. Upcoming elections include City Council Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, as well as the Mayoral race and school board positions.
Media Questions
Q: Will construction near the Branner Bridge or Stormont Vail Event Center affect events like the Fiesta?
A: The City says careful planning has gone into identifying alternate routes and will keep the public informed.
Q: Any updates on selling Hotel Topeka?
A: The Mayor declined to comment to avoid showing favoritism, but confirmed that six offers are currently being reviewed. The City Manager said discussions with some of the more advantageous proposals have progressed.
Reporting by Danielle Twemlow, Consultant
Host of the Kansas TRUE Podcast
