Upcoming Topeka City Council Meeting: What to Expect on March 4, 2025

Appointments

• Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board
  Jennifer Goetz is being recommended to fill an unexpired term ending October 31, 2026 (Council District No. 6).

Presentations

• Legislative Mid-Session Update
  A recap of bills presented by Topeka at the Mayor and City Manager’s press conference.
• 2025 Strategic Goals and Priorities(Originally scheduled for February 18 but postponed due to weather.)
  • Quality of Life
    • A new call center and texting service for community engagement.
    • Strengthening code compliance inspections.
  • Inclusive Communities
    • Establishing an Office of Inclusive Communities.
    • Taking over planning for National Night Out in 2025.
  • Housing and Economic Development
    • Reviewing current rehabilitation and housing initiatives.
    • Activating the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
    • Selling Hotel Topeka (six bids received in December 2024).
    • Developing a digital kiosk program and small business collaborations.
  • Homelessness
    • Selecting a lead initiative between a one-stop shop, low-barrier shelter, or tiny home project.
    • Collaborating with national programs such as Built for Zero.
  • Public Safety
    • Implementing a violence reduction plan with public engagement.
    • Strengthening law enforcement partnerships.
    • Expanding mental health court collaborations with Valeo.
    • Introducing EmpowerHER self-defense courses (raising concerns over effectiveness and costs).
  • Infrastructure
    • Continuing capital improvement projects and maintenance.
    • Enhancing community communication regarding infrastructure developments.
    • Upgrading Topeka Fire Department fleet to improve response reliability.

Consent Agenda

• Approval of minutes from February 11 and February 18, 2025.

Action Items

Several infrastructure projects are up for final approval, including:

• 2023 Bridge Maintenance Program (Budget: $1.25 million)
• Branner Street Bridge Repair (Budget: $824,463)
• SW Topeka Blvd. (21st to 15th Street) Improvements (Budget: $7.97 million)
• SE 6th Avenue Improvements (Golden Ave. to Rice Rd.) (Budget: $5.32 million)
• SE 29th Street Improvements (Kansas Ave. to Adams St.) (Budget: $7.85 million)

Discussion Items

• Topeka DREAMS Program Funding
  Allocating $3.36 million in neighborhood improvement grants for 2025-2027, including investments in infrastructure and affordable housing.
• University Liquor Exemption
  Proposal to allow a liquor store to operate at 1700 SW Washburn Avenue, despite proximity restrictions. Concerns have been raised about high alcohol outlet density and its correlation with crime rates.

Public Comment

Residents can participate via Zoom or in-person by contacting the City Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Executive Session & Adjournment

An executive session may be scheduled to discuss legal matters, property acquisitions, or personnel issues before the meeting concludes.

For a full agenda and supporting documents, visit the City of Topeka’s website:
Topeka City Council Agenda