Topeka Tenants

How this Topeka group is trying to hold landlords accountable A grassroots group is working with the city of Topeka to create a landlord registry to address unsafe housing.

IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS:

1. Send a message to your councilmember asking them to support a 1/10 of one penny sales tax for affordable housing and homeless services (sample message attached)

2. Attend the Topeka City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 6pm at the City Council Chambers- 214 SE 8th Ave. Wear yellow!

BACKGROUND: Over the past year, we have been excited to see conversations brought forth by the Afffordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee about letting the public vote on a 1/10 of one penny sales tax to support affordable housing and homeless services in Topeka. JUMP has said that we are interested in supporting this proposal and making sure it passes as long as our members can be sure that the funding will be used for the top solutions from the city's own studies (Affordable Housing Trust Fund, One-Stop Resource Center, Safe-Rest Shelter, Transitional Housing, etc.)

However, we have been very confused and concerned over the past couple of weeks as suddenly the city manager has brought forward a proposal that half this tax go to market rate housing incentives instead of homelessness. This adjustment was NOT approved by the review committee.

We also know that the city completed polling that showed that 67% of Topekans would vote to support a sales tax for 1/10 of one penny for affordable housing and homelessness, and we are know that this switch to market rate housing instead of homelessness would make it significantly less likely to pass. We cannot leave our homeless neighbors behind!

Please reach out to councilmembers- contact information is in the comments.

Did you know the City of Topeka has programs for smoke detectors? Follow this link for more information: https://topeka.gov/how_do_i/programs-services/smoke-alarm/index.php?fbclid=IwVERDUAUPxhVwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpxfCFr6goCsvd8NPqSOL3XQ_9HFT6oS55j2Sw6Cv7J27j_61KZ2XXYUFdWV_aem_GRO3pmZXW1928v35v1UDVQ

TFD discovered that only around half of the homes in the Coachlight North Village community have smoke detectors in their homes.

Their plan is to change that statistic.

Here's how ➡️ https://www.wibw.com/2026/09/10/smoke-detectors-save-lives-tfd-helps-mobile-home-community-after-fatal-fire/

How to find affordable housing in Topeka with voucher programs Rising costs make housing difficult. Learn how Topeka residents can access rental assistance and housing aid.

Here's the slides from the small claims courts event we held. Let us know if you need forms or have questions!

Small_Claims_Shawnee_County_KS.pptx Small Claims Court in KansasA Practical Guide for Self-Represented...

You can still sign the petition! Check out the last proposed landlord registry and let us know if you want to get involved or have any questions/Comments!