Topeka Affordable Housing

This bill limits investors from owning more than 350 single-family homes. Supporters and detractors don't fall neatly into party lines. What do you think?

Housing affordability bill clears Senate as investor ban creates headaches The Senate passed the bill 89-10, but House lawmakers say more changes are needed before it could go to President Donald Trump's desk.

A new one-stop center that will serve people experiencing homelessness is set to open next month in North Topeka.
>>>> https://www.wibw.com/2026/03/02/topeka-rescue-mission-be-location-compassion-impact-center/

The City of Topeka is now accepting proposals for funding through the Topeka Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), an initiative designed to expand and preserve safe, stable, and affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents.

Through this solicitation, the City will consider funding requests that support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and development of affordable housing, as well as emergency shelters and housing-related supportive services. Projects should primarily serve low to moderate-income individuals and households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), with a preference for projects serving those at or below 50% and 30% of AMI.

City Manager Dr. Robert Perez emphasized the critical role affordable housing plays in the community’s well-being and long-term success.

“Access to affordable housing is foundational to a thriving Topeka,” said Dr. Robert Perez, City Manager. “When families have safe and stable places to live, our entire community benefits, from stronger neighborhoods to a more resilient local economy. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is a vital tool that will allow us to partner with organizations committed to addressing housing needs in meaningful and sustainable ways.”
Key Dates and Submission Details:
•Open Date: February 5, 2026
•Close Date: March 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (CST) — applications will not be accepted after this time.
•Pre-Proposal Meetings:
February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Both meetings will be held at the Cyrus K. Holliday Building, Sunflower Conference Room, 620 SE Madison, Topeka, KS 66607.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through the City’s Vendor Access Portal. Sealed proposals will be received by the City of Topeka’s Division of Contracts and Procurement in accordance with Topeka Municipal Code, and the City reserves the right to accept or reject any application.

Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the request for proposal (RFP) documents.

Access RFP Documents Here: https://cityoftopekaks.tylerportico.com/va/vendor-access/bids
Solicitation Reference: City of Topeka – Contracts and Procurement TMC A12-25

The comments here show an encouraging awareness of the need for affordable housing. A few things to keep in mind:

* The proposed development here is not getting any funding from the City of Topeka, as far as we know. However, the developer might get tax benefits, and the City might need to pay for infrastructure improvements. None of this has been mentioned yet, so stay tuned!
* Luxury housing is not as needed as affordable housing, but it's still in demand. If all goes well, it will open up cheaper housing elsewhere by starting a chain reaction.
* Dense, multifamily housing like this makes the city more affordable by increasing walkability and decreasing the amount of infrastructure needed per person. It's not everyone's style, but it benefits everyone.
* Topeka absolutely needs to build housing for homeless/unhoused people, as well as transitional housing, and housing for people who make 60% AMI (area median income) or less. Where should it be built? (You get extra points if you choose your own neighborhood; NIMBYism will not fly here.)

🎉 Big News! SENT Receives Grant from the Greater Topeka Partnership 🎉 We’re thrilled to share that SENT Inc. has been awarded a grant from the Greater Topeka Partnership to support our Hi-Crest Net Zero Housing Project, a bold step toward neighborhood transformation and economic mobility!

🏡 This grant will help us complete four Net Zero, all-electric homes on infill lots throughout Hi-Crest. These energy-efficient homes will:
🔸 Lower utility costs by up to 66%
🔸 Revitalize vacant lots and increase property tax revenue
🔸 Provide three affordable rentals (capped at 30% of income)
🔸 Offer one home for purchase to a household at 80% AMI or below
🔸 Create jobs and boost the local economy

Thank you to GoTopeka and the Economic Mobility Grant program for investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for Topeka families!

🛠️ Construction is already underway, and we can't wait to welcome new neighbors home this fall. 💚

Info: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D97MJDr8hUNY1PORM4OJDgT5xudqqYjq

SENT Inc. | Loving Relationships & Strategic Development
Contact us! 📲 (785) 783-2535 | 📧 [email protected]

https://www.realtor.com/news/first-person/real-estate-agent-builds-affordable-homes-on-vacant-lots/

Kansas Realtor Takes On the Housing Crisis by Building Affordable Homes on Vacant Lots Herself When Fran Sutton noticed an absence of affordable houses on the market, she decided to build them herself.

Candidate Questionnaire 2025 Update 10.1.25.pdf

When an encampment arises, it’s outreach teams, case managers, and housing programs that communities rely on to make progress. When someone is in crisis outside a business, law enforcement often looks to homeless service providers for help and solutions. We can't arrest our way out of this problem.

We’re honored to be that point of support, but solutions don’t sustain themselves. They require trained staff, strong programs, and reliable funding. If federal support is withdrawn, the infrastructure that communities depend on will unravel. Outreach will stop. Case management will shrink. Housing options will disappear.

The need will still be there. The need will grow larger.

The only difference will be how much harder and more expensive it becomes for communities to respond.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/oracle-wall-street-predicted-2008-171600020.html

‘Oracle of Wall Street’ who predicted 2008 crash sees trouble in US housing — and the problem is demographics Here is what you can do.